20 Oct 7 Of The More Notable Water Damage Mistakes to Try And Avoid
It can be very devastating to see your house flood. The first instinct of most people is to save what they can and then get on with cleaning. Only then will they think about calling an emergency mitigation company.
While our initial instincts may make sense psychologically, our first reaction should be to call an experienced and trusted restoration company. They will have the right tools and expertise to repair the damage and complete the restoration.
We have seen the seven biggest mistakes people make when trying to tackle flood damage by themselves. This is a result of our extensive experience. These are common mistakes that are easy to understand, but can lead to flooding and more problems later.
Waiting Too Long
Water can be dangerous. Water can seep through floors, walls, drywall, and carpets. The longer you leave it, the more water will continue to do its destructive work and cause further problems. Sometimes homeowners try to do the initial cleanup themselves and delay calling a professional until they decide if they need it.
water can leak and cause structural damage to the foundations of your house. Experienced crews are able to identify the damage and repair it. However, the longer you wait to address the problem, the more serious and costly it will become.
Failure to Address the Root Cause
It is possible to believe that the flooding was caused by a burst pipe. The problem that appears is often not the real issue. While a burst pipe might be the obvious cause of flooding, there are often other problems that need to be addressed. A Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company can help you determine the cause of the problem and fix it.
Using the Wrong Equipment
For everyday cleaning and tidying, you can use buckets, brushes, mops and towels. Floods are an extreme situation that requires extraordinary tools and equipment.
Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Companies use professional tools to pump water, dehumidify and deodorize large areas. This is done quickly to minimize water damage. They also know how to minimize the damage.
Homeowners can make matters worse by cleaning up with their everyday tools. This can lead to water getting into corners and carpets, and worsening the situation and creating breeding ground for mold.
Ignoring Hidden Water Damage
To assess the extent of damage caused by flooding, a house must be inspected thoroughly. Sometimes damage can be hidden and only visible in tiny stains or mold.
Cleaning up flood waters is, in a way, the easiest part. However, expert knowledge and equipment are required to assess hidden damage. Special tools are available to help determine if there is residual humidity in floors and walls.
To ensure that the house is not permanently damaged, experts will inspect the foundation. They will disinfect areas that have been flooded to ensure no mold growth.
Throwing Away Personal Belongings
The first instinct of people is to try and salvage as much material as possible from the flood. This instinct is very natural and understandable. But, people forget that floodwater is often contaminated by bacteria. Before personal belongings can be used again, they must be properly disinfected.
A common error is to discard items that are beyond repair. A professional with the right equipment and experience can restore water-damaged belongings back to their former glory.
An expert restoration specialist will assess whether the item can be repaired and will provide the tools necessary to do so. Even the most damaged items can be repaired with the right tools.
Not Taking Safety Precautions
Hidden damage can include broken pipes, dirty water contaminated with bacteria, unsound flooring, potential electric shocks, broken glass, debris and gas lines. These are safety risks that only experts can deal with. These dangers can sometimes be overlooked by homeowners who are trying to protect their belongings.
In the same way, many homeowners neglect to use helmets and other safety gear while inspecting or fixing up their home. This can cause personal injury and even worse problems than the flooding.
Incorrectly Documenting the Damage
Documenting water damage can be done quickly and efficiently thanks to the equipment and machinery that are available to experienced restoration crews. This is especially important for your insurance company. Flood damage will be covered by your insurance policy. However, they will need documentation detailing the actual damage.
Your insurance policy won’t pay for residual water damage if you only document a portion of the water damage. The cost could be covered by you. An experienced and reputable Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company will give you a detailed list of flood damage. Once you have this information, your insurance company will pay you compensation and your home will be safe for you and the family.
Peace of mind
Flooding and water damage can lead to a lot stress. This is why a restoration company can help you in so many ways.
- They have the expertise and crews to start the restoration and mitigation processes.
- They are equipped with the right tools to solve problems.
- They are able to identify the root causes of flooding and investigate them.
- They won’t ignore hidden damages.
- They will ensure that your home is safe, clean, and disinfected.
- They can fix any item you consider to be unsalvageable.