Fix Water Damage to your Home
Water, wind, fire, and bugs -- known in the insurance industry as the "four horsemen" -- cause billions of dollars in damage to U.S. homes each year. Water is the most dangerous of these and has the longest-lasting effects. While water damage can be repaired right away, dampness invites mold infestation, which can lead to long-term illness and, in some cases, even death. Here are a few critical steps to take if water invades your home.
Stop The Leak!
The first thing cadets in the Navy are taught, particularly in the submarine core, is to run toward the sound of rushing water. The goal is to arrive on the scene as soon as possible and stop the leak or breach in the hull (an excellent idea if you are in a sub many fathoms beneath the sea). The same advice is given to homeowners: fix the problem as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your home caused by a broken pipe or overflowing toilet.
A short-term physical fix, such as wrapping a towel around the pipe and tying it in place with string, can sometimes significantly slow water flow. The best thing to do is locate your home's water supply valve (usually on one corner of your property next to the street) and turn it off. You may need a special forked tool for this, which can be found at any hardware store.
Save as Much as You Can
Ensure that your family and pets are safe if flooding caused by a storm or a major pipe break occurs inside your home. Turn off the power first, but only if you can reach the power source without standing in wet areas. Every year, hundreds of people are killed while crossing water that has been electrified by live wires beneath the surface.
If the flooding is limited to a small area, try to save as much as you can. Open doors and remove thresholds to allow standing water to drain from the house. Stack furniture in a dry area or wrap furniture legs in plastic wrap or foil. Move any area rugs to a higher drying location, but do not roll them up as this will slow the drying time. Move the electronics to a dry location. You will need to leave your home if the flooding is severe. You can always return when the water has receded and it's safe to do so.
Contact Your Insurance Company
These guys are disaster masters and can get things moving and put things back together. When you call them, an adjuster will come to the scene to assess the damage and determine whether or not you are covered. While you wait for the adjuster, take photos of the damage and keep a photo diary of what happened before, during, and after the recovery process. Having a good insurance company and adequate coverage will come in handy. Make sure your home has flood insurance before a disaster strikes, if it's available. Many do not and are forced to pay the entire bill themselves.
When It Comes to Restoration, Time Is of the Essence
Mold will begin to grow within 48 hours of water inundation and even sooner in a warm climate, so it's critical to begin recovery as soon as possible. Large sections of flooring, drywall, and insulation may need to be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Furniture will also need to be dried and cleaned, depending on the extent of the water damage. Hardwood floors should be treated with care. Water will quickly warp and ruin the surface of these boards. Document everything once more. In this situation, you simply cannot take enough notes
This is difficult and dirty work, and if you are not up to it, you will need to hire a professional restoration service. Instead of hiring hourly workers, hire a professional service to get the job done right and quickly. These experts will be able to assess the situation and propose a plan for addressing it.
Get Things Dried Fast
Wear protective gear if you want to do some of the work yourself. Face masks and gloves are a good place to start. Start two piles: one for items you want to keep and can salvage, and the other for things you want to get rid of. If the job will generate a lot of trash, rent a dumpster or a Bagster, which is like a dumpster in a bag. These amazing, portable dumpsters are available at most hardware stores.
To remove standing water, use buckets and mops. A wet-dry vacuum works wonders in sucking up excess water and keeping it at bay until all of the water has been removed. You'll be dealing with damp surfaces at this point, so air circulation is essential. To circulate the air, rent a couple of large, powerful fans and place them near open windows and doors. Allow the area to dry thoroughly after most of the water has been removed. Turn on the central air conditioner in your home to speed up the evaporation process. According to studies, starting the drying process within 24 hours and completely drying a home within three days eliminates the risk of mildew and mold infestations.
What Now?
You'll have a better understanding of the true extent of the damage to the home once the water has been removed and everything has dried. Floors are often the hardest hit by flooding, but walls and insulation may need to be replaced or repaired. Many belongings likely have been destroyed, so keep track of them for insurance purposes. Hire a professional for major construction repairs.
A flood can cause extensive damage to a home. Even a minor toilet overflow can cause damage to floors and walls. You can do a lot to restore your belongings, but if the damage is extensive, you'll need the help of a restoration specialist. Prepare for such an event by purchasing flood insurance if it's available for your home.
Holod’s can Help!
If you have water damage please know that you can count on us to have the rental items you need to get water cleaned up quickly. Industrial fans, portable water pumps, drain snakes and so much more. Call or contact us today with any questions.
