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Water Damage Restoration: What You Need to Know
As cleaning & restoration technicians with years of experience in the professional remediation cleaning industry, we know firsthand the devastation a flood can bring. Whether caused by inclement weather, a burst pipe, or a backed-up sewer, the emotional and financial strain caused by water damage is something that no one should have to experience.
That’s why we at Stephco Cleaning & Restoration remain dedicated to providing our Massachusetts residential and commercial clients with compassionate, friendly, and helpful service when needed.
This blog post will share valuable information about restoring flood-damage. Whether you’ve recently experienced a flood or want to learn more, knowing the necessary steps for restoration is essential and can save you time, money and future headaches, when addressed correctly.

Assessing The Damage
The first step in restoring flood-damage is assessing the extent of the damage to develop a plan based on a number of factors. Factors that must be considered include:
Water Type/Category – Cat 1 Water Loss, or “Clean Water”, such as water from a water supply pipe, is more sanitary and less complicated to deal with than contaminated water. Cat 2, or “Significantly Contaminated,” such as sink or dishwasher drain backups and Cat 3, or “Grossly Contaminated,” such as sewage backups, need to be treated with much more caution and attention to detail, to ensure contaminates are treated and/or removed properly.
Duration Of Water Exposure – The longer the flooded area remains exposed to water and moisture, the harder it will be to salvage or restore.
Affected Areas – The longer an area remains exposed to water, regardless of the Water Type, the more likely it will affect other areas. For instance, if your carpet flooded due to excessive rain, it will start to wick up baseboards, walls and even cause the insulation to get wet. It is extremely important to address any water damage immediately, by contacting a professional company, like us here at Stephco Cleaning & Restoration.
Remember, it’s always best to consult with a professional remediation cleaning company when in doubt.
Extraction And Drying
After assessing the damage, removing excess water is the next step. Our team at Stephco Cleaning utilizes state-of-the-art equipment for this, including powerful water extraction machines and industrial-grade air movers, dehumidification systems and HEPA air scrubbers.
Our team uses moisture meters to check for any remaining moisture, and we continue the drying process until all moisture is under control and back to a baseline. While drying and extraction times can vary, our dedicated technicians work tirelessly to minimize disruption and restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible, ensuring you can return to a safe and comfortable living or working environment.
Disinfection, Sanitizing And Odor Mitigation
Floodwater often leaves an unpleasant odor that can be tough to eliminate. Our professional remediation company utilizes various advanced technologies and methods to effectively sanitize and deodorize carpets affected by flood or water damage. Some of these technologies include:
Air Scrubbers – Commercial-grade air scrubbers utilize HEPA filtration, assisting in the removal of airborne particulates and contaminates like bacteria and mold spores from the air. Which will also help in reducing odors and improve overall air quality.
Fogging Machines – Fogging machines or ULV (ultra-low volume) foggers disperse a fine mist of solutions, such as Antimicrobial and Deodorizing solutions into the air and onto surfaces. This method allows for even coverage throughout even tough to reach areas, helping to mitigate the source of the odors.
Antimicrobial Sanitizers/Disinfectants – Antimicrobial products are vitally important in the remediation process. These products have disinfection properties that assist in destroying the, odor causing, microorganisms found in water damaged areas of a building. Antimicrobial products will also help to prevent mold growth, in water damaged areas, when addressed properly.
Hot Water Extraction – This carpet cleaning methodology, sometimes called steam cleaning, uses hot water and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to penetrate carpet fibers, remove dirt and contaminants, and neutralize odors.
Mold Prevention
You might be surprised to learn that, in some cases, mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. So if you have water damage, the sooner you begin the remediation process, the better the chances of preventing a water damage situation from turning into a mold remediation project.
Prompt action helps protect your property from further damage and reduces the potential health risks associated with mold exposure, such as respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
Don’t Delay If You Have Water Damage
Contacting a professional remediation company as soon as possible after experiencing water or flood damage is crucial. The sooner you begin the remediation process, the higher the chances of salvaging possessions, including furniture, electronics, and personal items.
Taking swift action helps prevent and protect against electrical hazards, mold and mildew growth, and structural damage. In addition, it helps to minimize disruption to your life, including emotional and financial strain caused by water or flood damage.
It’s worth mentioning that many insurance policies require homeowners and business owners to take immediate action to mitigate further damage after a flood or water event. Delaying the remediation process can jeopardize your insurance coverage or result in a lower claim payout.
Contacting a professional remediation company when you experience water or flood damage is essential to protect your property, belongings, and the health of your family or employees. Prompt action can minimize the overall impact of the damage, help you return to everyday life more quickly, and reduce any out-of-pocket costs associated with the catastrophe.
Final Thoughts
Restoring any and all flood-damage can be a challenging and time-consuming process. However, working with a professional remediation cleaning company like Stephco Cleaning and Restoration can help you navigate a “not so ideal” situation more confidently. If you have water damage and could use some help, contact us anytime to start the conversation.
Stephco Cleaning & Restoration Blog
Reliable, responsive cleaning and restoration in and around Boston for over 45 years.

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