Water damage occurs quickly. A broken pipe, leaky roof, or flood can put water all over your home in a matter of minutes. The longer the water stands, the more harm it does. Floors become warped, walls become weakened, and mold begins to grow in under 24 hours. That is why it is critical to have an idea of what to do immediately.
In this guide, you’ll discover the action to take when you experience emergency water damage restoration. Tackling it quickly will save your home, your money, and your family.
Step 1: Be Safe First
Your safety is more important than anything else. Don’t enter a flooded room without first ensuring that it’s safe to do so.
- Shut off electricity. Water and electricity don’t get along. If water is around outlets or cables, switch off the electricity at the circuit breaker.
- Steer clear of dirty water. Floodwater contains bacteria, chemicals, or sewage. Wear gloves, boots, and a face mask if you have to wade into it.
- Beware of weak structures. Water makes floors and ceilings unstable. Be cautious when you walk through areas that are waterlogged.
- If the water level is excessive and it’s not safe, move out of your house and immediately call experts.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Origin
After you are out of danger, locate where the water is coming from. Turning off the water will prevent additional damage.
- If it’s from a burst pipe, turn off the master water valve.
- If it’s due to the roof, cover the leak with a tarp until fixing the leak.
- If it is a flood from the outside, wait until the water ceases to rise.
- The quicker you halt the water, the less damage you will experience.
Step 3: Call a Professional Restoration Company
Emergency water damage is not something that you can do on your own. Professional restoration companies have the proper equipment and training. They are able to remove water fast and dry out your home properly.
When selecting a company:
- See if they have 24/7 emergency services.
- Check if they have water damage restoration certification.
- Ask about their response time. A quick crew can make a huge difference.
- Most firms arrive within hours and carry pumps, fans, and dehumidifiers to contain the damage.
Step 4: Document the Damage
Take photos and videos before cleaning of all damaged surfaces. This will come in handy when you are filing an insurance claim.
- Take wide-angle photos of entire rooms.
- Get close-up photos of destroyed furniture, floors, and walls.
- Save broken items as evidence until your insurance agent inspects them.
- This is a little step, but it makes processing the claim much simpler.
Step 5: Drain Standing Water
If it’s safe and the water isn’t excessive, begin draining it.
- Utilize a wet vacuum if available.
- Sop up smaller puddles.
- Open windows and doors so air can circulate.
- Do not use a home vacuum cleaner. It is dangerous and will shatter the machine. Keep in mind, if water spreads over a large surface, wait for the experts to deal with it.
Step 6: Dry Out the Area
Drying is the most critical aspect of restoration. Even if the water appears to be dry, moisture remains concealed within walls, floors, and carpets. If you do not dry it completely, mold will develop.
- Use fans and dehumidifiers to circulate air and suck moisture out.
- Roll up carpets and rugs to dry the padding beneath.
- Use aluminum foil under the legs of furniture to stop stains.
- Industrial fans and meters are used by professionals to test for moisture. They ensure no concealed damp areas are left behind.
Step 7: Clean and Disinfect
Water damage introduces dirt and bacteria. Once dry, clean and disinfect all areas.
- Clean walls, floors, and surfaces with disinfectants.
- Dispose of items that cannot be sanitized, like waterlogged mattresses.
- Dry out air vents and ducts if they got wet.
- This prevents damage to your health and prevents mold growth.
Step 8: Monitor for Mold
Mold develops quickly in damp places. It can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours of water damage. Continue monitoring your house in the weeks following the incident.
Indications of mold are:
- Earthy odor
- Black, green, or white marks on walls or ceilings
- Sneezing or coughing like allergy symptoms
If you notice mold, have a mold removal professional come. Do not attempt to clean out big patches of mold yourself.
Step 9: Repair and Restore
Once water is gone and the area is dry, repairs are in order. This will vary depending on the level of damage your home sustained.
- Replace wet and damaged drywall and insulation.
- Fix floors if they warped.
- Paint walls once they are thoroughly dry.
- Refurbish furniture or replace items that cannot be fixed.
- Professional restoration firms tend to offer complete repair services. They can restore your home back to its former condition.
Step 10: Prevent Future Water Damage
Following the recovery, take measures to shield your home from future water calamities.
- Inspect plumbing for leaks and install new pipes.
- Rinse gutters and downspouts to avert roof leaks.
- Install a sump pump in basements to drain rising water.
- Seal foundation and wall cracks.
- Think about flood insurance if you reside in a high-risk zone.
- Prevention is always the best method for avoiding another stressful and expensive experience.
Why Acting Quickly Is Important
Waiting to restore water damage makes matters worse. This is what may occur if you delay:
- First 24 hours: Water penetrates walls, floors, and furniture. Mold begins to develop.
- After 48 hours: Structural damage worsens. Odor and mold development spreads.
- After one week: There are serious health hazards. Repairs cost more.
Hurry saves dollars, saves your home, and saves your family.
Final Thoughts
Emergency water damage can be overwhelming. But by taking the proper steps, you can minimize the damage and save your home.
Keep these steps in mind:
- Prioritize safety first.
- Shut off the water source.
- Have a restoration company come in.
- Take photos of the damage.
- Extract water.
- Dry the affected area.
- Clean and sanitize.
- Keep an eye out for mold.
- Repair and rebuild.
- Prevent future damage.
Action must be taken quickly. The earlier you act, the greater your chances of preserving your home and possessions.
