Water Damage Restoration Nashville, Tennessee

What is water damage restoration?

At Tier Restoration of Nashville, Tennessee, we deal with emergency water damage in homes and businesses several times a month. 

Water Damage Restoration Nashville is restoring your home after water damage emergencies. 

Various emergencies can occur inside your home that will ultimately cause water damage, such as a clogged toilet, water heater failure, burst pipes, sewer backup, and leaking dishwasher lines. 

Carpet water removal is the key to saving your property. At Tier Restoration, we work closely with your insurance company. Always check for any structural damage.

Water restoration goes beyond water removal, drying, and cleaning up a home or a commercial property after a flood. 

Simple surface drying is not enough to remove harmful bacteria, mold, pathogens, and viruses. 

Porous materials in your home, such as carpet, furniture, or drywall, can hold water long enough, even if it seems dry on the surface. 

Water damage restoration must be done quickly because if it isn’t taken care of right away, it can cause bad smells, health problems, or structural damage. 

You must hire a company that can work directly with your insurance company. 

Even though it’s normal to feel overwhelmed or scared when your house has flood damage or other water problems, it’s vital to act as soon as possible. 

Remember, the longer you wait, the more extensive the damage will be and the longer the cleanup will take. 

The good news is that water damage restoration can restore your home to its pre-damaged state.

How vital is protective gear, also known as PPE? 

Protective gear is extremely important when working in wet areas during the restoration process. 

Wearing protective gear such as gloves, masks, disposable clothing, and boots will help protect you from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can be present in flood water. 

At Tier Water Damage Restoration, we follow all safety procedures set forth by OSHA.

It will also prevent further contamination of the area. Additionally, wearing proper eye protection when working with hazardous materials like mold is important.

What are the different stages of water damage restoration?

Water damage restoration typically consists of four stages: 

Emergency services, water removal, drying or dehumidifying, and repairs.

Emergency services are the first step in preparing your home for the rest of the work. 

This includes removing furniture, personal items, and hazardous materials from affected areas.

The next step is to remove any standing water in the house, which means taking it out.

This can be done with powerful pumps and manual extraction for smaller areas.

Once the standing water has been removed, the area must be dried or dehumidified to prevent mold and bacteria growth. 

This is typically done with specialized equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers.

The final step of the water damage restoration process is repairing any damage to the home that was caused by the flood. This can include replacing drywall, flooring, cabinetry, and other damaged items.

Water damage restoration is a complicated process that needs to be done quickly and correctly to make sure your home is safe and can be lived in. 

Working with an experienced professional who can guide you through the process and help ensure the best possible results is essential.

These are the basics of water damage restoration. 

Still, it’s always best to contact a qualified restoration expert for more information. 

They’ll be able to provide you with specific advice and knowledge to help get your home back to its pre-damaged state.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your water-damaged home is restored quickly and correctly, so you can return to a safe and comfortable living environment.

What is the difference between water damage restoration and water mitigation in Nashville, TN?

Water damage restoration and water damage mitigation refer to 2 separate services provided after a water incident occurs. Water damage mitigation focuses more on prevention. 

On the other hand, water damage restoration services deal with the actual damage.

Water damage mitigation services prevent further damage from happening to building materials in the first place. 

Water damage mitigation companies will also remove your belongings from the water source to prevent future damage.

Water damage restoration is done after the damage has already occurred and is typically an emergency service. 

Always consult with your insurance company or have your contractor consult with your insurance company to discuss the job. 

During the restoration, water damage restoration specialists will repair or replace the damaged building materials and return your home to its former state or pre-loss condition.

What are the categories of water damage?

Not all water damage is equal in terms of the degree of destruction. 

Here are the three different categories of water damage that you should know: 

• Category 1

This is the least severe type of water damage. It’s referred to as “clean” since it does not contain toxins and sewage. 

This type of water damage is not harmful to a person’s health.

Category 1 damage includes water from broken pipes and supply lines and sinks and bathtubs that have overflowed. 

It also includes water damage caused by leaks from dishwashers, washers, and other home appliances. Generally, the items affected by category 1 can be quickly dried without causing any long-term effects on your health or properties.

Always remove any standing water immediately and set up air movers to start the drying process.

• Category 2

Category 2, or “gray,” water damage is more severe than Category 1. 

