Water Damage Cleanup in Baltimore Maryland 

 

 

 

 

                                          Introduction

 

I have been in the water damage clean up business in Baltimore Maryland  since 1989 . That’s 35 years of experience , extracting water and using drying equipment to completely drying basements , living rooms, kitchens, and other rooms in the house .

I also have the same years of experience in water damage cleanup in hotels, buildings and residential condominiums . This including my IICRC certification ( www.iicrc.org ) , gives me the ability to advise and explain how water damage clean up can be correctly performed .

 

                                                       Not All Water Damage Clean Up is The Same

 

Don’t assume that all water damage clean up in every state is the same . Some water damage clean up companies have more experience with hurricane damage and other states have more experience in frozen pipes that cause extensive water damage .

Although not an advantage in Baltimore Maryland , the Baltimore Maryland area homes and buildings  near Washington DC , water damage cleanup companies in these areas have the experience in dealing with most causes of water damage like hurricanes, frozen pipes, heavy rains , and big storms .

 

                                                        Performing The Water Damage Yourself

 

Yes anyone can attempt to perform water damage clean up otherwise as water damage restoration https://www.epa.gov/waterutilityresponse/basics-water-remediation, but there are consistent problems that result from untrained homeowners who believe that all they need to do is rent drying equipment . I include a link to home depot rental web site https://www.homedepot.com/p/rental/Dehumidifier-18-G-Day-Rental-F203-A/316821709 for those who want to perform their own water damage clean up.

The problems with doing your own water damage clean up especially in the Mid Atlantic area of Baltimore Maryland and Washington DC are the following :

 

• Not using a GPP moisture meter and not using it correctly .
• Missing hidden areas of wet materials
• Attempting to dry dense materials like wood floors and  plaster walls  using a refrigerant dehumidifier.
• Not realizing that the walls are fire rated drywall ( double drywall ) .
• Treating sewage water like clean water.
• Assuming a clean water damage is similar to water coming from an unsanitary source .

 

 

                                                   Understanding Water Damage Differences

 

There are three main different types of water damage clean up in Baltimore Maryland

 

 

The IICRC S500 standards explain the different types of water damage and why they are different .

 

                                                                       Clean Water or Category 1

 

The definition of a clean water source for a water damage clean up means that the water came from a non sewage pipe, toilet , etc. There are no direct connections or unsanitary issues .

 

                                                                      Category 2 or Grey Water

 

Dishwashers, washing machines, HVAC systems and the water in the toilet bowl are called Grey water or category 2 . Although it’s not drinkable water , it’s also not in sewage category .

• • .

 

                                                                     Category 3 or Black Water

 

 

Black water is always water coming from an unsanitary source including sewage back ups.

The water damage clean up process is much different between clean water and black water . Clean water water damage clean up processes are designed to save and prevent materials like drywall, flooring and other absorbent materials from being removed and replaced .

Black water damage  water damage clean up is the complete opposite where any absorbs material must be removed for health reasons . Even when all water damage materials effected by black water are removed , drying equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers must be used due to high moisture levels in the air , etc.

Black water sources include sewage back ups, outside water and water coming through roofs.

 

 

                                                 Water Damage Cleanup Process In Baltimore Maryland

 

 

 

 

                                                                     Inspection and Assessment

An inspector should arrive at the house or building to view exactly what the situation looks like and use GPP moisture meters to determine the exact moisture issues and create a drying plan.

Temperature cameras are used to find hidden pockets of moisture . Also called hydro sensor cameras .

In Baltimore Maryland you should not be charged for an initial inspection of your water damage.

 

                                                                           Water Extraction

 

It’s important to use  immersible sub pumps when removing standing water over one inch . You can also use portable extractors but remember that you probably experience endless amounts of filling and disposing water. Black water and certain types of brown water can not be disposed outside your home or building . It must be disposed in your toilet .

 

                                                              Drying and Dehumidification

 

The next step is to Set up air movers and dehumidifiers to dry all the spaces . Your dehumidifier will not penetrate behind your walls, etc. with creating large holes and entry areas.

 

                                                                        Cleaning and Sanitizing

 

Use industry specific anti microbial cleaners to clean areas that were effected by the water damage clean up project . Remember that homes in Baltimore Maryland can very old and have additional crevices holding hidden issues.

 

 

                                            Choosing a Water Damage Cleanup Service in Baltimore

 

 

If you decide that performing your own water damage clean up maybe a little too much , you may want to look for a professional .

 

There are plenty of water damage clean up companies in Baltimore Maryland and many can be found on the internet . There are no laws in Maryland licensing these companies, so anyone can claim to be a specialists in water damage clean up.

Every insurance company and state governments require that anyone or company that performs water damage clean up must be IICRC certified including the technicians that perform the work.

The IICRC companies that you choose must be 24 hours and seven days available to come out within 2 hours or less.

 

 

                                                          Insurance and Claims Process

 

 

1. Understand your  homeowners insurance coverage for water damage before you have a water damage .
2. Learn how water damage restoration companies help with the insurance claim process.

3. Document and photos your water damage clean up

 

                                                                             Conclusion

 

A few more tips if you are experiencing a water damage clean up need in Baltimore Maryland .

 

1. Watch out for safety issues such as electric wire and sharp objects.
2.  Don’t pay your restoration company before or during the water damage cleanup. That includes a deposit. Your Insurance company is responsible for that .
3. Don’t pay your water damage clean up company until you sign a completion of satisfaction paper saying you are completely satisfied.

 

Here are additional helpful web sites

 

https://finance.baltimorecity.gov/incident-report-reporting-loss-or-damage-city-property

 

https://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/sewer-consent-decree/building-backups