DRC Cleaning Solutions
(888) 379-6690
When You Can’t Predict the Future,
We are There When You Need Us
24-HOUR EMERGENCY
Fire & Water Restoration Service
(888) 379-6690
NOW HIRING - Immediate Openings
24-HOUR EMERGENCY
Fire & Water Restoration Service
(888) 379-6690
NOW HIRING - Immediate Openings
Restoration
Restoration Services
Water Extraction & Drying Experts
in Southeast Michigan
The Inner Workings of Water Extraction and Restorative Drying
The Science Behind Structural Drying; Category 1-2-3
Just as the amount of water is important to consider when determining damage levels, so is the kind of water that’s involved. Depending on the circumstances, what seems like a relatively easy cleanup can turn vastly more complex and hazardous the longer it goes unattended. At DRC, we’re well prepared to respond to each of the following three categories of water loss:
Category I: Clean
Water is sanitary, originating from a source that does not pose substantial harm to humans.
Category II: Gray Water
Water could contain bacteria and causes illness if ingested; often associated with broken toilets.
Category III: Black Water
Water is grossly contaminated; containing pathogenic, disease-causing agents (sewage may be present).
Evaluation, Treatment, and Documentation
DRC follows a strict protocol in the field, taking a step-by-step approach in the way we evaluate, treat, and document our water extraction and restorative drying practices. Here is a brief overview:
| Step | Category I | Category II | Category III |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extract water with a subsurface extraction tool and a high-velocity extractor designed for water removal; proper equipment will remove water within carpet while providing a cushion for increasing drying efficiency. |
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| 2 | Extract water with a subsurface extraction tool and a high-velocity extractor designed for water removal; proper equipment will remove water within carpet while providing a cushion for increasing drying efficiency. | ||
| 3 | Dry carpet, pad, and contents in place. | Remove and dispose of padding. | Set up containment and establish negative air with HEPA filtration. |
| 4 | Padding should not release water when squeezed if extraction was properly completed. | Steam-clean carpet with an EPA-approved carpet-cleaning sanitizer and wipe down affected materials. | Remove and dispose of porous contaminated materials: carpet, pad, base, tack strips, drywall, etc. |
| 5 | Use HEPA air filtration with drying equipment to scrub airborne particulates. | Clean with an EPA-approved disinfectant on all sub-floors, structural framing, and other affected hard surfaces |
|
| 6 | Evaluate materials to be dried and cubic footage of affected area for drying equipment placement; contain unaffected areas to maximize drying efficiencies, and set up air-movers, dehumidifiers, and supplemental wall-drying systems. | ||
| 7 | Consider paint, trim, and wall coverings for removal (if necessary) to install wall cavity drying equipment; document atmospheric and moisture content readings at least every 24 hours; and manipulate equipment as needed until structural components reach their dry standard. | ||