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Water Damage Restoration Process After a Leak or Flood

The water damage restoration process helps remove water and dry wet areas. It also helps prepare the property for repairs. A burst pipe, roof leak, flood, or sewer backup can cause damage very fast.

Water can spread under floors and behind walls. It can also move into ceilings and lower rooms. Therefore, fast action can help limit more damage.

GTA Restoration helps with water removal, drying, cleanup, and repairs. We serve homes, condos, and businesses across Toronto and the GTA.

Call 416-800-0000

Find the Water Source

First, find out where the water came from. If it is safe, stop the water source.

A clean pipe leak is different from a sewer backup. For this reason, the source helps decide how the area should be cleaned.

Check the Wet Areas

Next, check where the water has travelled. The wet area may be larger than it looks.

Water can move under flooring and inside walls. It may also reach insulation, trim, and rooms below.

Moisture meters can help find wet areas. In addition, thermal cameras may help during some inspections.

Steps in the Water Damage Restoration Process

Remove Standing Water

Standing water should be removed as soon as it is safe. Pumps and water vacuums can remove large amounts of water quickly.

Fast water extraction can help stop water from moving deeper into the property.

Dry Floors and Walls

After the water is removed, drying begins. Fans move air across wet surfaces. Dehumidifiers help pull moisture from the air.

The drying plan may change during the job. Therefore, crews should check wet areas as they dry.

Our specialty drying service can help when water stays inside walls or floors.

Clean the Affected Area

Cleaning depends on the type of water. A clean pipe leak may need basic cleaning. However, sewage needs more care.

If sewage is involved, avoid direct contact with the water. Keep children and pets away from the area.

See our sewer backup cleanup service for more information.

Remove Materials When Needed

Not every wet material needs to come out. Some materials can dry in place.

However, badly damaged items may need removal. This can include drywall, insulation, carpet pad, or trim.

The goal is to remove only what cannot be saved.

Water Damage from Common Problems

Burst Pipes and Plumbing Leaks

A broken pipe can release a lot of water very quickly. First, shut off the water if it is safe.

Then, begin water damage cleanup. If the leak is hard to find, our water leak detection service may help.

Flooded Basements

A flooded basement can affect floors, walls, furniture, and stored items. Water may also reach heating or electrical equipment.

For larger floods, see our flooded basement cleanup service.

Roof and Appliance Leaks

Roof leaks and appliance leaks may start in a small area. However, water can spread before the problem is noticed.

For this reason, stains, wet flooring, and damp walls should be checked early.

Drying and Mold Prevention

Dry Wet Areas Quickly

Wet materials should be dried as soon as possible. This can help reduce damage and lower the chance of mould growth.

Health Canada also recommends drying flooded areas as soon as it is safe. You can read its flood cleanup advice.

Watch for Mold

Mould can grow when materials stay wet. Signs may include musty smells or visible spots.

Therefore, do not cover wet walls or floors with new materials. Dry the area first.

If mould appears, our mould removal service can help.

Repairs After Water Damage

Repair the Area After It Is Dry

Repairs should start after the wet area is dry. Work may include drywall, flooring, insulation, trim, or paint.

Also, fix the cause of the leak before repairs begin. Otherwise, the same problem may return.

Keep Photos and Records

Take photos before major cleanup when it is safe. Also, keep bills and drying records.

If you plan to make an insurance claim, ask your insurer what records they need.

A restoration company does not decide if a claim is covered. Your insurer makes that decision based on your policy.

Get Help with Water Damage Cleanup

The water damage restoration process should deal with both visible water and hidden moisture. First, remove the water. Next, dry the area. Then, clean and repair what was damaged.

GTA Restoration can help with water removal, drying, cleanup, and repairs after leaks, floods, and sewer backups.

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Need Help After Water Damage?

GTA Restoration can help with water removal, drying, cleanup, and repair work.

Fast action can help limit more damage.

Call 416-800-0000

Learn More

Water Damage Repair Flood Cleanup | Water Damage Restoration Process | Water Damage Toronto | Wet Basements and the Risk for Harmful Mold | What Does a Water Damage Restoration Company Do?