Water damage can be a devastating event, both financially and emotionally. If you’ve ever experienced water damage in your home, you know how quickly it can spread and how difficult it can be to clean up.
In this blog post, we will discuss the dos and don’ts when dealing with water damage. Read them and implement the following steps for the betterment of your home.
The Do’s When Dealing With Water Damage:
⇒ Contain The Damage Immediately
It is essential to contain the water damage in your home as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to your belongings. If neglected, such damage can result in the collapse of ceilings, walls, floors, electrical damage, rot, decay, etc.
Here are some beneficial tips on how to contain water damage.
- If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe, turn off the water supply to the affected area. This will prevent further water damage from occurring.
- Remove any wet materials from the affected area including furniture, carpet, and flooring.
- In case of natural calamities, locate your family in a safe place and hire a professional water damage restoration company.
⇒ Remove The Valuables
Before you start the cleaning process, assess your valuables and separate the damaged and undamaged items.
Following this, pack your usable undamaged in safe containers or bags. Next, label the containers or bags with the contents and store them in a dry or safe place, such as on the second floor, garage, or even at your friend’s home.
⇒ Dry The Area
Drying the area after water damage prevents the growth of mold and mildew.
Mold and mildew can cause health problems, damage your home, and reduce the value of your property.
Here are some tips on how you can dry the affected areas.
- Remove all standing water with a bucket or a sump pump.
- Use fans to circulate the air. This will help to speed up the process.
- Keep windows open and allow fresh air to your property.
- Use a Dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.
⇒ Call The Insurance Company
If you have an insurance policy, your insurance company will pay for the cost of water damage restoration as well as repairs to your property that might have been damaged.
So if you have insurance with flood or water damage coverage, claim it. Call the insurance company as soon as possible. Because, the longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to get your claim approved.
Moreover, take pictures of damaged areas with your phone. It will help you in further processes.
The Don’ts While Dealing With Water Damage:
⇒ Don’t Use Electrical Appliances
Water is a good conductor of electricity, which means that if an electrical appliance is wet, it can create a short circuit, leading to fatal incidents.
Never use a water-damaged electric appliance unless it is repaired. Unplug all electrical appliances before you start cleaning up water damage. In case of flooding, take the help of a professional electrician to turn off the electric supply.
⇒ Do Not Prefer Vacuuming
Vacuuming wet areas can spread the water and moisture around, worsening the problem. It can also stir up dust and dirt, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Instead of vacuuming, the best option for you is to use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. A wet/dry vacuum has a pump that removes the water from the surface without spreading it around.
If the water damage is extensive, you may need to hire a professional restoration company to help you dry the area and prevent mold growth.
⇒ Don’t Go In The Flooded Basement Without Wearing Rubber Boots
If you need to go into a flooded basement, be sure to wear rubber boots, as they can protect you in several ways.
- Electrical shocks: Rubber boots are made of a non-conductive material, so they will help to protect you from electrical shock.
- To keep your feet dry: Flooded basements can be dirty and muddy and thus, rubber boots keep your feet dry and protects from getting cold or wet.
- Protects from sharp objects: While you are working in a flooded basement, there is a strong possibility of stepping on sharp objects such as nails, screws, or broken glass. Rubber boots help to protect your feet from these objects and prevent serious injuries.
⇒ Don’t Rely on DIY Restoration
Water damage can be scary. But its after-effects can be worse if not treated in an early stage. So in such cases, you must hire professionals as early as possible. By choosing the right water damage restoration company, you can protect most of your valuables and restore your property to pre-damage condition.
