Even a minor leak warrants an immediate response. Because water damage is a problem that only gets worse when left untreated, have a water damage restoration service begin work sooner rather than later. Puddles of water that are left to sit grow bacteria and mold. Moisture can ruin fabrics and paint. Dampness, bacteria, and mold all encourage rot in your walls, sub-floors, and carpets. Water damage restoration repairs the damage done by a flood or leak, and protects your family from the health risks of bacteria and mold. In the event of water damage, follow these steps to limit risk and begin your water damage restoration process.
Document the damage
Be sure to document any damage to your house before grabbing a mop or turning on a fan. Luckily, smartphones make this process a snap. Photograph everything. If possible, photograph the source of the leak and the extent of the damage. You’re going to need this evidence when you submit your insurance claim. When you’re certain that you have more pictures than you’ll need, then you can begin emergency measures.
Emergency repairs
Water damage restoration begins with emergency repairs. If possible, stop the source of the leak. Common sources for household water damage include broken pipes and malfunctioning appliances. You may have to cut the water supply to your home. If you don’t know how to do this, contact a plumber or handyman.
Once the leak has stopped, work to dry the area as best you can. Towels, fans, and dehumidifiers are all great choices for drying. A combination of methods can yield faster results. If the weather outside permits, open the windows and allow dry air into the water damaged room. Set up a cross breeze with fans, and mop up or pat dry as much as you can using towels.
If the leaking won’t stop, focus on containment. Sandbags, buckets, or continuous mopping can help prevent additional water damage. Large quantities of water may require sump pumps or other commercial equipment. If this is the case, call a water damage restoration service immediately. Typically, you want to contact your insurance first, but emergency measures take precedence.
Likewise, if the water isn’t safe to handle, call a professional water damage restoration service. Amateurs should not touch certain types of floods and leaks, as the water may pose a health risk. If you know or suspect that water is contaminated by sewage, do not attempt to clean the water yourself. Take measures to prevent the spread of water and call a professional. Water that appears dark grey or black may be laced with chemicals, and should only be handled by professionals. This happens with a flooded garage or workshop where chemicals are stored.
Contact your insurance
Contact your insurance agency once you take the appropriate emergency steps. Your insurance company will provide you with information about your policy and even recommend water damage restoration services to hire. While these recommendations are useful, you don’t have to take their suggestions. Once you know what documentation your insurance company requires you can hire a water damage restoration service.
In conclusion, it’s important to act quickly to save your home from extensive water damage. Prompt emergency response limits the spread of the water, and ignoring a leak only increases the chance of mold and bacteria in your walls and floors. The sooner you take action the less severe your water damage will be.