It includes dirty water that comes from toilets, washing machines, and sump pump backups. 

This type of water damage also poses some health risks to humans but they are not nearly as harmful as the ones in category 3.

 Contaminated category 2 liquid normally contains significant levels of bacteria, chemicals, and possibly mold growth. 

Also, the water damage technician who tends to your house will need to wear some personal protective equipment. 

Always consult with your insurance company during the water damage restoration process.

• Category 3

This is the most severe type of water damage, and it’s referred to as “black” contamination. 

Category 3 water damage may present significant consequences to a person’s health. 

It is hugely unsanitary and contains disease-causing organisms and toxins. 

The liquid in category 3 usually comes from a sewer backflow or a broken toilet bowl. 

Category 3 also includes rising floodwaters with lawn fertilizers, animal feces, tetanus, and other deadly diseases.

Category 3 also costs more to mitigate so contact your insurance company to get the green light that they will pay the extra charges associated with black water cleanup.

What Are the Different Classes of Water Damage?

Water damage classification shows the amount of water allowed to seep into the affected area, the water’s contents, and how hard the water is to remove. 

So the higher the classification, the more water, the dirtier the water is, and the harder it will be to remove.

• Class 1

Class 1 water damage applies to rooms with a light degree of water penetration, such as slight leaks, dripping pipes, and areas with little absorbent materials. It is the least severe form of flooding classification.

• Class 2 

When it comes to water damage, the second class encompasses leaks of medium-sized proportions, as well as rooms with moderate amounts of absorbent materials such as carpeting and wooden floors. 

Broken pipes or cases where the water has managed to travel up walls 2 feet high or less – fully saturating carpets while seeping into surrounding construction – would also be included in this category.

• Class 3

Class 3 water damage is the result of when an excessive amount of water has wicked up higher than two feet or completely saturated construction and support materials like flooring, subflooring, ceilings, and gypsum. 

This type of destruction typically comes from damaged pipes causing significant leaks in upper floors or minor floods. 

It’s critical to address this kind of extreme moisture before it leads to more costly repairs down the road.

• Class 4

Destructive and hard to remove, Class 4 water damage is the most intense type of water damage. 

This class is particularly difficult because it includes moisture that’s bound within essential elements of a room’s construction. 

Your insurance company will need to be informed that you are dealing with a class 4 flood. 

To clear this severe form of water damage, special tools are needed. Following are some examples:

1. water getting behind built-in fixtures
2. A hardwood floor absorbing water to its core
3. water getting trapped inside sections of the wall

What Are The Major Causes Of Water Damage?  

Water damage may result from various causes, and some are more common than others. 

It’s wise to check for early signs of water damage and to always try to find and eliminate the cause. 

You might think that the damage is minor, yet it can spread, or the source may build up and transform into a more significant leak.  

• Broken Appliances 

Another common cause of water damage is faulty appliances. 

Be it your washing machine, dishwasher, or even your water heater, these items can burst and flood rooms if not maintained. 

Always check your appliances and have them inspected if they malfunction or act strangely.

• Broken Gutters 

People often overlook clogged or broken gutters as far as water damage is concerned. 

The gutters redirect and funnel rainwater away from your home’s walls and foundations. 

Your gutter system also helps keep your siding, walls, and lawn free of water damage. 

When your gutters become clogged, they stop to function, leading to water damage inside and outside your home. 

Always make sure to clean them at least twice yearly and replace or repair broken sections right away.

• Leaky Roof 

A roof is designed to protect the more susceptible areas of a house. 

The roof shingles are coated in waterproof asphalt coating to keep moisture out. 

But sometimes these systems fail and water can seep into your roof structures, down into the insulation, and then into your ceiling. 

Prevent roof leaks before they can cause major damage by checking for signs of a damaged roof such as:

1. Moss growing between the shingles 
2. Missing shingles 
3. Clogged valleys 
4. Curled shingles 

• Severe Weather

Hurricanes, thunderstorms, hail, and even high winds may cause damage to the roof, siding, shingles, and other sections designed to keep water out of your home. 

Severe rainfall may also cause immediate water damage if your drainage systems can’t redirect water fast enough. 

All of these factors can make your home susceptible to water damage. 

It’s highly recommended that you ensure that your water drainage systems (like storm drains, gutters, etc.) are functioning correctly and that your siding, roof, and other structures are well maintained.

