Sometimes, the less-experienced restorer will compound problems during water damage by not understanding the proper steps and precautions that must be taken and how critical the passing of time is. The EPA says; "Stop the water leak quickly and begin restoration during the first 24 hours. It is important start drying water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth".

While mold requires high humidity and/or wet surfaces in order to grow, it also requires a food source. Indoors, many molds grow on leather, paper and many building materials. Molds can also grow and thrive on bio-film such as cooking grease.

The most effective way to prevent mold growth on water damage is to begin the drying process quickly. Restoration companies which are aware of possible mold growth problems usually know how to dry structural materials by lowering the indoor humidity, judiciously move air and in some cases heat the affected area. This is usually an effective way to dry a building because material removal is minimized and mold growth is retarded.

Knowing how to determine exactly what is wet during a water loss is a critical part of the job. If areas of moisture are overlooked, molds and bacteria can grow. To protect your property and health, all of the excess moisture must be found and removed. Bales technicians use moisture sensors, as well as infrared technology, that is capable of "reading" wallboard, masonry and wood to find hidden moisture that is often difficult to detect.

Sometimes water flows unseen down the inside of wall cavities. Other times standing water will wick up a wall. Unless water stains appear, this moisture could go undetected until molds and odor problems occur. This is one of the reasons a professional is equipped with the proper instruments to detect and locate wet areas before the drying process begins. Today's restoration is more than drying wet carpets.

There are different types of water damage. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) has developed the industry standard for water damage mitigation. The IICRC S-500. This document classifies water damage into three categories; Category 1, category 2 and category 3.

Category 1 or clean water is that in which the source of the water is from a clean water source such as a plumbing supply line or that wet structure which has not "become" contaminated.

Category 2 or gray water damage is that in which the source of the water may contain chemicals or other contaminates that could cause discomfort or sickness to the occupants. Some examples of this would be an appliance discharge, a broken waterbed or fish tank or overflows from toilet bowls. Category 1 water can become category 2 water damage if left too long before appropriate drying efforts are employed. 

Category 3 or black water contains pathogenic agents and is grossly unsanitary. Examples include toilet backflow that originate from beyond the toilet trap, flooding from seawater, ground surface water or rising water from rivers and streams. Category 2 water that is not removed promptly, is appropriately re-classified as category 3 water damage.

When a sewage backup affects a structure, a unique set of restoration techniques must be employed to safely handle the situation. Federal, state and local government agencies agree that the best protocol of restoration is to follow the published standards and guidelines developed by the IICRC.

During sewage backups or other "black water damages", large amounts of bacteria can enter the interior environment and pose potentially serious health risks to the occupants. In fact, the bacteria introduced to the structure could stay active for up to one month or longer if left untreated. Advanced restoration methods should be employed to rid the structure of all traces of sewage and make the structure clean and safe for occupancy.

In a black water damage, care must be taken to not disturb the bacteria in the water and make it airborne. When bacteria are contained in the water and not sent airborne, it is not easily breathable by restoration workers or occupants. This means that doors and windows should usually remain closed during clean up. The typical fans and blowers used to dry a structure that has experienced a "clean water damage" (non-sewage) should not be used in the early stages of a sewage clean-up project.

Negative air machines, equipped with HEPA (high efficient particulate air "filters") should be utilized to remove bacteria and other contaminants from the air during restoration work. Standing water and bulk sewage must be extracted with self-contained vacuum equipment with proper waste holding tanks which must be disposed of properly.  Hard surfaces that are impacted must be cleaned and sanitized.  Soft structural materials such as carpeting, carpet pads, plaster wallboard should be removed and properly disposed of.  Any material that absorbs substantial amounts of moisture and cannot be adequately cleaned, should be removed. Once contaminated materials have been removed, a second application of sanitizers should be applied to all work surfaces.

As you can see, time is of the essence when dealing with a water damage event. Steps that you can take to minimize the damages and protect your  property are:

• Eliminate the source of water if possible, or contact appropriate parties to eliminate the water source or to make necessary repairs. Keep any parts that are replaced for your insurance company to inspect.
  
• If there is no risk of electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas; unplug and remove any small electrical devices currently located on wet floor coverings or other wet surfaces.
  
• Remove and secure small furniture items to minimize rust or other stains and expedite restoration.
  
• Place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture, especially antiques that might permanently stain carpet.
  
• Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with wet floor coverings, and to minimize damage such as water marks, browning, dye transfer or migration.
  
• Remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items that might stain the carpet
  
• Remove and secure breakables, moisture sensitive or high-value items.
  
• Make plans for restoration crews to remove large furniture items from affected areas.
  
• Be aware that time is a crucial factor, and delays in loss mitigation and restoration might result in adverse health and safety effects, and additional damage to the structure and contents.

In Category 2 and Category 3 Water Damage you should also:

• Turn off the HVAC or air handling system if safely accessible.
  
• Protect yourself against contact with sewage or sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Wear gloves, boots, goggles, protective clothing and a respirator if you absolutely have to perform any cleaning or handling of sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Wash your hands after handling any sewage-contaminated items.
  
• Contact your doctor if you have any adverse health effects.

Things that you should not do include:

• Use your home vacuum (wet/dry vacuum) since electrical shock might result, as well as damage the equipment itself.
  
• Place newspaper on wet surfaces since some newspaper ink transfers easily.
  
• Walk on wet surfaces any more than necessary in order to minimize safety hazards and to keep from spreading damage and possible contaminants.
  
• Activate the HVAC system if it has been directly contacted by water, or if it might serve as a means of spreading contamination.
  
• Adjust indoor air temperatures unless instructed by a qualified restoration technician.
  
• Enter an area that has standing water because of the potential for electrical shock hazards.
  

In category 2 or 3 water damage do not:

• Consume any food that has been left out in a contaminated environment.
  
• Use personal hygiene items that have been left out in a contaminated environment.
  
• Turn on fans to dry things out.

Do not stay in the building if you:

• Have respiratory problems, including allergies and asthma.
  
• You are under the age of 2 or over the age of 60.
  
• Have a weakened immune system because of illness, medication or any other reason.

When selecting a water damage mitigation company for your project consider the following:

• Is the company a member in good standing with the Restoration Industry Association (RIA)
  
• Does the company employ individuals who hold advanced certifications to perform water damage mitigation by industry trade associations such as the Water Loss Institute or the IICRC?
  
• How many years of experience does the company have in the field of water damage mitigation?
  
• Can they provide proof that the company is properly licensed, bonded and insured as required by Washington State?
  
• Does the company follow accepted standards for water damage mitigation such as those published by the IICRC?
  
• Does the company have the necessary testing to locate areas of damage not visible to the naked eye?
  
• Does the company have the necessary drying equipment to ensure a complete and competent mitigation?