Water damage is one of the most serious issues your home can suffer. If not promptly addressed, uncontrolled water can wreak havoc on your home, causing tens of thousands of dollars in structural damage and remediation costs.
Though no homeowner is ever fully prepared to deal with a water damage emergency, knowing how to promptly react to such an unexpected issue is critical. Below, our restoration contractors at CCS Cleaning & Restoration outline the eight immediate steps you’ll need to take in the event of a household water emergency.
To prevent more severe water damage, locate and stop the flow of water into or around your home, if possible. Typically, household water damage stems from water line leaks or water heater damage, so if you don’t know where to find your water shutoff valves, take the time to locate them. Water damage can also stem from outside flooding, so if you’re aware of an impending storm, take the appropriate measures to protect your home from water intrusion.
After cutting off the water flow, immediately disable all sources of electricity in the affected areas. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, which puts you and your loved ones in a very hazardous position if you allow normal electrical flow to persist.
If you can safely access your circuit breaker panel, shut off all the circuits in the affected areas. Proceed by unplugging electrical devices in each affected room. If you know you’re in danger of flooding, evacuate all household members and pets immediately. Even if the water damage stems from a leaky pipe or burst water heater, pets and children may be at risk for injury, so ensure they remain contained in a safe area.
If it’s safe to remain inside your home, protect your possessions from further damage by elevating them away from flooded or water-soaked areas. Certain water-laden items can quickly develop mold, so if you own valuable furniture pieces, promptly remove them from the area to prevent future rot. As well, remove valuable electronics and any other high-dollar or irreplaceable items that may suffer damage.
As soon as it’s feasible, get in touch with your insurance company to report the damage and determine how they plan to approach repairs and restoration. To file a successful claim, be sure to:
If you’re unsure of how to handle a water damage restoration claim, at CCS Cleaning & Restoration, we help take that weight off your shoulders. We’ll continually communicate with your insurance and mortgage companies to ensure you’re getting the highest level of care. We know water damage is devastating enough on its own — the last thing you need is the added stress of dealing with insurance complications.
If you can safely access your home, you will need to remove any standing water because if left unaddressed, it can cause extensive damage to any space it accumulates. The removal includes using a wet-dry vacuum for your flooring and using towels to wipe down your walls. If you are dealing with more than a foot of water, you will need to reach out to professionals because they have the proper equipment, like water pumps, and expert knowledge of how to manage these situations.
Resolving the situation only begins with getting rid of the standing water because once this is completed, the whole area will need to be dried out. Turning on air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and fans, and opening the doors and windows can help expedite the process. A few tips to make the experience more efficient are:
This step is crucial because it can help prevent mold growth in the home, and the drying time will depend on water saturation levels, the types of surfaces that have been affected, and the amount of water involved.
Water damage can take a lot of effort and time for a complete restoration, and you will need to determine what can be discarded and what is salvageable. There may be instances where the baseboards, insulation, drywall, flooring, or carpeting may need to be removed to help reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
And because the moisture can get into undetectable places, hiring a professional means they can provide equipment like remote cameras, moisture detectors, and hygrometers for detection purposes, so the job is completed thoroughly.
Last but certainly not least, don’t attempt water damage restoration on your own. Safe and effective water damage repair requires specialty equipment and techniques, which only certified experts have unrestricted access to. Improperly conducted restoration will eventually lead to mold development and rot, causing greater repair expenses down the road. Don’t take that risk!
If your house has suffered water damage, prompt remediation is critical to protect your health, safety, and the structural integrity of your home. At CCS Cleaning & Restoration, we know household water damage can be devastating, which is why our entire team is dedicated to being your advocate throughout the repair and remediation process. We’ll help you communicate with your insurance company and ensure you’re kept in the loop through every phase of the restoration process.
To learn more about our emergency restoration services or to schedule an appointment, feel free to give our team a call at 507-334-1774. You can also get in touch with us via our contact form, and a member of our team will reach out to you promptly.
We served Cleanup and Restoration needs of homeowners and businesses throughout Southern Minnesota since 1974