Tips for Handling Water Damage

Damage to your home can be an extremely overwhelming situation for any homeowner. It can also be very difficult to know how to handle the situation properly. Water damage is one of the most common problems homeowners face, so it's a good idea to keep a few essential tips in mind if you find yourself with unwanted water in your home. Moreover, proper water damage restoration is necessary to prevent further issues, including mold growth and structural problems.

First Steps

The very first thing you should do is locate the source of the water and ensure that the flow has been stopped. Cleanup can't happen if water is still actively pouring into the home. If the water is from a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage. 

After stopping the water, it's crucial to cut the power to the home if there is any standing water. Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, so safety should always come first. If these tasks put you at risk, wait for a professional emergency restoration company to handle it instead.

Before starting any DIY cleanup, take as many pictures as possible of the damage. This will be helpful when filing a claim with your insurance company. 

Once you’ve taken pictures and the area is safe, remove as much standing water as possible and set up fans and dehumidifiers to begin the drying process. Afterward, work with a professional water damage restoration company that can ensure all moisture is thoroughly removed.

Consider Volume and Source

If you're thinking about handling the water damage cleanup on your own, you’ll want to consider the volume and source of the water:

• Clean Water: Small amounts of clean water from sources like a leaky faucet may be manageable on your own.
• Grey Water or Black Water: If the water is contaminated (grey or black water), such as from a sewage backup or flood damage, it should never be handled without professional help. Contaminated water requires specialized flood damage cleanup to ensure safety and prevent further issues.

Even small amounts of water can seep into cracks, crevices, and porous materials, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Water damage and mold remediation are essential to address hidden moisture and prevent long-term problems like ceiling water damage and structural weakening.

Call Your Insurance Company

If the damage is beyond what you can manage, contact your insurance company. Find out what coverage you have for water damage repair and what your deductible is. 

When you decide to file a claim, you'll be assigned an adjuster to handle it.  Often, your insurance company will recommend a preferred restoration vendor, but you may also have the option to choose your own provider.

Make sure to work with an experienced restoration company such as ECO Restoration & Cleaning Services for effective water damage remediation.

Contact a Restoration Service

A restoration professional can work directly with you to ensure a proper water damage restoration process. Moreover, water damage experts are equipped to handle the situation effectively and efficiently. They will:

• Perform water damage inspection, including leak inspection and thermal imaging inspection, to assess the extent of the damage and detect hidden moisture.
• Extract standing water and set up industrial-grade drying equipment.
• Address water damage and mold with proper remediation techniques.
• Clean and sanitize affected areas to prevent contamination.
• Provide emergency water damage restoration for urgent situations, such as burst pipe repair or severe flood damage clean up.

Five Essential Tips After Water Damage

1. Safety First: Do not enter areas that pose a threat to your health, such as those with standing water and active electricity or contaminated water.
2. Avoid Household Vacuums: Do not use a household vacuum to remove water. This could cause electrical shock and damage the vacuum.
3. Avoid Walking on Wet Surfaces: Walking through wet areas can spread contaminants to other parts of your property.
4. Do Not Activate the HVAC System: If water has entered the HVAC system, do not turn it on. This can spread mold and other contaminants throughout your home or building.

Avoid Staying in Unsafe Homes: If there is structural damage, evacuate the home until it is deemed safe by professionals.