05 Jan 7 Pivotal Steps to Take After Coming Across Water Damage in Your Home
It is not an exaggeration to say that water damage to your home can be a nuisance. Water damage can cause financial hardship, as well as emotional distress. You can reduce the financial, emotional and physical damage caused by a flood or water incident in your home if you act quickly.
Our Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company understands how devastating water damage can be. We also know that proactive steps to reduce water damage to your belongings and property can ease stress and help you regain control. These 7 steps will help you and your house recover from water damage.
Identify the source of water damage
Finding and fixing any water damage or a leak should be your top priority. Leakage is the most common cause of home water damage. However, it could also be caused by a malfunctioning appliance, a leaky roof or other construction defects.
Leaky pipes can be an indicator of much larger problems.
Even if you think the water damage is minor, it is important to take action as soon as possible. Your personal belongings as well as the structure of your home can be irreparably damaged by water damage caused by a leaky roof or pipe. Your family and you could also be exposed to environmental hazards such as mold.
After identifying the source of the leak, take photos to monitor the progression of the damage. Keep any photos that show the area affected before the water damage. Contact a Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company if you are unable to find the source. This is crucial to your rights to insurance and other remedies. You have a better chance of recovering your losses if you have more documentation.
Call Your Insurance Company
Contact your homeowner’s insurance company once the water has subsided. The policy you have will determine if you are covered for water damage.
An adjuster will be sent by the insurance company to assess the damage and determine whether the loss is covered. You can begin to document the cost of every item damaged if you have flood insurance. This will ensure that the adjuster doesn’t overlook anything when they visit your house.
If you immediately contact a Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company, they will work closely with your insurance company and the adjuster to ensure that everything is properly documented.
Protect yourself and your family
In any major disaster such as flooding, it is crucial to ensure that you, your family and your pets remain safe. Keep everyone safe.
- Switch off the power. But remember, electricity and water don’t mix. You should not turn off the power if you have to go into or stand in watery areas. You should not reenter a water-damaged house, no matter how dire the situation.
- Protect yourself against cuts or injuries that could be caused by bacteria-filled water.
- Protect your valuables To prevent staining, lift any wood furniture from wet carpet areas. Any area rugs that are on damp or wet flooring should be removed.
- Do not disturb visible mold.Releasing mold spores in the air will only increase the chances of mold growth.
You should not drive through flood-prone areas if you are forced to evacuate your home. Wait for the local authorities to give you the OK and listen the experts from Consumer Reports. Don’t drive through flood areas.
Start Water Damage Repair Immediately
The cleanup should be completed within 24 to 48 hours of the water damage. This is when mold growth can begin. Many times, the damage to a home is too severe for the homeowner. Floodwater can also contain harmful bacteria, making it unsafe to come in direct contact.
It’s time to call a professional to help you with the restoration. If you decide to carry out some water remediation work yourself make sure you have the proper protective gear and disinfecting wipes for your hands.
After assessing the damage, you can determine what salvageable items are and throw out any that is too damaged or unsafe to use. You might need to take out drywall, flooring, insulation, or other materials in order to prevent mold and mildew growth. Furniture can often be damaged or needs to dry out.
Choose the Type of Water
There are three water types:
- Clear water comes from leaking pipes and water heaters. Not sewage backup
- Gray water can contain chemicals or biological contaminants such as bacteria and mold. It is usually caused by appliance malfunctions such as sump pump failures or septic backups and washing machine discharge.
- Blackwater is the most dangerous type. It’s heavily contaminated by raw sewage from city sewage systems or private septic tanks. This poses serious health risks and requires professional cleanup.
After you have removed all standing water from your home, you will be able to begin dealing with damp items. You can use your central air conditioner to remove humidity from your home if the electricity has been restored. You can dry damp areas in your home with floor fans, air movers, or dehumidifiers.
You should keep an eye out for mold and mildew, and consult a professional restoration contractor such as CFRS. Remember that mold is a serious problem and it’s important to act quickly. Multiple studies have shown that mold and mildew risks are almost eliminated if the home is dried within 24 hours.
Check for Mold
Mold damage is less likely if your home is dried quickly. Sometimes mold can grow in places that you didn’t know existed, such as inside walls, pantries and mattresses, venting systems and fireplaces, crawlspaces, and other areas.
Mold growth can spread quickly, so it is possible to have to completely remove affected areas. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. It is important to have a professional inspect your home for mold and mildew issues. This will ensure that your family, friends, and home are safe.
To avoid mold damage from a water accident, you must take all necessary precautions to prevent spreading mold spores around your home. It is possible that you have heard bleach can be used to kill mold. However, bleach does not remove mold. Mold actually reacts to bleach by sending more mold spores into your air!
Long Beach Mold Remediation professionals will do thorough drying, and take other steps to reduce the likelihood of mold spreading throughout your house.
Start the Restoration Process
Water damage can occur quickly, causing structural damage or the destruction of valuable personal items. A Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company should immediately take care of the restoration and repair of any water damage.
Water restoration companies are trained to handle water emergencies such as flooding and leaking . They also provide cleanup services, assess your property for further damage and make sure repairs are done safely and thoroughly. Each situation is unique, but the most common water damage restoration work involves:
- Flood cleanup includes water extraction which decreases the risk of further damage.
- Sewage cleanup including antimicrobials and other disinfecting treatment.
- Drying or removal of contaminated objects like carpets and furniture. This step may include the drying or removal of wood floors, depending on the extent and severity of the damage.
- To save important documents and photos,
- Mold detection because undetected or lurks throughout your home. Rapid remediation and removal can minimize health- and safety-related problems.
- Repairs:which a water restoration company either supervises or executes such as roofing, electrical wiring, and drywall.
Although it is difficult to predict how long it will take to restore your home, Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company understands that time is a key factor in dealing with water damage. Most cases your home should be dried within three to five business days. This will prevent mold growth and foundation damage.
The faster you start the restoration process, then the better. It is important to contact a Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company that can provide emergency water damage restoration services. They will arrive quickly and begin cleaning up as soon as possible.