What Is The Recommended Duration For Running Dehumidifiers After Water Leaks?

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

As per records from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, there is a waste of approximately 1 trillion gallons of water each year that is caused by household water leaks. In addition, 37 % of homeowners admit having suffered financial losses due to water damage in their residences. Water leaks are truly more than just that annoying dripping water sound. They could mean going days getting involved in major clean-ups to ensure carpets, furniture, walls, and floors get thoroughly dried out. Running dehumidifiers after water leaks is also helpful during this process to support your efforts.

Do Dehumidifiers Help to Dry Out Water Damage?

Dehumidifiers work the same way like vacuum cleaners which is to take the moisture out from the air. Dehumidifiers basically involve two different processes which are absorption and adsorption. Absorption is the process of taking out moisture from a particular material that is drenched in water. Adsorption is when you lift off moisture from a surface. Dehumidifiers do not just help to dry out water leaks but they are also useful in reducing allergy symptoms. Dehumidifiers draw moist air from the room where flooding or a water leak has taken place. There is a rotating wheel inside the duct which is highly absorbent which is used to remove humidity in the air. Drier air is then being circulated back into the space which will help to dry out the dampness found inside the room.

How Long Should Dehumidifiers Be Run?

The duration that a dehumidifier needs to be run after flooding or water leak really depends on a number of factors. Water damage professionals will first assess the flooded area to determine the degree of the damage. Other factors that need to be considered are as follows:

• Size of Flooded Area – If the area is small, then the dehumidifier needs to be run for a much shorter period of time. However, if the entire house is affected, it is recommended to run several dehumidifiers at once for a number of days or up to an entire week. An enclosed area will also help dehumidifiers to function more efficiently.
• Humidity Levels – Another factor that affects the duration is the level of humidity in the area. During summer, you will typically need to run a dehumidifier much longer due to higher humidity levels. During the winter, the duration can be reduced as humidity levels are also lower.
• Severity of Damages – A water leak that happens in linoleum floor or concrete as well as in walls causes much lesser damage as these materials are not as absorbent. However, if the water leak seeps into your drywall, carpets, wooden furniture, and other wooden surfaces, then a dehumidifier needs to be run for a much longer period of time to achieve optimum results.

Regardless of your water damage situation, restoration experts at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan are able to provide a solution after a proper assessment. Get in touch with our team as soon as you uncover a water leak or flooding to keep the situation at bay.