Water Damage: The Need for Speedy Repair

Water damage can be caused by many things: sewer line and toilet backups, sump pump and water heater failures, broken pipes, washing machine and dishwasher leaks, ice maker problems, flooding due to heavy rain, ground water seeping into the basement and natural disasters.

But it doesn’t take a lot of water to cause tremendous damage. Just an inch or two can destroy carpets and dry wall, warp wood floors, damage building components, and trash home furnishings and personal items, including photo albums and family heirlooms.

Even after the water seems to disappear, excess moisture can hide in your floor coverings, foundation, wood structures and walls—causing major damage to your property and creating the perfect environment for mold and other fungi growth.

But if you catch it in time, you can ward off a lot of the damage and save money and headaches down the road. It’s important that water is quickly removed and the property dried, ventilated and disinfected to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew and other microorganisms that are harmful.

The key is having the phone number for a plumbing and water damage cleanup team you trust ahead of time, so you can take care of the problem quickly. Here are a few things to look for before choosing a water cleanup company:

• A well-trained and knowledgeable team. Each technician should have received an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and perform water restoration services in compliance with the IICRC S500 standards for professional water damage restoration.
• State-of-the-art equipment/techniques. Ask the company if it uses efficient dehumidifying units and air movers to eliminate moisture and prevent secondary damage to furniture, walls and flooring, as well as extraction processes with both suction and compression, which bring water to the surface and suctioning it away, so it cannot be re-absorbed into the carpet or pad.
• Vehicles should be fully equipped with state-of-the art extraction, drying and moisture testing equipment for all types of water problems.
• Professionals should work directly with your insurance carrier so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
• They should be available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.

Most importantly, know who to call before something happens. Researching a local plumber who’s licensed and insured ahead of time… and having their phone number on hand… can save you time and a lot of headaches if you should ever experience a water leak. Call the professionals at Roto-Rooter for plumbing and water cleanup service that will quickly get your home back in working order.