• Damaged Sprinklers

A broken pipe or damaged sprinkler head may result in severe water damage to your property, not to mention an overly moist yard which may attract pests. 

Make sure not to set your mower deck too low when mowing, and regularly inspect your sprinkler system, especially during spring.

• Burst Utility Pipes 

Pipes that carry water into your home are designed to be durable. 

However, these systems are pressurized to direct water to the appliances and features that need it. 

The pressure can cause these utility pipes to deteriorate over time and in the case of water damage, cause severe ruptures that may spread water quickly. 

Do keep an eye out for these signs of a leaking water main to prevent a water damage emergency:

1. Low water pressure
2. Bubbling sound coming from water pipes
3. Discolored water
4. Puddles of water in and around your house
5. Hissing sound coming from water pipes
6. Foul smelling water

• Floods

Did you know that floods bring the nastiest kind of water to your home, potentially in massive quantities? 

Even a minor flood can destroy entire portions of a house, and they are usually not covered under most homeowners insurance policies. 

So, if you reside in a flood-prone area, then you must secure a separate insurance policy against flood and mold damage. 

Do keep an eye on weather reports and prepare accordingly as well.

• Leaky Pipes 

Leaking pipes are one of the most common culprits in minor water damage issues. 

Although leaky pipes cause little harm, they can become a more severe problem if you don’t fix them. 

Leaky pipes are caused by poor seals, water pressure issues, climate-induced conditions like freezing, or the pipe’s materials deteriorating.

• Clogged Drains

The clogged drains in your bathroom and kitchen are among the most common causes of indoor water damage. 

Grease, dirt, hair, and debris buildup can cause clogged drains. 

Over time, these impurities clog the drain enough and prevent water from passing through, overflowing, and causing damage. 

You can prevent this by ensuring that your drains are properly funneling water. 

If you think that a drain is clogged, get it cleaned immediately by calling a plumbing company.

• Water Heater Leak

1. Leaking Tank: Over time, water heater tanks can corrode due to constant water exposure, leading to leaks. These leaks can cause extensive water damage if not noticed and addressed promptly.

2. Faulty Pressure Relief Valve: If the pressure relief valve fails to regulate the pressure within the tank, it could lead to an overflow or even a rupture, causing significant water damage.

3. Broken Pipes: The pipes connecting the water heater to your home’s plumbing can also corrode or crack over time, leading to water leaks that can damage your home.

4. Inadequate Drain Pan: If your water heater’s drain pan is cracked, rusted, or non-existent, any leaks from your tank will go directly onto the floor and potentially cause water damage.

5. Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat could cause the water heater to overheat the water, resulting in excessive pressure buildup. This could cause the tank to burst and flood your home.

6. Rapid Temperature Fluctuations: These can cause the tank to expand and contract frequently, weakening the metal and leading to cracks and leaks.

7. Old Age: Water heaters typically last 8-12 years. An old water heater can suddenly fail, with leaks or bursts causing water damage.

8. Sediment Buildup: Over time, minerals in the water can settle at the bottom of the tank, causing rust, reducing efficiency, and possibly leading to leaks.

9. Improper Installation: If a water heater isn’t installed correctly, it could lead to numerous problems, such as leaks at connection points.

10. Neglected Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspection can identify potential issues early. Neglecting these could result in unexpected leaks or bursts that cause water damage.

The Ripple Effect: How a Broken Water Heater Can Cause Home Water Damage

What To Do if You Discover a Leak In Your Nashville Home

Finding an active leak or flooding situation in your house can be shocking. 

So, you must remain calm and follow these simple tips to immediately stop the leak and mitigate the amount of water damage it can do. 

First, you should call a water damage restoration professional to get the restoration process started. 

You can also run your central air conditioning to help start the water-damage drying process.

• Disconnect the power to the affected area 

You must immediately shut off the power to a room if the leak has flooded to the point of covering the electrical sockets, originates from an electrical device, or has covered one. 

Go to your fuse box or circuit breaker and carefully turn off the switches that control the electricity flow to the flooded area. 

If you are uncertain which circuit to switch, then turn off all power using the main switch – this will disconnect the power to your entire house and is located at the top of the box.

• Take Photos

Don’t forget to take pictures of your damaged furniture, appliances, and structures throughout the cleaning process. 

