What to Do if a Home Has Water Damage
Whether it’s a broken pipe or a leaking appliance, one must fix the cause of significant water damage as soon as possible.
Whether it’s a broken pipe or a leaking appliance, one must fix the cause of significant water damage as soon as possible. Delaying repairs can lead to a flooded basement or even worse. It takes 24 hours for mold to form and become a health hazard for the residents. Meanwhile, leaving water damage unattended may cause further and irreparable damage to the property.
Here are the immediate steps to follow in the case of damage to a home caused by water:
Inform the insurance company
If the property is covered by home insurance and, in particular, for water damage, informing the company of the situation is the first step. Take as many photographs as possible to help the adjuster evaluate the damage.
Protect residents and valuable items
When water damage occurs, especially if caused by flooding, the house will be a dangerous place to live. Here are some essential things homeowners must do to protect their property:
Turn the power off: Turning the electricity off is paramount, but the process can also be hazardous. Homeowners must avoid touching electrical panels and appliances in contact with water. Contact a professional electrician to turn the power off.
Wear protective gear: Wearing protective equipment, including gloves and rubber boots, is essential when entering the flooded house. If the person inspecting the premises suffers an injury, the gear will keep it from contacting bacteria-filled water.
Protect furniture and other valuables: Remove all wet furniture, rugs, and other valuables from the house. Otherwise, use tin foil to protect the legs of wooden furniture.
Remove standing water and humidity
Once the insurance claim has been made and residents are allowed back into the house, the repairs must start. Water damage repair starts by removing the standing water inside the house. This process can be completed faster using specialized equipment such as a wet-dry vacuum, a water pump, and a dehumidifier. Experts in water damage repair will have all the equipment necessary to efficiently remove standing water from the property.
Water damage restoration
Once the standing water has been removed, one must restore the property. This may include the removal of the drywall, insulation, and flooring. One of the biggest dangers of water damage is that it will produce mold that must be identified and removed immediately.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional to assess the damage and handle the repairs efficiently. If the damage inspection isn’t thorough, wet spots can be missed and become a health hazard over time and cause further damage to the property.
Come hell or high water
Home water damage may have different sources, from a leaking pipe to a broken water heater. But no matter the cause, knowing how to address the issue is essential. Once the insurance company has been informed, the next step will be to begin the restoration process. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be tremendous work for a family to deal with alone. Hiring an expert in home repair will ensure a proper inspection of the damage and an efficient repair process.
3D Carpet Cleaning and Restoration offers home service cleaning and sanitation, air duct cleaning, and 24-hour flood service in Tampa & South Florida. Call (813) 833 - 4126 today!
