If you’re a homeowner, You will probably experience water damage at some point. According to statistics, water damage claims cost insurance companies a hefty $13 billion in 2017.
Every property owner’s nightmare is to get up in the middle of the night with water rushing out of somewhere it should not be. Regardless of how new your house is, water damage can still affect and even totally damage it. Below are a few do it yourself ideas on what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
Identify the Source of the Water
Determine the source of the water after ensuring that it’s safe for you and your family to remain within your home. This may vary and can be challenging to locate but make sure to inspect visible signs on all the corners of your house. For instance, water damage in ceilings can be difficult to identify if the water is coming from the roof or somewhere else.
The easiest way to locate water damage is to look for indications, including water spots, swollen, or discolorations. These are generally found in drywall, doors, and cabinets.
Shut off Electricity and Water Source
If you find out that the water source is coming from your home, like a pipe, shut off the water source immediately. This will help reduce any additional damage caused by the water. Also, turn off electricity and electronic devices in the affected rooms or area, and move electronic objects far from the location.
When dealing with electricity or electronic devices, consider your safety first. Be cautious when you are standing in water, or your clothes are wet and attempting to recover a soaked electronic gadget. Look for a way to disconnect if it’s submerged and connected to an external power source, like switching it off from a breaker.
Move Things Far From the Affected Location
If you let your valuables stay in the water for an extended period, it can cause secondary damage that makes it difficult for them to be recovered. If you can not move big and heavy furniture or appliances, you may need the assistance of a professional company. They will place your belongings on the block, enabling them to keep off the ground and out of the water.
Also, if you have vanities and cabinets that can’t be moved, they are the right people to determine if water went through behind these items. To quickly find a local company, go online and search “water damage restoration near me.”
Remove the Water
After switching off electronics, electricity, and water source and the contents have been moved, the next step would be to remove the standing water. A vacuum cleaner can work if there’s not too much standing water or the affected area is small. However, if it is more than 100 square feet, calling specialists is always the best.
Allow Air in the Area
Even if you take out the water, there are still wet materials you need to eliminate or dry. If you don’t, you’ll be forced to deal with mold in the next few days, which is the last thing you want. Though your equipment and devices can’t compete with professional companies’ drying tools, dehumidifiers and fans can help dry the area.
If it’s possible, open the windows to allow air to enter your home. In severe damage, calling professional companies is strongly advised considering that they also have moisture identifying tools. You may visit this page to learn more about water damage, mold removal, and other water damage restoration services.
