Why should homeowners not attempt a DIY restoration project after water damage from a burst pipe?

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Media urges homeowners to avoid DIY restoration after burst pipe water damage.

SERVPRO® of Media offers cleanup and restoration of water damage from burst water pipes. Media, PA, residents can trust the restoration specialists to thoroughly clean up and restore water from a ruptured supply line to a washer, ice maker, sink, or toilet. If a water pipe bursts and floods a basement with thousands of gallons of water, technicians can pump the basement dry quickly and efficiently with high-capacity pumps, industrial-strength wet/dry vacuums, and powerful dehumidifiers.

A water damage, fire damage, or a smoke damage disaster can have catastrophic consequences for the homeowner. Property damage can be extensive, and the inconvenience and disruption may be more difficult to handle than the actual property damage. The property owner is faced with a major decision: How to move forward with the cleanup? Should it be a DIY project, or should the cleanup and restorations be passed off to professionals with advanced equipment, the proper cleaning techniques, and safe sanitizing and disinfecting products?

The truth is that the cleanup and restoration process is a challenging and sometimes hazardous undertaking. The homeowner may have experience in general cleaning techniques and basic building construction, including plumbing and wiring, but the disaster cleanup and restoration process are multi-faceted, requiring a keen eye and experience working in disaster settings. Consider these compelling reasons why the best, most efficient, and safest course of action is to secure the services of an IICRC-certified professional restoration company to handle the water damage cleanup and restoration project.

1. Unknown or unanticipated hazards

The homeowner who occasionally tackles a DIY project around the home is often familiar with the structure. A disaster such as extensive flooding from roof damage or a flooded basement from a burst pipe may create a scenario that is loaded with dangers. Storm damage can cause ceilings to collapse when the homeowner begins to probe around while assessing the damage. A flooded basement may increase the risk of electric shock, and debris hidden under the water’s surface can cause lacerations, puncture wounds, or trip-and-fall injuries. Wet particle boards can give way underfoot, leading to a back injury or broken limb. Standing or puddled water on the kitchen floor can create conditions that raise the potential for a slip-and-fall injury.

Health issues abound in a catastrophic property damage disaster. The basement does not have to flood for the risk of electrical hazards to exist. Damaged wiring or a poorly grounded electrical appliance can give a pretty hefty jolt of electricity to the unsuspecting and poorly equipped DIYer. Gas lines may be intact after a flood, but the improper relocation of the appliance can rupture the line or compromise a fitting, leading to a dangerous and volatile gas leak. Unforeseen dangers lurk in the water-damaged home or business, and examples include bacteria, mold, or raw sewage. Raw sewage dramatically elevates the risk factors involved in property damage cleanup and restoration. Protective clothing, eyewear, gloves, and strong EPA-approved cleaning products are required for safe, thorough cleanup and restoration.

Bonus tip: When flooding, fire damage, and smoke damage are extensive, avoid entering the home alone. Damage restoration professionals follow the strictest safety precautions.

2. Lack of proper cleaning equipment

Disaster cleanup and restoration require more than the basic mop, sponge, and bucket. Industrial-grade wet-dry vacuums, high-speed pumps, rapid-spin fans, and commercial-grade dehumidifiers are used to tackle the toughest jobs in the shortest amount of time to prevent advanced secondary damage. Professionals also use deodorizers, disinfectants, and sanitizers that remove bad odors, pathogens, and mold.

3. The danger of hidden damage

IICRC-certified technicians are trained and skilled in finding hidden water damage. The unsuspecting homeowner is likely unaware of the many places water damage can hide. Professionals anticipate moisture and mold behind walls, in appliances, and in outlets. The professionals at SERVPRO of Media carefully and thoroughly inspect the home or business that has suffered a property damage disaster for hidden damage.

4. Advanced secondary damage

A swift response and a fast cleanup and restoration of a water, storm, fire, or smoke damage disaster are essential to prevent advanced secondary damage such as mold, warping, and wood rot. Permanent damage can occur to electronics, documents, books, leather goods, artwork, and furniture if water is not quickly removed and if moisture is not reduced to acceptable levels. A DIY cleanup and restoration project can take days or weeks to execute, and the delay can allow damage to progress far beyond the scope of the original disaster.

A property damage disaster is disruptive, inconvenient, and stressful. Trust the cleanup and restoration to the professionals at SERVPRO of Media to get the job done quickly, safely, and thoroughly. They know what to look for and where to look to ensure that no damage goes unrepaired. The team of professionals at SERVPRO of Media is IICRC-certified and ready to serve the damage restoration and cleaning needs of Media, PA, and the surrounding areas.

Contact SERVPRO of Media for more details about water and fire damage repair and restoration in Media, PA. The office can be reached by emailing office@SERVPROmedia.com or calling (610) 566-5720.