These pictures will come in handy when you file your insurance claim.

• Assess the immediate dangers and safety hazards

Leaks are potentially dangerous, depending on the rooms they occupy. 

For instance, leaks may cause shorts in wiring and result in severe electrical shocks. 

A leak can also weaken the surrounding structural support and increase the room’s possibility of collapse. 

When you discover a leak, before trying to intervene, you have to assess the situation first and look for any potential safety hazards. 

A water damage restoration professional will be able to help you here.

• Identify the leak’s source 

Although some leaks can be obvious, such as a broken appliance, visible wet areas, or a damaged pipe, some can be very difficult to identify.

 Many leaks can come from pipes that you never see and they run through the ceilings and walls. 

Try to follow the trail of water to the source as safely as possible. If the source comes from inside the ceiling or the wall, quickly shut off the main water control.

• Disconnect Water to the Leak 

If the leak is visible, you may quickly find a flow control valve. 

These individual valves allow specific pipes and appliances to access your home’s main water sources. 

Usually, they resemble small red wheels or small silver, ovular wheels.

• Remove Standing Water 

Once the water flow has stopped and the area is safe, you may start removing the standing water from the home’s wet areas.

You can use a wet vacuum for small to medium-sized leaks because it’s affordable, easy to use, and drains the water quickly.

However, you will need to use a pool pump or hire a professional for more significant leaks and full-on floods.

• Check for Mold 

Toxic mold is one of the leading health hazards associated with water damage. 

As you clean your house, inspect for mold growth, and if spotted, immediately stop the ventilation in the room before it spreads. 

Mold can be a severe issue since certain species are toxic to a person’s health. 

It’s essential to contact a water damage professional if you notice significant mold growth.

• Dry and ventilate the area 

You must ventilate the affected area if you don’t see any mold growth. 

Any new mold growth will start to produce mold spores in your breathing air. 

You can use huge box fans for small floods and leaks. As for more significant water damage, you would need to use a dehumidifier.

• Remove the porous objects and catalog them 

As the affected area dries, you can remove all the porous items that have been soaked with water. 

Blankets, shirts, and stuffed animals can still be salvaged if washed immediately. 

Unfortunately, the things that won’t fit into your washing machine must be discarded.

• Clean the affected area to prevent mold growth 

Once the section is dry, and the soaked furniture has been removed, you can clean every area that has been affected by the water. 

You must do this to get rid of any bacteria and kill the lingering mold spores spread by the water. 

Various antifungal soaps can be used for this situation, but a bleach solution works just as well.

• Contact your insurance company 

Water damage can be stressful to deal with, but you don’t have to go through it alone. 

While most homeowner’s insurance policies don’t cover natural disasters and floods, occurrences like broken water mains and burst pipes are usually covered. 

Call your homeowners’ insurance company to help cover the repairs should you encounter severe water damage.

• Call a water damage restoration company 

If water has penetrated your floors, walls, or ceilings, you must call a water damage restoration company in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Water damage restoration professionals can help restore your home to its original condition after a major leak or flood. 

They can not only find and repair the leak, but they can also dry out the affected areas in your house. 

These trained technicians are highly capable of handling emergency water damage, clean up, and restoration so you can enjoy your home as soon as possible.

When to Call a Nashville, TN, Water Damage Restoration Company

When people see a minimally flooded floor or a leaking faucet, they don’t take it seriously because they think that it’s just minimal damage. 

Many homeowners do not know that there could be underlying problems that are more severe than what they see on the surface.

For example, when your carpet or wooden ceiling gets wet, it can be a breeding ground for toxic mold. 

However, you also have a 24 to 48-hour window to stop it. 

Do note that the only option to prevent mold from attacking wet materials, home structures, and furniture is by drying them. 

Sadly, some people do not have the right equipment or tools to dry the thick and numerous materials quickly.

So, it’s vital to know when to call water damage restoration professionals. 

Make sure to call the experts when you see these telltale signs of water damage:

1. Discoloration or stains
2. Unusually high water bill
3. Mold
4. Puddles of water
5. Sounds of running water
6. Musty or mildew smell
7. Peeling, bubbling, and cracking paint

How Long Does It Take to Dry Out Water Damage in Nashville?

