If you’re a house owner, you will most likely deal with water damage at some point. According to statistics, water damage claims cost insurance companies a significant $13 billion in 2017.
Every homeowner’s nightmare is to get up in the middle of the night with water rushing out of somewhere it should not be. Regardless of how new your home is, water damage can still affect and even damage it. Below are some do it yourself ideas on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
Identify the Source of the Water
After ensuring that it’s safe for you and your family to remain inside your residence, find the water source. Depending on where the water originates, it may be not easy at times, but take note of visible signs in all the corners of your home. For instance, water damage in ceilings can be challenging to identify if the water is coming from the roof or somewhere else.
To help you quickly locate the water damage source, look for water stains, swollen, or discolorations, which are the most common signs. These are generally found in drywall, doors, and cabinets.
Shut off Electrical Power and Water Source
If you find out that the water source is coming from your house, like a pipe, shut off the water source right away. This will help reduce any additional damage caused by the water. Switch off electricity and electronics in the affected rooms or location, and move electronic items away from the area.
When dealing with electricity or an electronic object, consider your safety first. Be cautious when you are standing in water, or your clothes are wet and trying to recover a soaked electronic gadget. Find a way to disconnect if it’s submerged and is still connected to an external power source, like switching it off from a breaker.
Move Items Far From the Affected Area
If you let your belongings sit in the water for an extended duration, it can cause additional damage that makes it hard to restore them. If you can not move vast and heavy furniture or home appliances, you might need the assistance of a disaster restoration company. They will put your belongings on the block to keep them off the ground and out of the water.
Also, if you have vanities and cabinets that can’t be moved, they are the right people to determine if water went through behind these items. If possible, hire professionals near your area to cater to your needs immediately. Start by going online and search, “restoration contractors near me” to narrow your search.
Remove the Water
After switching off electronic devices, electrical power, and water source, and the materials have been moved, removing the standing water must be your next priority. If there’s not too much-standing water or the affected location is small, a vacuum cleaner may work. However, if it is more than 100 square feet, calling the professionals is always the best.
Allow Air in the Area
Even if you remove the water, there are still wet materials you need to remove or dry. If you don’t, you might find yourself experiencing issues with molds in the next few days, which is the last thing you want. Though your tools and equipment can not compete with professional drying tools, dehumidifiers and fans may help.
If it’s possible, open the windows to let air enter your home. In severe damage, calling specialist companies is strongly advised since they also have moisture detecting tools. You may visit this page to learn more about residential and industrial water damage.
