In the aftermath of a leak, flooding, or other water damage event, getting your space back to normal is a top priority. For many homeowners and business owners, the entire experience may already feel invasive, and you may be worried about costs. In these situations, it’s tempting to consider handling cleanup on your own instead of opting for a professional water damage restoration service.
Water damage comes with serious risks, which is why we typically recommend enlisting a water damage restoration service to minimize potential concerns like mold. That said, in some very minor cases, it’s possible to handle the work yourself.
Let’s take a look at when it’s possible to opt for DIY and when it’s best to leave the work to the professionals. We’ll also explore why expert services can bring you long-term peace of mind—and help to save you from worse problems in the future.
The Importance of Professional Water Damage Restoration
When Is DIY Water Cleanup An Option?
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we know that even seemingly small leaks and minor water damage may be concealing more serious damage. That’s why we’ll almost always recommend having professionals take a look.
With that crucial caveat, here are a few situations where you might be able to explore cleanup on your own:
- There’s very little water leakage. If a leak or water spill is incredibly minimal—similar to spilling a glass of water, for example—it’s possible that drying it up on your own will be enough.
- It’s contained to non-porous surfaces. When any water overflow is confined to non-porous surfaces, such as a glass or metal surface, it should be fine to wipe away excess water.
- You know there’s no chance of mold. It’s important to remember that mold can’t always be identified by sight or smell. But if you’re sure there’s zero chance of mold, you’re probably in the clear to tackle DIY.
- You have found the leak and stopped it right away. It’s sometimes okay to DIY water damage cleanup if you’ve identified and stopped the leak right away if you are sure the damage is minimal and hasn’t had time to spread or cause mold growth. Acting quickly allows you to dry out affected areas before serious structural issues can develop. If you are unsure of the timeframe of the leak in any way, it’s best to contact professionals.
Even in these cases, it may still be useful to have a water damage restoration service complete an initial assessment of the area. Why? Let’s take a look at some of the hazards of DIY cleanup.
Why Professional Water Damage Restoration Matters
Without the right equipment or methods, it’s tremendously difficult to assess the scope of potential water damage. That’s why, even if an event doesn’t seem severe, DIY cleanup can still be a big risk. Here are a couple of reasons why:
- The potential for mold. Mold can sprout within hours of a leak or moisture buildup. From there, it can spread swiftly through the air and on or below surfaces. Finding and treating mold is something you’ll want to leave to water damage restoration professionals.
- The risk of structural damage. When water seeps through grouting, hardwood surfaces, walls, or ceilings, it can reach the vulnerable interiors of your home. On the surface, it may seem like everything’s dry—but water can eat up subsurfaces and compromise structural integrity.
- The hazards of a non-thorough approach. Effective water damage restoration services require high-powered equipment and processes. For example, thermal imaging technology can be critical for detecting moisture below surfaces. Without these tools, DIY cleanup simply can’t be as thorough.
These are all concerns when you’re dealing with even a small water damage event—but the risks can increase significantly depending on the scale of damage. Flooding, burst pipes, and sewer damage come with additional concerns like electrical hazards and sanitation issues. That’s why, in most cases, we recommend water damage restoration you can count on.
Your Trusted Team for Professional Water Damage Restoration Services
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we’re always ready to assist with water damage restoration services. With 24/7 and emergency services across the nation, we’re there whenever you need us. Backed by a comprehensive array of proven methods and expert technology, we work quickly to limit damage and restore your space to a pre-loss condition. From minor leaks to major flooding, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE can always help.
Need water damage restoration services? One call will handle it all—so simply reach out to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE for services when you need them.
