Water system can burst in an instant and is known to cause serious problems. Its causes range from floods to leaky roofs or pipe spillages. It poses risks, whether it occurs at home or around your business, if not corrected early enough.
It would help if you acted quickly to restore the situation regardless of its cause and amount of damage. But then the repair process can sometimes be more frustrating than the damage itself. Good results and your safety are critical here; thus, you should get everything right – start to finish.
What to Do After Water Damage
This damage can have devastating effects on your establishment, but you can save your home from irreversible damage if you give it immediate attention. Here are a few quick steps you can take for water damage restoration.
1. Ensure safety
It is critical to ensure that you and your family are safe before anything else. Remember to turn off all power sources at the main electrical box. But you can stop at this point if accessing the box requires stepping on wet areas.
You also need to wear protective gear before moving to the next step. Rubber boots and gloves will do in preventing you from injuries and bacteria. Lastly, remember to protect your valuables, such as phones, from water as they’re critical for communication with professionals.
2. Inspect the damage
Your next step is knowing the exact source of the damage. Check for leaks on roofs and ceilings that you can repair quickly. But then, you should be aware of things that require professional assistance and avoid trying any repairs lest you cause further damage.
Professionals have the right tools to assess the amount of damage. They can use moisture sensors and other equipment to determine how wet the place is before attempting any repairs. It is better to let a technician assess the damage to avoid jeopardizing the situation.
3. Remove stagnant water
After determining and repairing the root cause of the problem, your next step is getting rid of the water. The more time the water stays on the floor, the more it permeates the floor and walls causing even more significant damage. That can cause mold to grow even quicker.
It can be the most challenging step of the entire process. It requires the use of specialized equipment that you may not have at home. On the other hand, repair professionals have every piece of equipment needed in the whole process and will help you get through it.
4. Eliminate the remaining moisture
It is another critical step that you may not pass without special equipment. Removal of moisture after clearing the water makes it easier for your home to dry. Although removing water relieves you, moisture can still cause as much damage as water and thus should be a concern.
Moisture can support mold growth as water does, and that could damage the floor, walls, and items in the house. Hiring a professional will make this more manageable as they come with drying equipment. That ensures the process is fast and convenient.
5. Remove mold
Mold grows within 24 – 48 hours after such damage. It may have already grown by the time you get to this step, and therefore, you should check for it thoroughly. It would be best if you had a professional assess the mold growth and help eradicate it.
You also need to take care not to spread mold spores around your home as you clean. Any spores dropped on the floor could grow in a few hours and cause further damage. A professional will help you through this step and lower the chances of mold damage.
6. Restore and move back into your home
The primary process is over, and you will be planning to move back into your home. You may need to do more in the restoration process before moving back to your home. Check what needs to be repaired or replaced and start the process.
Ensure you hire a professional if the damage is more than you can handle. This step can take a significant amount of time, depending on the damage caused. However, it is worth the wait as you’re about to get back to a clean and polished home.
The entire water damage restoration process can be daunting. Getting professional help is critical for every step. It will help you save on additional costs such as mold removal if the process isn’t well executed.