Water damage in your house can indeed be a really stressful experience. Whether it is due to a water pipe leakage, a flood, or a washing machine pipe hose burst, it can cause major issues. That’s why it is important to take steps quickly to minimize the damage and prevent further problems. Water damage can also create problems with the structure of your home or make it unsafe. Sometimes, you might not notice these problems until they become serious.
Below are some of the steps to take after water damage.
Assess the Situation and Source of the Leak
The first thing is to assess how much damage has been done and where the water is coming from. Carefully look around your house and check your walls and ceilings for water stains, or inspect the plumbing and water pipes. If there is a crack or a burst in the water pipe, then you should cut off the main supply of water, probably the main valve. Assessing the situation will enable you to take action by yourself, or to call to water damage restoration professional immediately.
Turn off the Power
It may look unnecessary to turn off the electric power, but it is really essential because if there is water standing in your home after the flood, your electric socket can get soaked into it. You should prioritize safety for yourself and your loved ones.
Document the Damage
If you can safely get into the area where the water damage happened and everything is okay, take some pictures and videos. You should capture furniture, appliances, gadgets, and the ceiling. These can be important for you to claim insurance.
Contact You Insurance Company
After water damage, it is essential to contact your insurance company and report the incident to start the claim process immediately. They will probably ask you to provide the documentation. For that, you might have to provide the pictures and the videos you have made.
Dry Everything and Remove Humidity
When the place is safe, you can start off the drying process on your own. If there is any water standing, use buckets and mops to dry the space. If the water stays longer, it can cause more damage. Also, you should remove wet items. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the place. This will help in preventing mold and mildew growth.
Clean the Space
If you have dried out the place and removed the wet items, it’s time for you to clean the space. If the damage is caused by water pipes, you can easily clean the surface on your own, but if it is because of sewage lines, then you should call in the experts to sanitize the area.
Restore and Rebuild
Now, it’s time for you to restore the place. Rebuilding can be a little tough for you that’s why you should get help from water damage restoration experts.
By following these steps and acting quickly, you can effectively tackle the water damage and restore area to its previous condition.