The time that the water damage repairs take to complete will depend on how severe the damage is, and the time it takes for the affected material to dry up. 

Typically, if only 1-2 rooms are being treated, it will take less than 72 hours of drying out plus another 1-2 weeks to repair the water damage.

You might just be dealing with a burst pipe, or worse yet, your basement was flooded. 

Regardless of how bad the initial damage is, you must not wait to start the water cleanup process. 

Water spreads fast and will get absorbed into your furniture, walls, floors, and other areas in your house.

Using a sump pump to remove the water

An effective way to remove water from your house is by installing a sump pump. 

A sump pump can drain the water from your crawl space or basement. 

It is connected to a drainage pipe that leads outside of your home. 

When the water level rises above the sump pit’s bottom, the sump pump activates and pumps out water from your house.

What Happens During Water Damage Extraction, Evaporation, and Dehumidification?

Removing stagnant water is a critical stage in a water restoration project. 

This procedure requires the use of high-powered vacuums, dehumidifiers, and evaporation techniques. 

The water damage restoration company will also make sure that while the affected section is drying out, the water is contained in the impacted area to prevent causing damage to the rest of your home.

What to expect during the Water Damage Drying process in Nashville, TN

After all the stagnant water has been removed, the area will be dried out using various equipment and methods designed to circulate the air through your house. 

Among the equipment used are heaters, air filters, dehumidifiers, and high-velocity air movers. 

The drying process can be pretty noisy and can make the area uncomfortable. 

In case the power is lost at any point, you must call the water damage restoration company and notify them right away. 

Also, the restoration professionals will periodically check how the drying process is progressing and adjust the equipment if needed.

The process of water remediation and restoration could take three to five days to complete. Although, it depends on the depth and severity of the water damage. 

Do note that some drying times can last longer.

Drying a Water-Damaged Carpet 

Water damage can happen to your home anytime. 

Burst pipes, roof leaks, slow drips, and the like can introduce massive amounts of water into your carpet. A soaked carpet can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew if left untreated. 

Mold and mildew destroy the appearance of your carpet, and the mold spores released by the mold pose significant health risks to the people living in the area with the damaged carpet.

Many people try to dry out their carpets after a leak or flood. 

The problem is if they do it improperly, they can further damage the carpet and end up replacing it with a new one.

What to Do Before Drying a Water-Damaged Carpet

You must fix the leak first before you even attempt to dry the carpet that is damaged.

This must be done to ensure that any moisture left behind will not cause issues with mold growth and other problems. 

Once the leak has been taken care of, you can then check your carpet to see how much has been affected by water.

Look for wet spots or any signs of dampness and remove any items that are on sections of wet carpet so that all the areas can be easily reached.

3 Practical Tips on Drying a Water-Damaged Carpet

Once everything has been removed from the area impacted by leaking or flooding, start the drying process right away.

 The faster the carpet dries the less the chances of mildew and mold infesting and rapidly spreading in the carpet.

Tip #1: Remove all excess water that has collected on your carpet

If your carpet is soaked and there is water on the surface, you may use

a wet/ dry vacuum to absorb as much water as possible. 

You may also use attachments that can produce a strong suction and work as close to the carpet’s surface so you can draw out as much moisture as possible.

If you do not have a vacuum and the affected area is small, then you can use towels to absorb the water. 

Lay out the towels, spreading them out further than just the wet spot, and press them down. 

You can use heavy items to apply pressure and draw moisture out of your carpet and into the towels.

Tip #2: Dry your carpet as soon as possible

Dehumidifiers and fans are excellent tools to help speed the drying process up. 

The lower the humidity in the room, the faster the water will evaporate from your carpet. 

Fans will also help make the evaporation process faster. 

Ensure that the fans are effectively circulating air around the room at high speeds.

You can also use a hairdryer for the tiny portions of wet carpet. 

Carefully check for dryness once it is cool, as a hot carpet may appear dry even if it is still wet.

Tip #3: Clean and sanitize your carpet

It is highly recommended that you hire professionals to clean your carpet thoroughly. 

They will be able to apply antimicrobial substances to your carpet to prevent mold growth. 

Additionally, these professionals will be able to check that the carpet underlay has not been impacted and check for any molds before they start cleaning.

How Long Does It Take For The Carpet To Dry?

