Emergency Water Extraction & Structural Drying Services
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From a small pipe leak to catastrophic flooding, water can damage the foundation, floors, and walls of your home or business, not to mention the belongings inside. And mold growth can begin in a couple days.
There’s not a minute to lose. Quick response can keep a bad, potentially hazardous situation from getting worse. At SERVPRO, water extraction (also known as water removal) is a key part of our water damage restoration process. Using powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units, we can quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water.
From there, structural drying begins. Using the latest drying systems, from targeted heat to controlled airflow, we’ll make sure your property is dried to the industry standard to maintain structural stability and avoid further damage.
Why Water Extraction and Structural Drying?
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can start growing in just 24 to 48 hours. Once that growth begins, spores can spread quickly, leading to health risks and expensive cleanup and restoration.
Minimize Structural Damage
Standing water can weaken the structural integrity of your home or business. This can make your floors, walls, and ceilings warp, deteriorate, and even collapse. Structural repairs can be extremely expensive and disruptive.
Prevent Odors
Thoroughly drying your home after water damage will reduce the chances of unhealthy mold and mildew, along with the persistent musty smells that come with them.
Preserve Your Belongings
After a water-related event, your furniture, electronics, valuables, and important papers can be damaged or ruined. It’s important to get the contents of your home out of harm’s way.
SERVPRO Helps with the Insurance Claim Process
At SERVPRO, we understand that property damage can be overwhelming. With decades of experience, SERVPRO can help document damage and provide information related to the services performed that can assist customers during the insurance claim process.
When property damage occurs, a rapid response can help limit further damage and may reduce overall restoration costs.
Groundwater flooding is usually covered by flood insurance, not a standard homeowners policy.
SERVPRO Water Extraction & Structural Drying Knowledge Center
What equipment does SERVPRO use for water extraction?
When it comes to water extraction, SERVPRO technicians have both the very latest and the tried-and-true at their disposal:
- Moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
- Infrared cameras find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
- Submersible and gas-powered pumps are used for continuous pumping of high-level water.
- Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
After water damage, how long does it take for mold to grow?
It’s important to begin water extraction and drying immediately, since mold growth can begin just 24-48 hours after water was introduced to your home.
What’s a sump pump and what does it do?
A sump pump is a mechanical pump, often placed in a basement or crawlspace, to remove water as it accumulates in a sump pit. As the water level rises, it trips a float switch, turns on the pump, and sends the excess water away from the structure. Sump pumps help keep your basement dry and protect your home from water damage.
How long does water extraction take?
In most residential cases, water extraction takes one to three days. It depends on factors such as:
- The water source
- The amount of water
- How much of the home is affected
- Affected materials in the home like carpet, furniture, and drywall
What drying equipment does SERVPRO use?
SERVPRO technicians use industrial-grade dehumidifiers to help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture. They use high-speed air movers to create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, in order to accelerate the evaporation of moisture. Moisture mapping is also used to locate hidden areas that need drying.
After water removal, how long does it take to dry out a home?
The drying process begins after standing water is removed. Drying typically takes three days to a week. But it can take longer, depending on:
- Type of material: wood, drywall, and other porous materials soak up more moisture and take longer to dry.
- Humidity levels: the higher the humidity, the longer the drying time.
- Saturation level: If the home is heavily saturated, drying will take longer (giving mold a chance to grow).
Is structural drying needed after a small leak?
The amount of water you see may not be the entire picture. What’s important is not just the amount, but where the water went. A small amount of water that enters a wall, cabinetry, or flooring is often harder to detect and completely dry. Over time, that small amount of moisture can weaken the supporting materials in your home.
Should I open my windows to help with structural drying?
When the outside air is too humid, or the property needs to be kept secure, it’s best to keep the windows closed. In the case of a more humid area, such as Florida, opening windows might increase the drying time.