23 Dec 7 Pivotal Steps to Take After Discovering Water Damage in Your Home
Water damage to your home can be quite the problem. This can lead to financial hardships and emotional distress. The sooner you address the aftermath of a water accident or flood in a home, the sooner you can help minimize the emotional, financial, and physical harm.
Our Long Beach Water Damage Restoration technicians understand how much devastation water damage can cause. However, we know that taking proactive steps to mitigate the effects of water on your property and belongings will reduce stress and help you regain control. These 7 steps can help you, your home and those around you recover from water damage.
1. If Possible, Identify the Source of Water Damage
Identifying and stopping any source of water damage is your first priority. The majority of water damage in homes is caused by leaking pipes. But, this could also be due to a defect in construction, an appliance malfunction, or a leaky roof.
One thing is certain when it comes down to leaky pipes. What may seem such as a minor problem can quickly become a major problem. It is crucial to act immediately even if initial water damage appears minor. Water damage to your home and personal belongings can cause irreparable harm if it isn’t fixed immediately. Environmental hazards, such as mold, could also put you and your family at risk.
Once you have identified the leak’s source take photos so that you can track the damage. You should also keep photos of the affected area prior to the water damage. If you can’t locate the source of the damage, contact a professional to inspect the area. This will help to protect your rights to compensation from insurance companies and other remedies. Your chances of recovering your losses are greater if you have as much documentation as possible.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
After the water recedes, contact your homeowners insurance company. The type of policy you have will affect whether you are covered for water damages. The insurance company will send an adjuster out to assess the damage, and determine if it is covered. Start documenting the damage to each item if you already have flood insurance. This helps ensure the adjuster doesn’t forget anything when they visit you home.
If you call a reliable Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company as soon as possible, they will work with your insurance company and the adjuster to make sure everything is properly documented.
3. Protect Yourself and Your Family
It is essential to make sure your family, pets, and yourself are safe in the event of a major disaster such as a flood. You can help keep your family safe and protected.
- Turn off power – But remember that electricity and water can’t mix! If you need to stand or enter wet areas in order to turn off the electricity, it’s better to leave it on until an expert such as an electrician can assist you. It doesn’t matter what situation you find yourself in, don’t allow water to enter your home again until the electricity has been turned off.
- Wear protective clothing – Gloves and rubber boots can protect you from cuts and injuries that may be caused bacteria-laden water.
- Protect valuables – If possible, lift wooden furniture from wet areas of carpet and place aluminum foil underneath the feet to prevent staining. Take out any area rug that is on wet or damp flooring.
- Avoid disturbing visible mold –Releasing mold spores in the air will only increase your chances of future mold growth.
If you were forced from your home by flooding or other dangerous conditions, make sure you have the right permission to return. Wait for your local authorities to give their approval and consult the experts at Consumer Reports. Do not drive through any flood-prone areas.
4. Start Water Damage Repair Right Away
It is best to begin the mold remediation process within 24 hours to 48 hour after water damage has happened. Mold proliferation can be very rapid in this time period.
A homeowner may not be able to manage the home’s extensive damage on their own. It can be dangerous to get into floodwater as it can contain harmful bacteria or other contaminants. It’s time to call a professional to help you with the water damage restoration. If you choose to carry out some water remediation yourself, make sure you wear the appropriate protective gear and wash your hands with disinfecting wipes afterward.
Once you have assessed the damage, decide what can be salvaged and toss any items that are no longer safe to use. It is possible to also remove drywall, flooring and insulation from your home in order prevent mold and mildew spreading. Furniture is often damaged and needs to be dried out.
5. Find Out the Type of Water
There are three main water classifications:
- Pure water is clean and comes from leaking pipes or water heaters. It does not contain sewage backup
- Gray Water is a mixture of chemicals and biological contaminants. This can be caused by malfunctions in appliances like sump pumps, septic backups, washing machine discharge, or dishwasher failures.
- Black water This is the most harmful type of water, because it contains a lot of raw sewage from either private septic tank or city sewage system. It can pose serious health hazards and should be cleaned up by a professional.
You can now deal with damp belongings once all the standing water has been removed. Once the power has been restored, you can turn on your central air conditioning to eliminate humidity. Dehumidifiers, floor fans, and air movers can all be used to dry damp areas.
Make sure to keep an eye on mold and mildew. Consult a professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company before you disturb the structure. When it comes to mold, you need to act fast. Multiple studies show that mildew and mold can be eliminated almost immediately if the house is dried out within 24 hours.
6. For mold, check the area.
You are less likely to suffer from significant mold damage if you dry your home quickly. Sometimes mold may grow in places you haven’t considered, like inside walls and pantries. You might have to exterminate the affected areas if mold growth continues to spread. A professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company can assess your home for any signs of mold or mildew to ensure your safety.
To prevent mold damage following a water incident take every precaution to stop the spread of mold spores through your home. Some people believe bleach is an effective way to get rid of mold. However, bleach does not remove mold. Actually, bleach can actually make mold more active by sending mold spores through the air.
Mold remediation services include thorough drying, and other steps that will significantly reduce the chance of mold spreading throughout your home.
7. Get Started with the Restoration Process
Water damage can quickly occur, causing structural damage or the loss of personal items. Water restoration professionals should immediately begin to repair and restore the damage caused by water.
Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company is available to help with water emergencies such as flooding or leaked pipes. They can also offer cleanup services, assess your property for additional damage and make sure repairs are done safely and thoroughly. Every situation is unique. However, most water damage restoration work includes the following:
- Flood cleanup, which includes water extraction, reduces the possibility of additional damage.
- Sewage cleanup with antimicrobial and other disinfecting methods.
- Cleaning up or removing contaminated items such as furniture, carpets, and other household goods. This may involve wood floor drying or removal, depending on how severe the damage is.
- Use Document drying for important paperwork and photos.
- Mold detection undetected mold often lurks in the home. It is important to quickly remediate and remove mold from your home in order to minimize safety and health issues.
- Repairs: which a water damages restoration company either supervises or executes such as roofing, wiring and drywall.
It’s difficult to predict the time it will take for your restoration, but a Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company is well-versed in this area. To avoid foundation damage and mold growth, most homes should be dried within 3 to 5 days. The quicker you begin the restoration process the better. Most Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Companies can quickly respond to your emergency and start cleanup.