The time it takes for a carpet to dry will depend on how wet the carpet was before cleaning and how much moisture was removed after the extraction. 

Also, the better the water extraction, the faster your carpet can dry. 

External factors such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed also play a huge role in the drying times of carpets. It is crucial to address water damage immediately. 

Mold may grow in 48-72 hours after water damage occurs. 

If you do not act on the issue within this time frame, then the mold will continue to grow and cause more problems.

If the water in your carpet is unsanitary such as sewage water, then do not try to clean the carpet on your own, as this can be extremely hazardous. 

All of the affected items may need to be replaced to prevent deadly bacteria from harming those in the area.

7 Useful Steps to Dry Your Nashville, TN, Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors 

It’s essential to thoroughly dry hardwood floors that were impacted by a water emergency. 

Your waxed and sealed floors can still absorb water into the grain of the wood if the flooding is excessive enough. 

If the cupping process is underway, which is when the sides of your floorboards swell and rise higher than the center, then you’ll have to rip out your water-damaged floor and replace it.

The best thing that you can do to ensure that your hardwood floors have thoroughly dried is to enlist the help of a water damage restoration company.

You might think that you’ve done a pretty good job of it, but it could end up costing you a lot more in the end. 

Also, every minute it takes you to figure out the right process and secure the necessary tools to do this job on your own increases the risk of water further damaging your floors.

However, if you still want to do it DIY style, then here are steps you should follow to dry your water-damaged floors.

1. Clear the premises

Before you can start the actual drying process, you must clear out all the rugs and furniture from your wooden floor. 

If these items are also water-damaged, place them somewhere to dry. 

However, if the flooding is caused by continuing rain, then place the items in a dry area with durable flooring, such as your garage.

1. Do vacuum the excess water

Remove as much visible water as possible from the floor with a wet/ dry vacuum, a specialized version that you can buy from a home repair store. 

A regular household vacuum or a steam cleaning vacuum would be unable to do the job correctly. 

This vacuum can suction the standing water off your wooden floors. 

Do not stop once your floor appears to be dry. 

Continue vacuuming the floor’s surface to remove all the water from invisible pores in the wood that may cause water damage later.

1. Scrub the floor’s surface

Once all the excess water has been removed, you will need to scrub the floor’s surface using a non-sudsy disinfectant. 

This is done to ensure that there is no leftover dirt or debris that could store the water in those invisible pores. 

After the wooden floor has been cleaned, use your wet/dry vacuum again to remove any remaining moisture.

1. Crank up your dehumidifier

You can blame the pores again. Moisture can still linger deep within the wood, so you have to crank up your dehumidifier to full power in the center of the floor and leave it running for at least a full day to deal with these wet materials. 

You may rent a professional-grade dehumidifier from a home repair store in case you don’t own one. 

Your regular, personal-use dehumidifier is not enough to remove the moisture that’s seeped into your wooden floor.

1. Set your fans on full blast

While you’re dehumidifying the affected room, set up several huge fans and crank them on full blast, the airflow enables the dehumidifier to work more efficiently. 

Point your fans toward the wooden floor, and you can also run your air conditioning unit if you have one. 

Remember to open your windows about two inches to hasten the process.

1. Inspect for mold and mildew

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, mold is capable of growing on materials with a moisture level of 16 % or higher in as little as 48-72 hours. 

Regular wood floor moisture varies from 6-12 %, which means there’s a good chance that mold can grow on your water-damaged floor.

Mildew may not be as hazardous to health as mold, yet it may still destroy wood from the inside out. 

Should you notice any suspicious spots, scrub your entire floor right away. Use a mixture of baking soda and water for the best results.

1. Meter-test for moisture

Unfortunately, even after all the scrubbing, vacuuming, fan-blasting, and dehumidifying, there could still be specks of moisture hidden within the wooden floor. 

You must use a moisture testing meter to ensure every trace is gone. 

If it tests positive, you will have to leave your dehumidifier running until the moisture testing meter gives you the all-clear.

Is There Hope For My Nashville, TN, Water-Damaged Wooden Floors?

If your house has hardwood floors, then you already know that they require exceptional care to maintain them. 

When a flood occurs on your property, most people tend to believe that you must tear out your wooden floors and replace them. 

Yet, if you call a water damage restoration company immediately, your floors might still be saved. 

Water damage restoration professionals will use Injectidry System equipment. 

