The cleanup process after and flood or cyclone can be overwhelming. Either in the form of a pipe burst or continuous downpour, water damage is typical with most natural disasters. Extraction of water from homes after natural disasters is much more severe than how most people perceive it.

What is water extraction?

Water extraction is the process of removing excess water and moisture from the flooring and every crevice with your property. The purpose of water extraction is to contain further damage while reducing additional concerns, including mildew and mold growth.

Water extraction is not just about removing all the water from your home and setting a fan to dry out all your carpets and the rest of the water. The moisture levels and hidden water pools in crawl areas within your house can still wreak havoc if you allow it to remain. Professionals ideally carry out water extraction as the overall process requires foresight, expertise, industry-level tools, and equipment.

Hidden moisture

A severe pipe leak or flood sends water to every corner in your house, including bookshelves, kitchen cupboards. Overlooking these facts leads to excessive moisture or hidden water puddles. These conditions can trigger structural damage. Most materials in houses don’t bode well to continuous moisture or water exposure.

For example, you might have observed the bottom corner of wooden furniture like bookshelves absorbing water and swelling up, which marks the beginning of rotting wood. With time, the furniture as a whole could be unusable. It is important to note that removing the moisture cannot reverse the damage already inflicted, but it can help you contain further damages.

Pest infestation

Pests are attracted to extreme moist conditions. Just like most organisms, pests need an abundant supply of water to survive and thrive. Damp places provide the perfect setting for them to sustain a population. Most insects, including crickets and sprintails, could be controlled simply by regulating the moisture levels at home.

Insects like cockroaches can turn out to be a major headache as they tend to contaminate the food and kitchen with droppings and egg sacs. Some insects, such as termites, can damage your home and furniture’s structural integrity if you allow them to thrive. Furthermore, pests can also pose serious health risks to you and your family.

Mold growth

By failing to extract water from your home efficiently, you are welcoming a significant headache, i.e., mold. Mold colonies thrive on moisture, warmth, and something to feed on, and humidity is critical among this as once they find a moist place to thrive on, they can easily find food.

Hidden moisture catalyzes mold growth, which, if left uncontrolled, can make your life at home a nightmare. Once mold colonies thrive, they start producing mold spores, which tend to freely and easily traverse through your home. Mold spores can trigger allergic reactions, and prolonged exposure can also lead to serious health concerns such as asthma.

A crucial step to containing mold is to address the excessive moisture, and this is where efficient water extraction can make the difference. Completing water extraction efficently lays down the ideal path to the next steps in the mold removal process.

When it comes to removing excess water from home, it is ideal to stick with an essential checklist; the following is what we recommend:

• Locate and contain the source of excess water
• Identify safety hazards
• Extract water and dry the area
• Disinfect and sanitize the area
• Dehumidify the home

Removing excessive water from home is a process that demands patience and foresight. On most occasions, you might have dealt with unpleasant odors and hidden structural damages like cracks that might take time to show. This makes a detailed inspection of your property crucial, and this is where a water extraction professional like Titan can be your prime choice.