There are many different circumstances that can result in water damage inside your home. Whether you had a leaky roof, a burst water pipe, a malfunctioning appliance, or other such scenarios, the variables are likely that you can experience water damage in your home at some point in your life. Where hiring a professional to come and assist you as quickly as possible is crucial to minimize the damage and reduce the risk of mold growth, there are some things that you should in the mean time and what you shouldn’t do. We at Disaster Services would like to share the dos and don’ts of water damage clean up.
What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?
1) Immediately unplug and remove any electronic devices close proximity to the area that is inflicted with the water damage and at the power breaker, switch off the outlets for added safety.
2) Remove the furniture as well as other treasures and move it to a dry location and any other possessions and clutter. The quicker you move your treasure the odds of them being salvaged increase and you expedite the water extraction process as well.
3) Call insurance and find out how the claims work. You may have to take photos yourself or an adjuster might have to come first. If you don’t intend on hiring a professional once you know how the insurance aspects work, start removing the water as quickly as possible. Wet/dry vacuums and water pumps can help remove the water, but professional assistance is optimal.
4) After standing water is removed, use towels to absorb remaining moisture (if professionals are not called).
5) To expedite the drying process, switch on any and all fans, as well as opening the doors and windows if the weather permits to dry the subfloor and walls (if professionals are not hired).
6) To ensure efficient drying, wipe down the salvageable furniture and possessions. If it is a sunny day and you have easy access, let your stuff dry with the help of the sun’s rays.
7) Any cushions and upholstery that have been inflicted by water can have the water extracted with wet vac to remove as much water as possible (if professionals are not hired).
8) To optimize drying and to allow better air circulation, open drawers and cupboards of applicable furnishes.
9) Evaluate the baseboards, flooring, walls, and any other structural elements that were inflicted with the water damage. Replace anything that was comprised by the water damage. Professional water damage restoration companies often include this step; if you are doing it along and you are unsure, hire a professional to determine what is unsalvageable.
What Not to Do After Water Damage?
1) Mildew and mold can thrive on organic materials, do not neglect fabrics, vinyl, or leather products in the flooded area or it could cause irreversible damage. Take all these items to a dry location. This also includes books, magazines, art work, or any other paper products; they are also susceptible to water damage.
2) Never use a regular household vacuum to try and extract the water.
3) Do not use electronics in the rooms where flooding occurred and if you use fans to help the drying process, plug them in a separate room. Be sure to safely run an extension cord to reach the water damaged area.
4) Do not flip the ceiling fan or any of the lights on if the walls or ceiling experienced flooding.
Flood & Water Damage Restoration in Baytown, Pasadena, Humble, Deer Park, Crosby, Channelview, League City, Pearland, Missouri City, Sugar Land, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring & Greater Houston, Texas
Water damage can do more damage beneath the surface, without complete extraction of the water fully drying the water, the moisture will only continue to damage the structure and leave your home susceptible to mold. Avoid the risk of costly damage down the road and let Disaster Services ensure the water damage restoration process is done right the first time and call as as quickly as possible!
