Water damage is a devastating thing to experience.
It can happen when your water pipes break, leaky pipes, and when there is a sewage backup, a natural disaster, or even after a fire.
No matter the cause of water damage, it usually leaves behind some serious problems: mold and mildew growth; structural issues like sagging ceilings and floors; blackouts from electrical shorts; and more.
There are many steps you need to take if you find yourself in this situation: calling for help (either with insurance adjusters or plumbers); shutting off utilities such as electricity and gas; documenting any damages before they get worse with time; salvaging anything that might be saved by drying it out quickly (clothes, food items) and throwing out anything that cannot be saved; and more.
The following are six valuable tips for homeowners that have experienced water damage from a water leak, burst plumbing pipe, sewer backup, or fire in your home or office:
1. Call your Homeowner's Insurance Company
Your homeowners' insurance will vary depending on what policies you have. If you have standard homeowners' insurance, there may be time limits on how quickly emergency repairs must be made. You will want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your policy and learn more about what it covers.
The insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damage and determine if the loss is covered. The adjuster is responsible for inspecting the damage and ensuring all claims are processed.
These may also apply if you have additional coverage, such as flood insurance or a loss of use clause.
Your adjuster will not wait until the entire drying process is complete before deciding on your claim. They will be looking for any signs of water or moisture damage and determine how long the loss is expected to continue.
Document the values of each and every item you can think of and take as many photos as possible before, during, and after cleanup.
2. Shut off utilities such as electricity and gas in the home.
You will want to turn off the power to the home to reduce the risk of being electrocuted. Never enter a flood-damaged home before turning off the electricity. If there is standing water, it is always best to call an electrician.
3. Start Water Damage Repair Right Away
Water damage restoration should start within 24 - 48 hours after being deemed safe to return to your home or business. Often the damage is extensive and overwhelming; this is where the help of a water damage restoration company comes in. They will dry out the areas affected by the water damage to find the areas more susceptible to moisture and avoid mildew and serious mold issues.
4. Avoid Mold Growth
Unfortunately, not everything can be saved after you experience water damage. Once certain items get wet, they are more likely to create a mold problem. Mold will destroy the material and must be removed before it grows on other objects around it.
Mold can lead to respiratory problems, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other serious health concerns. It can cause a great deal of stress, so it is important that you start the process right away.
5. Clean or Dispose of Porous Materials That Were Affected
Porous materials are items that absorb water easily. If they have been damaged by standing or dirty water, it is necessary to clean them thoroughly and discard them if they are beyond repair. For example, sofas, chairs, mattresses contain a lot of foam and materials that can store moisture, causing mold and mildew issues.
6. Begin Restoring Your Home or Business
Replacing flooring, carpeting, drywall, and other materials in the home or commercial property is what usually takes the longest. If major construction is needed, hire a professional. We will be happy to recommend a few we have worked with previously.
With these steps, your home can be back to normal after a flood. Working with a trusted, highly rated restoration company is your best route. They will have the experience needed in dealing with all of the major issues that water damage can leave behind and will be able to restore your home back to its original condition, if not better.
If you have experienced water damage in your home or commercial business, give our highly trained water restoration experts a call at (859)302-2702
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