A water mitigation company contains an affected area by creating a controlled environment using physical barriers and managing airflow. This process involves setting up heavy plastic sheeting to isolate the wet or contaminated space, sealing off air vents, and establishing negative air pressure with specialized equipment. This ensures that moisture, dust, mold spores, or other contaminants stirred up during the drying and demolition process do not spread to clean, unaffected parts of the home.
This containment strategy is a standard and critical part of professional water mitigation, designed to protect the property and its occupants. This article will break down the specific tools and techniques professionals use to establish a secure work zone, based on established industry standards.
Why Containment Is the First Priority
Before any drying or demolition begins, a professional team’s first goal is to stop the problem from getting worse. Water can travel quickly, and so can the problems that come with it. Without proper containment, a localized issue in a bathroom could lead to mold growth in an adjacent bedroom or contamination of the entire home’s HVAC system.
The primary goals of containment are:
- To Prevent Cross-Contamination: This is especially important when dealing with “gray” or “black” water, which contains bacteria and other harmful substances. Containment stops these contaminants from becoming airborne and spreading.
- To Protect Occupants: By isolating the work area, technicians protect the health of anyone still living in the home during the mitigation process.
- To Improve Drying Efficiency: A smaller, sealed-off area is much easier and faster to dry. This allows dehumidifiers and air movers to work more effectively, reducing the overall time and cost of the project. A report noted that focused drying in a contained area can reduce drying times by up to 40%.
The Tools and Materials of Containment
Professional containment is more than just taping up a plastic sheet. It’s a systematic process using specific materials and advanced equipment to create a truly isolated environment.
Physical Barriers
The most visible part of containment is the physical barrier, usually constructed from thick, 6-mil polyethylene sheeting. Technicians use this sheeting to build temporary walls that seal off the affected room or area. They use a system of tension poles and heavy-duty tape to create an airtight seal from floor to ceiling. Every potential exit point for air is addressed, including:
- Doorways, which are often sealed with a special zippered entry for controlled access.
- HVAC vents (both supply and return), which are covered to prevent the system from pulling contaminated air into the rest of the house.
- Windows and other small openings.
Bonus Tip: Before work starts, homeowners should confirm with the technicians that the home’s HVAC system will be shut down. Running the system while a contaminated area is open can quickly spread mold spores throughout the entire house.
Airflow Management
The unseen but most important part of containment is controlling the air itself. Professionals do this by creating negative air pressure within the contained area. This means they are constantly pulling air out of the work zone, which ensures that air only flows into the space, not out of it.
They achieve this using an Air Filtration Device (AFD), commonly called an air scrubber. This machine pulls air from the contained area through a series of filters, including a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. The HEPA filter is capable of capturing 99.97% of airborne particles, including microscopic mold spores and dust. The filtered air is then exhausted outside the containment zone, creating the negative pressure that keeps the area sealed.
Comparing Containment Levels for Different Scenarios
Not all water damage requires the same level of containment. Professionals adjust their approach based on the category of water they are dealing with, as defined by industry standards.
| Water Category | Description | Typical Containment Level |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 (Clean Water) | Water from a sanitary source, like a broken supply line or an overflowing sink with no contaminants. | Source Containment: Minimal containment focused right at the source may be sufficient if the area is small and addressed quickly. |
| Category 2 (Gray Water) | Water that is significantly contaminated and could cause discomfort or sickness. Examples include dishwasher overflows or washing machine leaks. | Moderate Containment: Full plastic barriers are typically used, and air scrubbers may be needed to control airborne contaminants. |
| Category 3 (Black Water) | Grossly contaminated water that can cause severe illness. This includes sewage backflows and floodwaters from rivers or streams. | Full Containment with Negative Air Pressure: This is mandatory. An airtight seal and continuous negative air pressure are required to protect the rest of the property. |
Bonus Tip: If you’re unsure about the source of the water, it’s always safest to treat it as if it’s contaminated. Let the professionals make the final determination, as they are trained to identify the risks.
Things to Consider Before Making a Decision
When choosing a water mitigation company, their approach to containment speaks volumes about their professionalism and commitment to safety.
First, ask if they follow the IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration. This is the industry’s accepted guide, and it outlines the proper procedures for containment and mitigation. A company that adheres to this standard is demonstrating a commitment to doing the job correctly.
Second, inquire about their equipment. Do their air scrubbers use true HEPA filters? A “HEPA-type” filter is not the same and will not capture the microscopic particles that pose the greatest risk. The company should be able to confirm that their equipment meets this high standard.
Finally, observe their process. A professional team will work cleanly and methodically. They should be able to explain exactly what they are doing and why, from setting up the initial perimeter to managing entry and exit from the work zone.
Questions People Ask About Mitigation Work
How long do the containment barriers stay up?
The containment barriers remain in place until the area is completely dry, has been thoroughly cleaned, and, in some cases, has passed a third-party clearance test to confirm that air quality is back to normal.
Can I go inside the contained area while they are working?
It is strongly recommended that you do not. Entering the area can compromise the containment, spread contaminants to other parts of the house, and expose you to potential safety hazards.
Will the containment process make the rest of my house dusty?
No, quite the opposite. When done correctly with negative air pressure, the containment is designed to prevent any dust, mold spores, or other particles from escaping the work zone.
What is the difference between an air scrubber and a dehumidifier?
An air scrubber cleans the air by filtering out particles. A dehumidifier removes moisture from the air to help dry the structure. Both are often used together during a mitigation project, but they perform very different jobs.
Is containment really necessary for a small leak?
It depends on the situation. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth if not dried properly. If any demolition of materials like drywall or flooring is required, at least some level of source containment is a good practice to prevent dust and debris from spreading.
Containment is Control Not Just Cleanup
Proper containment is a non-negotiable part of professional water mitigation restoration. It’s a scientific process that protects the value of your property and the health of your family. By isolating the affected area, managing airflow, and controlling the spread of contaminants, a mitigation company doesn’t just clean up a mess; they control the situation and prevent a small problem from turning into a much larger one.
Finding a Water Mitigation Expert
When you are dealing with water damage, you need a team that understands the science behind proper containment and restoration. A company that follows strict industry standards can give you confidence that the job will be done right. For homeowners who need a professional assessment, Prestige NW Restoration provides services based on IICRC guidelines. Their certified technicians can establish proper containment and create a safe and effective plan for drying and restoring a property. They can be reached at (360) 334-3624 or by email at [email protected] for a consultation.
Reviewer: Matthew Moore brings over 15 years of experience in residential renovation marketing. The review provided helped shape this content to better connect with homeowners seeking reliable, high-quality restoration and home improvement services.