Water damage restoration is a professional term used to describe the process of water damage cleaning from the first steps to the last. Water damage restoration can also be known as (1) water remediation, (2) water removal, (3) water extraction, (4) water mitigation, and (5) flood cleanup.
Sounding complicated? No need to stress; these terms are used interchangeably most of the time, but it’s good to understand the differences. Especially if you are talking with a few different disaster restoration companies.
Water Damage Restoration Terms Summed Up
Water damage restoration includes the complete process of water cleanup from beginning to end–(removal of water, drying items and structures, and moving restored items back).
Water remediation is a term equivalent to water damage restoration. Water remediation includes the complete process of water cleanup, which includes water removal, drying items and structures, and then moving items back.
Water removal describes the act of removing water from the water damaged areas. Professionals use specialized equipment such as truck mounts to remove large amounts of water, commercial grade dehumidifiers, and high-velocity air movers.
Water extraction means the same thing as water removal. Professionals use specialized equipment to remove large amounts of water. Sometimes, water extraction is the term chosen if referring to extracting water in an outside environment.
Water mitigation refers to the process of preventing or reversing damage caused by the amount of water in the building. So water mitigation could be used to describe the water removal and/or the whole water cleaning process.
Flood cleanup means water from outside has moved inside. Flood water is considered contaminated and most people will need professional help in removing, sanitizing, and drying the areas which were affected.
Understanding these terms helps you communicate more effectively with restoration professionals and ensures you know exactly what services you're receiving. Regardless of which term is used, the goal remains the same: to restore your property to its pre-damage condition as quickly and safely as possible. At ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo, we use industry-standard terminology and will always explain our process clearly so you understand exactly what we're doing to restore your home or business.
Need Professional Water Damage Restoration?
When water damage strikes your property, you need experienced professionals who understand the complete restoration process from start to finish. ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo provides comprehensive water damage restoration services, including water removal, structural drying, dehumidification, and complete property restoration. Our certified technicians are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies, work directly with your insurance company, and restore your property quickly and safely. Contact us today for immediate assistance with any water damage situation.
