Should I Clean Up Water Damage Myself (DIY)?

When you own a home, discovering standing water or previous water damage is a significant problem. Unaddressed water damage can lead to mold growth or further structural issues in the home. While many types of molds are harmless, some are toxic and can be hazardous to the home’s occupants.

The flood and water restoration process require a thorough approach to minimize the risks involved. You should understand the complexities before you decide to clean up water or flood damage yourself. This is true whether the water resulted from a natural disaster, flood water, burst pipe, leaky faucet, or another source.

The Water Damage Restoration Protocol

Every step of the professional water damage restoration process serves an important purpose, culminating with your home being returned to its previous pre-flood condition. A restoration company can help ensure that these steps are followed and that all moisture is removed from the affected area of your home.

  1. Inspection and assessment – Understanding the full extent of the damage so that you have an accurate scope of the work that needs to be completed.
  2. Water removal – Ridding the area of any remaining water so that clean-up and repairs can get underway.
  3. Drying and dehumidifying – Returning the environment to its previous state, so it is inhospitable to future water and mold growth.
  4. Cleaning and sanitizing – Removing any residues, mildew, or mold and making the area more inhabitable for home occupants.
  5. Complete restoration – Removing contaminated materials to restore the area to its previous condition.

Each step of the water damage cleanup process requires thorough care to ensure that there is no threat to the home’s structure and that the area is inhospitable to mold.

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What You Should Know About Water & Flood Damage Before Taking a DIY Approach

A minor leak is a different story than an event with significant water pressure – If the job doesn’t entail significant water extraction or the need to dry the area out, it might be suitable for a DIY approach. An example might be a drain line’s slow drip leak (with no water pressure). At the very least, it could be handled by a plumber, handyman, or drywall specialist. These experts might be able to tell you if a restoration company is necessary. The key is to determine whether the leak appears small and contained.

It may take more than a shop vac, fans, and dehumidifiers to restore the area – Water restoration and remediation is an intensive process. A shop vac may not be enough to rid your home of significant amounts of standing water, and a few house fans won’t be as effective as professional-grade blowers. A professional restoration company will also use moisture detectors to ensure that the water damage cleanup is complete. There is an extensive process involved with restoration work that you may not be able to replicate without years of experience and expensive equipment.

The risk for mold, mildew, and other contaminants increases with time – When water is allowed to penetrate carpet, flooring, padding, drywall, or insulation, it creates a hospitable environment for mold and mildew. The drying process for these items can take weeks,  and when mold or mildew is involved, it can take more time and become more expensive to mitigate.

Home insurance is your friend – Your home is your most valuable asset, and as such, it should be protected. If you’re considering the DIY approach to save money, it’s important to remember that homeowner’s insurance typically covers water damage. A professional water restoration company will work alongside your insurance company to ensure that your home’s impacted areas are restored to pre-loss condition.

Hire a Flood and Water Restoration Company

While small projects such as a leaky pipe may lend themselves to a DIY approach, any significant amount of standing water in the home might be a job more suited for a professional restoration company. The flood and water damage restoration protocol is detailed and must be thoroughly followed to ensure that the impacted area of your home is returned to its previous condition.

If you have standing water in your home or suspect water damage, it’s important to act fast. Contact Total Restoration of Texas right away!

Extremely professional with honest and helpful feedback. Highly recommended!
Daniel G.
They can out right away fixed the water problem and called me with a estimate of the repairs before they started the work. Would recommend due to the quick...
Anthony D.
These guys were awesome! Came out immediately upon our flood and did the needed demo/cleanup.Jason, the owner has been amazing throughout the entire process and Kylie, the office manager was wonderful, kind and always quick to respond. I hope not to have to use again :) but would definitely recommend. 10 out of 10!
Meghan M.
These guys were awesome! Came out immediately upon our flood and did the needed demo/cleanup.Jason, the owner has been amazing throughout the entire...
Meghan D.
Ryan was great adressing our concerns. We'd hire him again and recommend to friends and family.
Evelyn V.
I had a pretty sizable leak coming from my primary bathroom upstairs and dripping down into my downstairs living room. I called a few companies, and had...
Brian R.
Total Restoration responded very quickly to our situation. We had a broken water line to a water heater that had been running all night in our guest house. Within and hour - we live outside of the Austin area -of my call Ryan evaluated the situation and called for reinforcements. Great communication on every level, and Kylie helped me deal with the insurance company. Hope to never have to use them again, but would in heartbeat if necessary. Highly, recommend!
Catherine C.
Total restoration did a great job on our home. They did prioritize based on the home condition unlike other services. They were fast and very professional...
Veena D.
During the Feb '21 winter freeze, a cap blew off of a pipe in the middle of the night. Within an hour, I awoke to flooding throughout my entire house. I called more water mitigation companies than I can count and ended up on 12 waitlists. Once roads opened up, Total Restoration of Texas was the first company who had the means and the equipment to help. All the others were short-staffed and under-equipped to fill the enormous needs of our community. I got a 9:30 pm text from Kylie, the office manager. She apologized for the late contact and asked if I still need help. (Ummm... Yes, please!) Ryan was out the next day. He managed all of the water mitigation. From the inspection to the demo to the dry out, he was there. They all had to be working 80 hours/week, and they did it all with a smile. Then came insurance. Whew! Kylie handled most of it and let me know when I needed to step in. Boy, she sure knows the ropes when it comes to dealing with insurance! I hope I never have to go through this again, but if I do, Total Restoration of Texas will be the first people I call. They are professional, they took care of my home and belongings, and they took care of me when I needed help with my insurance company. Thank you!
Pamela T.
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  • Content Inventory, Cleaning, and Storage
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We restore flood-damaged homes and offices in these Austin-area communities:

  • Austin
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  • Georgetown
  • Kyle
  • Lakeway
  • Leander
  • Lockhart
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Water damage? Let us handle the mess.

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