7 steps to take after water damage to your house
Owning a house means there are several responsibilities that you need to shoulder to keep your home in good shape. You need to watch out for early deterioration or any damaged areas in your house. One of the most common problems a house may encounter is water damage from broken pipes, leaking appliances, or flooded basements. Once you identify the issue, the next thing you should do is fix the problem and prevent it from recurring. Here are the necessary steps that you should do after water damage to your house.
1. Communicate With Your Insurance Company
Depending on your insurance policy, you should inform your insurance company of the situation. They will send their adjuster to investigate and give you an estimate about the damage and declare if it is still under a covered loss.
It would be best to document everything, such as taking pictures of the affected area before, during, and after the repair or cleanup. Your documentation will help the adjuster in assessing the damage.
2. Switch Off the Main Power Supply
Everyone knows that water and electricity should not mix. It is very dangerous and can be fatal if neglected. Switching off the main power supply during water damage repairs is essential, but it would be best to call an electrician to do it for you.
3. Use Protective Gear and Equipment
If you are doing the repairs yourself, make sure that you are wearing protective gear and using the right equipment for the job. You must have rubber gloves and boots to prevent any accidents.
4. Store Your Valuables
You need to protect your furniture or other valuables from water damage. You may elevate your furniture, especially those with wooden material makeup. Removing any rugs on flooded flooring is also important.
5. Begin the Repairs Immediately
Once you detect the water damage and the cause, it would be best that you start the repairs within 24 to 48 hours. This situation can cause you more money if you prolong the start of the restoration work. It is also imperative that you determine salvageable items and dispose of the ones that have no use anymore because of the damage.
If you need to remove any parts of your flooring, drywall, and insulation, make sure that you take preventive measures to avoid mold and mildew buildup around your home.
6. Dry Out the Affected Area
Upon finishing your repairs, you need to remove all standing water from your home and take care of all damp items, especially if your area has a high humidity content. You may use your air conditioners to help reduce the humidity. Electric fans and dehumidifiers can also help dry damp locations in your home.
To avoid mold, mildew, and other issues caused by moisture, you may need to consult a professional contractor for water damage restoration to ensure the complete removal of harmful buildup.
7. Search for Molds
If you are experiencing flooding in your home, there is a good chance of mold beginning to develop. Mold can easily grow after a day of flooding, and it can be difficult to remove. It would be best to remove your items from the water and dry them out immediately.
Once you clear all the restoration work and dry out all the affected areas, it is now safe to go back inside your house without the threat of any bacteria developed from water damage moisture. Ensure that you do a regular maintenance checkup for water leaks in your home to prevent you from spending expensive repairs.
