How to Deal with Water Damage

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage is inevitable, whether it is from a storm, a leaking pipe, or even an overflowing toilet. When water infiltrates your home, many areas can suffer. It is important to begin the restoration process as soon as possible so that you can prevent further damage from occurring. Here are some steps you can implement after a water damage to ensure your home does not sustain permanent damage:

Step 1: Safety First – The most important thing to do after water damage has occurred is to ensure the safety of you and your family. Be sure to assess the threat and be cautious of any visible structural damage that could be potentially dangerous like loosened or cracked foundation, holes, or warping. Be sure to consider the source of the water, is the water contaminated or did it come from a clean source? 

Step 2: Attempt to Stop and Remove the Water – The first thing technicians will ask you to do when you call, if you have not done so already, is to stop the flow by turning off the water at the main line. Standing water causes more damage in your home every minute it remains where it is not supposed to be. Standing water can sink into the floor and seep into the walls. Professionals can use industrial equipment to remove water quickly and safely. 

Step 3: Turn off Power in the Flooded Area - Electricity and water are not a safe combination. Shut off breakers to the area where the water damage occurred, so that if you or technicians need to enter the water, you are not putting yourselves in danger. 

Step 4: Remove Wet or Damaged Belongings – It is essential to remove your personal belongings from wet areas in order to limit the chances of permanent water damage and prevent staining. If personal items cannot be salvaged, technicians will dispose of them properly. Clearing out your personal belongings will make any needed restoration of your home faster and easier.

Step 5: Dry the Area - The last step of the water cleanup process is drying the area. One of the biggest effects of water damage is the growth of mold. Mold grows quickly, within 24 to 48 hours. A professional mold remediation service will help you to assess mold growth and remove it properly and quickly.

While there are steps you can take in order to ease the amount of water damage after a flood or pipe failure, it is important to call a professional restoration company to truly return your home to its best condition. SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus will ease this process as we have a dedicated team, professional equipment, and over 30 years of experience remediating water damage. If you experience a water damage, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chesterfield and SERVPRO of Tri-Cities, Plus at 804-378-2323.