Insurance companies and homeowners alike like this equipment since it saves them money when their insured has a flood, and homeowners like it because they get to keep their floors.

How does the Injectidry System work?

The technicians will place the Injectidry mats on top of your hardwood floor’s surface. 

They will also make sure that there is an airtight seal around the edges to facilitate proper drying. 

Small yellow hoses are then attached between the panel and the extensive suction line. 

This suction line is connected to the Injectidry System to create suction underneath the panels. 

The suction creates air travel between the sub-floor and the hardwood floor through the grooves between the boards. Additionally, it will bring out any moisture present on the wooden floor. 

Humidifiers will also be placed in the affected room to remove any extra moisture missed.

Understanding the Three Categories of Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common and potentially destructive problems you can face as a homeowner.

If not taken care of promptly, excess water in your home can promote electrical hazards, cause expensive damage to your home’s structure and furnishings, and can even lead to the growth of hazardous mold.

It’s crucial to understand the different categories of water damage as they influence how the situation should be handled.

The classification of water damage is based on the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)’s standards. According to the IICRC, there are three categories of water damage: Category 1, Category 2, and Category 3. Each category is based on the level of contamination in the water source.

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water damage involves “clean” water that doesn’t pose substantial harm to humans.

This type of water damage typically originates from a clean source, like a broken water supply line, tub, or sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines, falling rainwater, or melting ice or snow.

It is the least dangerous form of water damage.

Despite being considered ‘clean’, it’s important to remember that Category 1 water damage can quickly escalate to Category 2 if it’s left untreated.

Once it comes into contact with surfaces that may contain pollutants, such as carpets, building assemblies, subflooring, soil, and other storage items, it can become contaminated.

Category 2: Grey Water

Category 2 water damage, also known as “grey” water, includes water with a significant amount of chemical, biological, or physical contamination.

Exposure to this type of water can potentially cause discomfort or sickness.

Grey water can come from toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Just like Category 1 water damage, Category 2 can rapidly escalate to Category 3 if left untreated.

This type of water damage requires more extensive cleaning and removal of affected materials to prevent any potential health risks.

Category 3: Black Water

The third and most dangerous category is Category 3, or “black” water.

This water is grossly contaminated and contains harmful pathogens, toxins, and other harmful materials.

Black water originates from sewer backups, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has supported bacterial growth.

Due to the toxic nature of Category 3 water, the cleanup process must be handled carefully.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary to ensure the safety of workers handling the damage, and any porous materials that came into contact with the black water are often removed and discarded.

Conclusion

Understanding the different categories of water damage is essential to assess the potential health hazards and structural damage that can occur as a result.

While Category 1 water damage may be safe for homeowners to clean up on their own, Categories 2 and 3 are significantly more hazardous and often require professional remediation.

It’s important to act promptly when facing any water damage, as the category can change quickly as water becomes more contaminated over time.

Regular inspection and maintenance can also prevent unforeseen water damage, saving homeowners from costly repairs and potential health risks.

What Is Sewage Water?

Sewage water is also called wastewater. 

It is water that has been used as opposed to fresh, clean water. 

Businesses and homes alike produce massive amounts of sewage that, includes soap, chemicals, oil, food waste, and human waste. 

Sewage usually comes from the water released from toilets, sinks, bathtubs, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines. 

In fact, sewage actually consists of 99.8 percent water.

How Harmful Is Sewage Water?

When your home’s sewage backs up, it can greatly affect both your property and health. 

The germs, viruses, and bacteria in sewage water are hazardous to the health of humans and animals in close proximity to the backup. 

People exposed to sewage may experience skin rashes and gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting). 

Not to mention, your home’s private drinking well can become contaminated by a sewage backup. 

Severe sewage backups also pollute waterways such as lakes, streams, ponds, and reservoirs intended for drinking water.

What Is A Sewage Backup? 

The water that runs through your home’s daily cycle, such as while the washing machine operates or during a shower, travels through the sewer pipes and ends up in the sewer. 

Typically, wastewater is collected in a sewer treatment facility until treated. 

Unfortunately, there are times when the sewage water backs up and impacts our homes and businesses. 

This is what’s known as a sewage backup. 

It occurs when the wastewater moves in the wrong direction through your sewer system–when the filthy water comes up through your sinks, toilets, and drains instead of flowing down them.

