Water Damage

Water is everywhere: it is the universal solvent and is indispensable for life. However, people build their homes and structures to keep water out. Uncontrolled amounts of water in any form (solid, liquid or vapor) may cause warping, swelling, cracking, fungal growth, corrosion and/or deterioration to the integrity of the structure. These actions can continue long after an initial intrusion has occurred.

ServiceMaster by T.A. Russell, Ventura has the right equipment, and understands the principles involved in the restoration process. We respond quickly and efficiently, providing 24-hour, 7-day-a-week emergency service for water extraction and drying. Fast response is imperative to mitigate the damages, save money on costly repairs, and get your home or business back to normal.

Read more about what happens when fire, water or smoke damage destroys your home.

Water Damage Evaluation

Our water damage emergency specialists have completed advanced training and are experienced in the assessment of water intrusions, the handling of water damage mitigation, dehumidification systems, mold, corrosion control, sewage contamination clean-up and reinstallation techniques. The customer is given a folder with basic water mitigation information and a price list.

Water intrusions are classified into three categories by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) based on its risk to human health. Appropriate handling has been standardized by the IICRC, and optimizes the safety, salvability and efficiency of mitigation.

Category I Water - That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, and subflooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water, can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.

Recommendation: Remove padding, Extract water, Treat front and back of carpet with Carpet Sanitizer. Furniture is placed on blocks or pads to speed drying and prevent staining. Dry affected area and reinstall carpet & padding.

Category II Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category I water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Recommendation: Time sensitive stage requires immediate assistance. Category II water in flooded structures that remains untreated for longer than 48 hours may be reclassified as Category III - black water.

Category III Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

Recommendation: Porous material, such as carpet, drywall or paneling that is affected by Cat III water will be recommended for removal. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for workers is required.

Returning the Structure to Pre-Loss Condition

ServiceMaster acts fast, using state-of-the-art equipment and educated technicians to prevent and repair water damage. The company’s arsenal of equipment and expertise in using this equipment, coupled with an understanding of building design and psychometrics, ensures the best chances for a complete restoration.

Water Removal

First, affected padding is removed. It is less costly to replace padding than to dry it. Then, powerful, portable extractors are used to effectively remove water from carpet. Glued down carpet is left in place to dry. Carpet is then treated back & front with Carpet Sanitizer, an antimicrobial, to prohibit bacteria and mold and prevent odor while drying.

Drying

ServiceMaster uses turbo dryer fans, axial fans and large desiccant and refrigerant dehumidifiers to control water vapor in the air and speed drying. Our equipment will generate airflow and heat during the drying process which is necessary for the drying process. Our technician may ask permission to adjust your thermostat to speed up this process. The heat and noise can become uncomfortable. The equipment, though fire safe, also pulls a large amount of power and may trip circuits. Working together, we can overcome most any drying problem.

Wall or ceiling cavity-drying equipment allows for fast and effective drying of hard-to-reach areas without costly demolition or repairs. Drying is measured at 24-48 hr intervals to monitor the drying process and make decisions regarding the removal or adjustment of equipment. If the customer is not available to allow us entry, a lockbox with spare key can be arranged.

Specialty drying equipment is available for hardwood floors- everything from dining room floors to gym floors.

In addition, ServiceMaster offers complete content drying and preserving, and can help find the best subcontractors for document drying or freeze-drying if beyond our capability.

Repair

If extraction and drying is not enough, ServiceMaster by T.A. Russell, Ventura will perform limited demolition to the affected areas. We will perform carpet reinstalls and will put fixtures; appliances, etc. back into place and are equipped to perform drywall repairs or other post-flood structural repairs.

Reinstallation

After the drying inspection has been satisfactorily completed; re-installation of carpeting and replacement padding must be scheduled through the office. Carpeting is cleaned at this time.

Documentation

All jobs will be fully documented. ServiceMaster by T.A. Russell, Ventura uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to document drying and progress, this includes measurements, a record of work performed, photographs taken and journal notes about job specifics. These records are useful for both the customer and insurance purposes.

Billing

All decisions regarding the job are ultimately the responsibility of the property owner, though if we are billing the insurance company, the adjuster must also approve services. If the adjuster does not approve the requested service or structural removal, the property owner may still authorize them, but in doing so, the owner assumes responsibility for payment not covered by the insurance company.