As a homeowner, you’ll probably experience water damage at some point. To save time and money, you’ll want to address the damage immediately.
Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors including:
- Heavy rains
- Sewer back-up
- Appliance malfunctions
- Malfunctioning sump-pump
- Burst Pipes
Water can not only cause damage to your home but if mold or mildew form within the walls as a result, your health is at risk too!
So what should you do if you find water damage? The following is what we recommend:
Step 1: Stop the leak if you can
The first step obviously is to stop the water from getting into your home if you can and it is safe to do so.
In situations that involve a leaking pipe, turn off your water. If an appliance has malfunctioned (such as a dishwasher), stop the appliance, find the source of the leak and drain it out.
If you’re dealing with a leaking roof, get a large enough bucket to capture the water.
Step 2: Call your insurance company
Depending on the severity of the damage, you might want to call your insurance company. Your agent will be able to notify you what the next steps should be and who to call to get things fixed as quickly as possible.
If the water is so bad you have to leave your home, you will definitely want to get your insurance company involved right away. Be sure to fully understand what is covered in your policy. More than likely, the insurance company will send a claims adjuster in to take a look and determine the damage and what will be covered.
Tip: Take photos of everything including any damaged items in your home. Your claims adjuster will be able to determine if you need a restoration specialist or not. At Integrity, we’ve been restoring clients’ homes for over 17 years. You can learn more about our process here.
Step 3: Keep Safety on the Forefront
When dealing with any kind of water damage, safety should be top of mind at all times.
Water and electricity do not play well together. They put you, your family, and your home at risk of electrocution and fire. Turn the power off immediately to avoid this from happening.
When entering a home with severe water damage, protective clothing should be worn at all times. This will prevent any injuries from being exposed to harmful bacteria.
Step 4: Secure the Environment
When it’s safe to do so, remove any furniture, carpets, and valuables from the impacted areas. If you have to leave your home, make sure it’s absolutely safe before you return.
Step 5: Clean Up the Damage
Clean up should happen almost immediately! Don’t wait any longer than 48 hours. If you’re dealing with flooding, the damage will be too much for you to handle alone. A restoration company like ours is the best option.
Step 6: Dry Wet Areas Thoroughly
Once the water is eliminated from your home, the drying process can begin. You’ll want to thoroughly dry any area that the water touched.
If you have an AC unit and/or dehumidifier, it can be used to remove humidity. Fans of course are a cost-effective way to dry areas out too and should be considered as well.
Step 7: Address any Mold or Mildew Immediately!
Mold spores can spread quite quickly throughout your home finding their way onto surfaces and into the air you breathe. It’s always best to have someone come out and take a look at any mold or mildew damage to ensure it gets removed both safely and thoroughly.
At Integrity Building and Restoration, we are here to help. With over 17 years of experience, we understand the stress water damage can have on you and your family. Our services include a Find, Repair, Remove, and Restore approach to minimize the damage and return your home to livable conditions again.
If you have any questions or concerns just give us a call at (757) 630-6641 or email us at aaronknight.integritybuilding@gmail.com.