Water Mitigation
What is it
Water mitigation is the process of cleaning, repairing, and restoring a property after it has been damaged by water. This damage can come from events such as burst pipes, flooding, sewer backups, appliance failures, storm damage, or leaks. The goal of water restoration is to return the home or building to its pre-damage condition safely, efficiently, and thoroughly.
The 3 Categories of Water in Water Restoration
Category 1 – Clean Water
Description:
This is water that originates from a clean, sanitary source and poses little to no immediate health risk.
Common Sources:
- Broken supply lines
- Sink or tub overflows with no contaminants
- Melting ice or snow
- Rainwater from an uncontaminated source
Restoration Approach:
If addressed quickly, many materials can be dried and saved. However, if Category 1 water sits too long, it can degrade into Category 2.
Category 2 – Gray Water
Description:
This water contains significant contamination and can cause discomfort or illness if touched or ingested. It may contain chemicals, microorganisms, soaps, or organic matter.
Common Sources:
- Washing machine discharge
- Dishwasher leaks
- Toilet overflows without feces
- Water that has sat long enough to deteriorate from Category 1
Restoration Approach:
Materials affected by gray water may need to be removed depending on saturation. Cleaning, disinfecting, and thorough drying are essential.
Category 3 – Black Water
Description:
This is highly contaminated, hazardous water that can contain pathogens, sewage, chemicals, or toxins. Direct contact poses serious health risks.
Common Sources:
- Sewage backups
- Floodwater from rivers or streams
- Storm surge or groundwater flooding
- Toilet overflows with feces
- Any water that has been sitting long enough to grow bacteria or mold
Restoration Approach:
Strict safety protocols are required. Most porous materials must be removed. Professional remediation, sanitizing, and decontamination are critical.
Key Parts of Water Mitigation
1. Emergency Response & Assessment
RTS quickly evaluate the source and extent of the damage including lead and asbestos testing to create a restoration plan.
2. Water Extraction
Standing water is removed using pumps, vacuums, or specialized equipment.
3. Cleaning & Sanitizing
Affected areas are cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized to ensure the environment is safe and free of contaminants.
4. Drying & Dehumidification
Industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and drying systems remove hidden moisture from walls, floors, ceilings, and materials to prevent mold growth.
5. Mold Remediation & Prevention
If moisture has led to mold growth, certified specialists remove contaminated materials, treat affected surfaces, and use preventive measures to stop mold from returning. This ensures the home is safe, healthy, and structurally sound.
6. Repairs & Restoration
Once the affected area is fully dried and safe, the restoration phase begins. This can include structural repairs, flooring replacement, drywall installation, painting, and any necessary rebuilds.
But it doesn’t have to stop at simply fixing the damage—this is also the perfect opportunity to upgrade, redesign, or transform the space entirely. With the right vision and craftsmanship, we can turn your disaster into your dream renovation, creating a space that’s better, stronger, and more beautiful than before.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing and conditioning the crawl space beneath your home to protect it from moisture, mold, pests, and structural damage. By creating a clean, dry, controlled environment, encapsulation helps improve your home’s air quality, comfort, and long-term durability.
Most crawl spaces are open to the dirt and outside air. This allows humidity, water, and pests to enter—leading to issues like mold growth, wood rot, foul odors, and even higher energy bills. Encapsulation solves these problems by turning the crawl space into a protected, healthy part of your home.
How Crawl Space Encapsulation Works
1. Moisture & Water Control
Any standing water is removed, and drainage solutions may be installed—such as french drains or a sump pump—to prevent future water intrusion.
2. Vapor Barrier Installation
A thick, durable vapor barrier (usually 12–20 mil) is installed on the ground and up the walls. This creates a sealed moisture barrier that stops humidity from rising into the crawl space.
3. Sealing Vents & Openings
All exterior vents, gaps, and cracks are sealed to block outside air, pests, and humidity from entering.
4. Insulation Upgrades
Insulation is applied to the walls rather than the floor above, keeping temperatures stable and improving energy efficiency.
5. Dehumidification
A dedicated crawl space dehumidifier is added to maintain ideal humidity levels, preventing mold and protecting the structure long-term.
Why Crawl Space Encapsulation Matters
✔ Prevents Mold & Mildew
Moist crawl spaces are a perfect environment for mold, which can travel into your home’s air.
✔ Protects Your Home’s Structure
Reduces wood rot, sagging floors, and foundation damage caused by humidity and moisture.
✔ Improves Indoor Air Quality
Up to 50% of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space. A clean, dry crawl space means healthier air inside your home.
✔ Reduces Energy Bills
A sealed crawl space prevents hot, humid air from entering, which helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.
✔ Increases Home Comfort & Value
Less moisture, fewer pests, and a more stable home environment create long-term protection and added resale value.
Who Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation?
You may benefit if you notice:
- Musty odors in the home
- Cold floors or uneven temperatures
- Visible mold in the crawl space
- Standing water or high humidity
- Sagging or soft flooring
- Increased energy bills
- Pest problems
Plumbing Services at RTS Plumbing and Restoration Services
RTS provides dependable, experienced, and honest plumbing solutions for homeowners and businesses throughout the community. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn drain, a failing water heater, or a leak with no obvious source, we deliver fast, skilled service with integrity and fair pricing.
Our Plumbing Services Include:
✔ Drain Cleaning & Clearing
We eliminate clogs, backups, and slow drains using professional cabling and cleaning equipment. From kitchen sinks to main sewer lines, RTS restores proper flow quickly and safely.
✔ Sewer Line Inspection & Cleaning
Using advanced sewer cameras, we inspect pipes from the inside to locate blockages, cracks, root intrusion, or structural issues. Once identified, we perform thorough sewer cleaning to keep your system operating smoothly.
✔ Sewer Line Repair & Replacement
When sewer lines are damaged, collapsed, or repeatedly clog, RTS provides expert repair or full replacement. We ensure your system is safe, functional, and built for long-term reliability.
✔ Sewer Liners (Trenchless Options)
In many cases, we can repair damaged sewer pipes without digging up your yard. Sewer lining creates a new, durable pipe inside the old one—quick, efficient, and minimally invasive.
✔ Water Heater Repair & Installation
We service, repair, and install both traditional and tankless water heaters to ensure consistent, dependable hot water for your home or business.
✔ Sump Pump Installation & Repair
RTS installs and services sump pumps to protect your basement or crawlspace from flooding, groundwater intrusion, and foundation moisture issues.
✔ Leak Detection & “Mystery Leak” Solutions
Sometimes a leak isn’t obvious—water stains appear, humidity rises, or your water bill increases without explanation. RTS uses specialized leak-detecting tools and years of hands-on expertise to:
- Track the source of hidden leaks inside walls, ceilings, or underground
- Pinpoint failing pipes, fittings, or fixtures
- Prevent further damage with accurate, efficient repair
Whether it's a drip you can see or a problem you suspect, we find the issue fast and fix it correctly.
Why Homeowners Trust RTS
RTS combines over 20 years of skilled plumbing experience with honest communication, fair pricing, and quality workmanship. We show up, we do it right, and we stand behind our work—every time.
