Serious water damage can happen fast. Whether it’s a burst pipe, flooding due to a storm, or a fire sprinkler system that has unexpectedly misfired, the damage can quickly spiral out of control.
Naturally, the first course of action is to stop the flow of water, but once the issue has been resolved, you’ll still be left with the problem of repairing and replacing what was damaged.
This is where many property and business owners can get confused. Essentially, do they save money by attempting to clean up the damage themselves or opt for professional water damage restoration services?
This guide explains how small incidents can usually be managed in-house, but major water damage should be treated by professionals. Additionally, we’ll delve into the Shutgun Fire Sprinkler Shut Off Tool, a handheld device designed to prevent fire sprinkler leaks and accidental activations from escalating into major problems.
First Things First: Stop the Flow of Water
Before we dive into restoration options, it is essential to understand the importance of shutting off the water flow as quickly as possible. While that can be difficult with natural flooding, issues like fire sprinkler activations can be shut down with the right tools.
For running fire sprinkler systems, the Shutgun is a simplified tool that can save thousands of dollars in water damage. While you should know the location of all relevant valves for shutting off water sources within your building, professionals also recommend keeping a Shutgun tool next to every fire extinguisher for quick access during an emergency.
With several variants available, including the Concealed Head Shutgun, Sheared Head Shutgun, and Institutional Shutgun, there’s a tool that can match pretty much any type of fire sprinkler head.
DIY Repairs vs. Professional Water Damage Restoration
Now that you understand the urgency of stopping the water flow, we can discuss the two main options for water damage restoration. So, here’s a breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages of each option:
DIY Water Damage Restoration
It’s true that DIY water damage restoration has lower costs associated with it, and the advantage of being self-sufficient; however, not performing the restoration work correctly could cause more problems in the future.
Even if you miss just a small amount of moisture behind some drywall, flooring, or beneath some equipment, you could end up dealing with mould and severe structural damage down the line, which would end up costing you a lot more money than professional and thorough water restoration would have cost in the first place.
Furthermore, opting for non-professional or DIY-style water restoration could even invalidate insurance claims in the future. Additionally, to perform the job correctly, you would need to purchase or rent expensive commercial-grade dehumidifying equipment, rather than relying on professionals to use their existing equipment.
In the end, the up-front savings may be tempting, but you’ll probably end up paying more in the future, and the end results will be nowhere near as good as if you just trusted a certified and professional restoration team.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
Professional water damage restoration may seem expensive, especially when you’re talking upfront costs, but you’re also paying for the correct services and equipment.
Certified technicians will dry the area correctly, and they know how to identify subtle signs of moisture that can be difficult to spot. Not only will they repair the damage the water caused, but they’ll also prevent mould and rot from taking place.
Additionally, professionals tend to act more quickly, resulting in a faster turnaround than if you attempted to rectify the problem in-house. For business owners, this means your business can be up and running much faster.
For those with proper insurance coverage, professional restoration companies will provide the documentation you require to file a successful insurance claim.
Rather than going it alone, you can allow professionals to use industrial-strength drying systems, dehumidifiers, and even antimicrobial chemicals that most people wouldn’t have access to. In other words, pay more upfront, but enjoy the long-term cost savings and professional results you get with certified restoration teams.
Final Words
Just because DIY water restoration is rarely a good idea, it doesn’t mean that you can’t take action yourself. By investing in the Shutgun, you can prevent one of the main sources of major industrial water damage incidents.
Sure, if you’re just dealing with a small leak, clean it up yourself. However, if the damages are significant, trust professionals, as their higher standards and correct tools will enable you to move on and leave the unfortunate incident behind.