6 Steps To take if you have Water Damage in your house
If you’ve experienced water damage in your home or business, it’s important to take quick and decisive action to minimize further damage and prevent dangerous mould growth. But where do you start? In this blog, we’ll provide a 6-step guide on what to do when you have water damage, including safety, emergency DIY water removal and drying, water damage assessment, insurance company, and working with a water damage restoration company to get your property back to its pre-damage condition. Whether you’re dealing with a small leak or a major flood, we’ve got you covered with the information you need to get the repair process started.
1. First - Ensure Safety
Turn off the main water line, the power supply and the gas connections in your home. Water and electricity are a deadly combination; it can electrocute unknowingly. Similarly, broken gas connections exposed to water in a closed space can lead to an explosion. Turning off the utilities ensures safety for all. Also, remember that you should not move around flooded floors without proper protection. Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing to prevent contamination, allergies, or skin infections.
2. Cleaning Up the Debris
Next, try to clean up and clear the clutter. Floodwaters bring along a lot of debris in the form of leaves, branches, and garbage. Clear your house of the debris and try to salvage the furniture and appliances. Take out the wet furniture, rugs, and carpets out into the open. Remove all the essentials from the wet area and dry them. Seek out help from neighbors and friends until professional help arrives. You can discard things that are severely damaged or retain them if you have insurance to claim. Clear the clutter to get a fair idea about the damage caused by the flooding.
3. Water Damage Extraction and Drying
The next thing that needs to be done is removing stagnant water from your house, preferably best advisable done by a professional. If it's a DIY job and you have the right equipment, a submersible water pump or wet vac works if it's a small puddle like a flood, water over a half-inch depth call a pro. Extract the water into your backyard. Be sure it is at least 15 feet away from the dwelling structure. Remember to be careful with electric pumps to avoid shocks. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and dryers to dry out the walls and wet areas. If your heating system is functioning, use it to blow warm, dry air through the property to remove moisture. This way, you can prevent the growth of mould and mildew within your property.
4. Hire a professional to Assess the water damage
It's important to hire a professional water damage restoration company to assess the damage. These professionals have the expertise and specialized inspection equipment to properly evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action for repairs. Not only can they assess the damage, but they can also provide guidance on how to prevent future water damage and advise you on the insurance claims process. Don't try to assess the damage yourself or attempt repairs without proper training and equipment - leave it to the experts to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
5. Contact a Water Damage Restoration Company or my Insurance Provider?
It is recommended to contact a water damage restoration company before contacting your insurance company, as they can advise you on the necessary steps to take and help you navigate the insurance claims process. Don't wait to address water damage, as it can lead to further damage and potentially dangerous mould growth.
6. When to Start the water Damage Repairs
Once you have the claim estimate, you can start making repair plans. It's important to keep in mind that your insurance company will likely have specific requirements for the repair process, so be sure to inform your contractor of all requirements and work closely with them and follow their guidelines. While it can be overwhelming to deal with insurance claims, working with a reputable water damage restoration company and following the necessary steps can help make the process as smooth as possible. Don't wait to address the water damage , as it can only lead to further problems down the line.