Water damage can happen to any home for a variety of reasons: floods, burst pipes, or leaks. Sometimes the damage is as minor as a leak that causes discoloration of a section of paint. Other times, the damage is extensive and expensive.

Large or small, Stephco Cleaning & Restoration is here to explain everything you need to know as a homeowner. Because we know that every minute counts when it comes to keeping your home, family, and valuables safe. 

Water Cleanup Vs. Water Removal

First, it’s important to note the difference between water cleanup and water removal:

• Water cleanup: Also known as water remediation or water restoration. This process not only removes standing water from your home but also completely dries the affected area, mitigates mold, removes damaged materials, and renders your home safe for habitation again. Water cleanup often also involves helping to prevent future water damage.
• Water removal: Uses pumps or other extraction equipment to remove standing water from your home. 

Homeowners can think of it like this: emptying a bathtub gets rid of the water. But you also have to maintain your tub through regular cleaning, clearing the drain, and ensuring the faucet is in good working order. That’s the difference between water removal and water cleanup.

The Water Cleanup Process

Every situation is different, but you can typically expect your water cleanup process to follow these steps:

• Assessment: We’ll start by checking the water source and the extent of the damage.
• Plan: Based on our expert findings, we’ll develop a plan for removal, cleanup, and restoration. Your technician will go over the plan with you, step by step, in plain language, and answer any questions you may have.
• Extraction: Your Stephco professional will start by removing any standing water from the area using professional-grade pumps and tools.
• Drying: Before anything else can be done, the area needs to be completely dry. This involves using industrial-grade fans and dehumidifiers. This step can take several days, as it must go beyond the surface to dry out the entire structure.
• Clean & sanitize: We’ll clean and sanitize the affected area. This includes comprehensive mold extraction and removal.
• Remediation: Our team is qualified to help remediate the area to prevent future mold growth.

Water cleanup isn’t quick. However, when done right by a trained professional, it can help your home get back to normal safely and securely. 

When to Hire a Professional

Even if your home seems dry and mold-free, it’s smart to hire a professional. They have the tools to assess moisture levels that go deeper than the surface of your home’s walls, floors, and foundation. 

Professionals know how to find the water source, determine the incoming water’s cleanliness levels, and get to that deep-down clean. They can also help assess whether cleanup and remediation are sufficient, or whether you’ll need to consider removing and replacing damaged material.

FAQs: Home Water Cleanup

Q: How can I remove mold from my carpet?

A: If your carpet has more than a few square inches of mold, we strongly recommend calling a professional to handle the job. They have the right safety equipment and professional-grade tools to fully eliminate the mold.

However, for small spots of mold, you can try following these steps:

1. Put on protective equipment, such as an N95 mask and thick rubber gloves.
2. Use a dry brush to start lifting the mold to the surface of the carpet.
3. Saturate the area with a store-bought mold killer and let it sit for an hour.
4. Scrub the area thoroughly, including the back of the carpet and the floor beneath it.
5. Dry the area completely using fans and a dehumidifier.

Q: Can I remove water myself?

A: Technically, yes. For small areas of standing water, you can rent a wet/dry vac from your local hardware store. However, only a professional can remove large volumes of water, such as from a flooded basement, and safely clean the area.

Q: Will my homeowners’ insurance cover water cleanup?

A: In Massachusetts, most homeowners’ insurance will cover most types of water damage, including cleanup. However, it’s important to regularly check your policy so you know what to expect after an emergency.

Q: How much does water cleanup cost?

A: That depends on the cause and extent of the damage. 

Some examples include:

• Category 1 damage refers to clean water from a source such as a water heater or sink. The cost for minor category 1 damage in your bathroom might start in the mid- 3-digit range, going up to a few thousand dollars.
• Category 2 damage refers to “grey” or somewhat contaminated water from a source like an overflowing dishwasher. The cost for medium category 2 damage in your kitchen can cost up to $10,000.
• Category 3 damage refers to highly contaminated water from sewage pipes or floods. The cost for extensive category 3 damage to your home, such as a flooded basement, can be $10,000 or more.

As soon as you notice water where it shouldn’t be, call a professional. Handling problems early can help prevent expensive and extensive damage.

Q: How long does water cleanup take?

A: Minor leaks can take a few hours up to a day. More extensive damage and remediation can take several weeks.

Professional Water Cleanup in Massachusetts

No matter what kind of water situation you’re dealing with, Stephco Cleaning & Restoration has the trained professionals to handle it. Our top priority is your safety and satisfaction. We don’t just get your home dry, we make sure it’s livable again.

Contact us today for a free estimate on our residential water cleanup and residential water removal services in Holbrook, MA, and surrounding communities. Let our family-owned, community-focused business provide you with peace of mind during this challenging time.