DIY vs Professional Water Damage Cleanup: What you Need to Know

Water damage is one of the most stressful and costly issues a property owner can face. Whether it's a burst pipe, heavy rain, or a leaking appliance, it's tempting to grab some towels and a shop-vac and take care of it yourself. But the question is: should you DIY water damage cleanup, or call in the professionals?

In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of each approach--and when it's time to call a trusted restoration company like Riverside Restoration.

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Understanding the Severity of Water Damage

Before you make any decisions, it's crucial to understand the type and extent of the damage.

Water damage is classified into three categories:

• Category 1 - Clean water (e.g. broken water supply lines)

• Category 2 - Gray water (e.g. washing machine or dishwasher overflow)

• Category 3 - Black water (e.g. sewage or flood water)

The more contaminated the water, the higher the health risks--and the more urgent it is to bring in a pro.

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DIY Water Damage Cleanup: When it's Possible

For small, localized incidents involving clean water (like a minor sink overflow), a DIY approach might be okay--if you act quickly.

Pros of DIY Water Cleanup

• Cost-effective

• Immediate response

• Gives you a sense of control

Risks of DIY Water Damage cleanup

• Hidden moisture can lead to mold growth within 24-48 hours

• Incomplete drying can damage subfloors, drywall, and insulation

• You may miss structural or electrical hazards

• Potential voiding of insurance coverage if not handled properly

Unless you have professional-grade drying equipment and experience, you might be only addressing surface-level damage.

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Why hire a professional Water damage restoration company?

For anything beyond a small spill, hiring a certified restoration company like Riverside Restoration is the safest and most effective option.

Benefits of Professional Water Damage Cleanup

• Thorough moisture detection using a Tramex moisture meter

• Commercial-grade drying equipment for faster results

• Mold Prevention and remediation

• Help with insurance claims and documentation

• Safe removal of contaminated materials (especially with gray or black water)

• Restoration of damaged walls, flooring, and structures

When to call the pros

• The water is from a contaminated source

• The area affected is larger than 10 square feet

• The damage involves carpets, drywall or hardwood

• You notice signs of mold

• The water has been standing for more than 24 hours

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Final Thoughts: Play It safe with water damage

While DIY might seem like a quick fix, water damage is often more extensive than it appears. Improper cleanup can lead to long-term issues like mold, structural damage, and denied insurance claims.

At Riverside Restoration, we offer free water damage inspections to help you understand what you're dealing with--before it becomes a bigger problem.

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Need help now?

Contact Riverside Restoration today for fast, professional water damage cleanup. We'll identify the source, outline the next steps, and help you determine if your loss is covered by insurance.