What Is The Greatest Danger In A Sewage Backup?

The greatest danger is not contracting a disease but the risk of explosion or execution. 

Only attempt to enter a flooded basement or light matches once the gas and electric service has been completely shut off. 

If sewage has filled your basement, then make sure to clean it properly to prevent the spread of harmful germs and bacteria.  

When the cleanup is too much for you to handle, contact a water damage restoration company in Nashville, Tennessee. 

They can tackle the destructive path of a sewage backup with advanced drying, cleaning, and dehumidifying procedures. 

The water damage restoration professionals will also remove all signs of mold and mildew from the affected areas.

How does exterior storm water affect my home?

Excessive stormwater runoff can erode soil, pollute waterways and damage a home’s foundation. 

When it rains heavily, the water that is collected from rooftops and pavement is diverted to sewers or drainage ditches.

 If these systems become overloaded or insufficient, then the excess water will be redirected toward the house and its foundation. 

This can result in water damage and flooding of the basement, crawl spaces, and other lower-level areas of a home or business.

Exterior drainage systems should be installed to protect your home from excessive exterior storm water runoff. 

These systems help divert and collect excess water away from the house’s foundation. 

Additionally, make sure to clear gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent a backup of the drainage system. 

Finally, if any water damage is noticed, contact a water damage restoration company in Nashville, Tennessee, to perform thorough water damage extraction, cleaning, and dehumidifying services on your home. 

This will help remove any signs of mold or mildew and keep your property in good condition for years to come.

Is A Natural Disaster From A Hurricane Covered By Insurance If It Floods My House?

Most insurance policies only cover flooding resulting from a hurricane, tropical storm, or other natural disasters if you have purchased an additional flood insurance policy.

To protect your home and valuables against water damage caused by these disasters, speak to your insurance agent about purchasing a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). 

This program helps protect your home and personal property from floods caused by storms, heavy rains, melting snow, and other natural events.

In the event of a flood, you can use these funds to repair and replace any damaged items or flooded areas within your home.

Notably, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flooding from external sources such as hurricanes or other weather-related events.

By purchasing a flood insurance policy, you can be sure that your home and valuables are protected from possible water damage caused by natural disaster flooding. 

In the event of a flood, contact a professional water damage restoration company in Nashville, Tennessee, to perform drying and cleaning services on your flooded areas. 

This will help remove any signs of mold or mildew and protect your home from further damage. 

By taking the proper precautions and investing in a flood insurance policy, you can be sure that your home is protected before, during, and after a natural disaster. 

It’s always best to be prepared to start the recovery process!

Call your insurance company or have your contractor call to report the claim related to the affected areas.

Always wear protective gear when dealing with water damage.

Bacteria-filled water is dangerous.

Lift wood furniture off the floor and insert tin foil under the legs.

Call a professional if you have been away from home for more than a week and come home to a flooded house.

Check metal surfaces for rust.

Check all wet carpet areas for damage to the carpet backing.

Start the water removal process as quickly as possible. 

Water removal is the key. Water extraction can be done by using a wet-dry vac.

Any water that saturates flooring or drywall should be considered too much-standing water. 

Start the water removal process immediately to prevent further water damage to your property.

Call a professional restoration contractor if the disaster is too much to handle.

Remove any personal belongings that are sitting in wet areas from water damage. 

Your personal belongings can be salvaged if removed quickly.

If the water sits for more than a week, you could have mold growth on your building materials, producing mold spores that you may be breathing.

The longer you have wet flooring from water damage, the more significant damage you will have

The longer you have wet flooring from water damage, the more significant damage you will have. 

Call a professional soon as possible to check for structural integrity. 

Look for any leaking pipes in your home before you have a major home disaster from water damage. 

Always wear protective clothing before starting the water removal process. 

Protective clothing includes gloves, boots, and a Tyvek suit.

Flood restoration professionals deal with water damage daily. 

Flood restoration professionals know what to do with your personal belongings to prevent further damage. 

Flood restoration professionals are also trained to speak with your insurance company to get you every penny you deserve. 

If you have a disaster situation from water damage to your home or business, call Tier Restoration of Nashville, TN, for professional help. 

Tier Restoration has been helping families, and business owners deal with water damage issues for more than 40 years in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas.