Water damage is one of the most devastating problems you can face at home. The most common causes of water damage are severe flooding, leaky faucets, dripping taps, and faulty water mains. Flooded basements and sewage water are also common problems. Regardless of the cause, you may find yourself staring at puddles of water and dripping walls, thinking about the best way to mitigate the damage.

Water Damage - 7 Steps You Should Take Right Away

It is often difficult to procrastinate remediation actions because of your limited time. The longer water remains clogged in one area, the higher are the chances of further damage. In addition, mold begins to grow within twenty hours, causing health problems for the residents. Moreover, persistent and unattended water damage can also cause structural and functional issues, such as damage to the foundations and electrical wiring. In these cases, it is critical to act quickly. But, how should one react when the house has been flooded?

The first step is to determine the source of water damage. If leakage in the pipe causes it, the pipe should be repaired immediately. If it is a faulty line behind the toilet, close the supply valve to prevent it from exacerbating the current circumstances.

Here’s a list of some steps you should immediately take following a water damage event:

  1. Contact a water damage expert

    Before you begin the remediation process, it is a good idea to determine the extent of the damage. An expert water damage advisor is the best person to provide you with a precise estimate. They use professional knowledge and technological tools to determine the extent of water damage to your home. For more information about connecting with a water damage expert, click here to get a lead on your search. In addition to helping you determine the best course of action, these professionals can also help you contain the spread of water damage.

  1. Connect with your house insurance company

    Insurance companies categorize water damage among the most expensive claims homeowners file these days. In many cases, it causes severe damage to the foundations, walls, and other parts of the house. Therefore, you should check with your house insurance company to ensure that the expenses are covered. Then, you must document the value of everything damaged by water and provide photos taken before, during, and after the cleaning process. One of the company’s representatives will most likely visit your home to inspect it. The insurance money can be a big relief for the homeowners already dealing with the devastations of water damage.

  1. Ensure the safety of your family

    Making certain about the safety of yourself and your loved ones takes precedence over everything else. Water damage can potentially cause problems with the electrical wiring network, posing a serious safety threat to residents. You must make sure the power is turned off from the main, no loose wires are hanging around, and electrical appliances are kept away from water. But if reaching your power main requires standing in water, it is better to call an electrician than take any risk.

  1. Remove your belongings from the floor

    After the water damage, you must start removing carpets and rugs from the wet floor. If the water is only inside the house, put the carpets outside on the flat surface, otherwise send them to professional carpet cleaners. There is a chance that you may have to leave your house so that the cleaners can do their work.

  1. Take out all the water

    The most important thing you can do to limit the damage is to remove the excess water. Be sure to wear all of the protective gear, including rubber boots and gloves, as the water may contain contaminants and bacteria. You can remove all the excess water in less time by using wipers, buckets, and plastic tubs.

    If you decide to call in a professional, they will help you with this task as well, as they know how to remove the water and dry the area safely and effectively.

  1. Dry out the area

    Once the water is out, it is time to dry out the whole area affected by water damage. You also need to remove excessive humidity from the air, preventing your house from becoming a perfect breeding ground for mold. Use fans to dry the place, and let the sunlight into the house. You can also use dehumidifiers in different areas to speed up the drying process. Professional dehumidifiers are larger and more efficient in their work, so you can also opt for them.

  1. Clean and restore your belongings

    Once you have dried out everything, it is time to clean your house. Pack all the stuff ruined by water damage, clean, repair, and restore the rest. Clean the walls and windows using sprays, disinfect the walls and other surfaces, and send the furniture for repair to save money. Water damage also creates foul smells in the house; therefore, odor removing sprays and machines can be beneficial.

Conclusion

Water damage is a serious issue regardless of its intensity, often leading to mold growth and property damage. As a result, homeowners are only left with the option to contain its spread and prevent further water penetration. Taking prompt action is always recommended in such a situation.  Persistent water damage can lead to other serious issues such as water ingress—water penetrating to the structure and foundation of your house through walls. Some people gear up to deal with water damage, while others hire water damage advisors. Whichever decision you take, be sure to restore your house to normal as soon as possible.

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