Water leaks from burst pipes or damaged faucets can be a scary experience, especially as you could be looking at hundreds of dollars in repair costs. With water problems, the extent of damage can depend on how fast you notice the problem and how quickly you act by contacting water damage recovery experts.
Ahead of your plumber and water damage restoration experts’ arrival, here are some things you should do.
Turn Off Your Water Mains
Dealing with a burst pipe or heavy leaks can be a disaster. The constant flow of water into your space can cause indoor flooding, damaging your home, properties, and leading to other safety issues like electrical shocks.
An excellent way to nip the growing problem in the bud is to locate your water mains valve and shut it off. This temporary solution will ensure there’s no more water flowing into your space and can help you contain the disaster until help arrives.
It is recommended that you do not look for the problem source first, as wasting time means more water in your home.
Turn Off Electricity
Water is an excellent electrical conductor. With water problems, there’s no telling how fast or how far the water can spread. Leaving your electricity on puts you in danger of electric shocks or electrocution, especially if the water comes in contact with a live electricity source like your power outlet.
Turning off your electricity at the breaker can help prevent safety and fire hazards. It can also help you protect your loved ones who may be indoors during the water problem.
Contact A Restoration Company
Disaster restoration companies handle all common disasters, from water damage to fires, smoke damage, and mold and mildew problems arising from water damage. It is recommended that you contact these experts quickly, as it could be the difference between a fully dried and restored property and a compromised one.
Most experienced restoration companies offer 24/7 services with quick response times, allowing you to contact them anytime, during the day or at night.
Dry The Area
Water damage is silent and can travel around your home unnoticed and with ease. Dealing with water problems requires experience and meticulousness. However, ahead of the restoration company’s arrival, you can inspect the affected area and try drying it.
If, however, you’re dealing with a sizable volume of water, say one that’s as high as your ankle area, you may need to exit the building and wait for the professionals to arrive.
Please note: Avoid coming in contact with the damage if dealing with sewage backup or any wastewater problem. Wastewater and sewage backup contain unhealthy amounts of microorganisms that could compromise your health and cause diseases. Ensure that such problems are left to the professionals with adequate safety gear and restoration experience.
Remove The Carpet Padding
Water damage spreads fast and can get into uncommon areas in your home. Failing to detect its presence in those areas can create more problems for you and your household. If dealing with minimal water damage, it is advised that you remove your carpet padding as it could be soaking wet from traveling water.
If hiring a restoration expert, it is best to leave the drying and water damage mitigation task to them as they are more experienced and have the right tools to get the job done.
Dangers Of Not Contacting A Water Damage Restoration Company
Most homeowners who suffer water damage may look to save costs by handling their water damage restoration needs themselves. However, this can be fatal in a lot of ways. Here are some common dangers of not hiring a restoration expert after water damage.
Structural Weakening
Water can easily get into all areas of the home without notice. Handling your water damage restoration needs yourself means not getting the full picture of how far the water has traveled within your home. This can lead to problems like;
- Water seeping out of electrical outlets
- Damaged wires, lines, or pipes
- Foundation cracks
- Ceiling, wall, vent, and baseboard staining or discoloration
- Wet insulation
Electrical Problems
As a good electrical conductor, you may expose yourself and loved ones to electrical risks simply by leaving your water-damaged property unattended. Homes and businesses can suffer electrical problems, including fires and electrocution when water damage isn’t properly addressed.
Health Problems
Whether you’re dealing with flooding, sewage backup, wastewater return, or burst pipe, contacting a professional will save you from many health problems, including mold and mildew, exposure to toxic substances, contamination, and more.
You can take advantage of the free inspection service offered by most water damage restoration companies to get an idea of how bad the problem is and what needs to be done to restore your property to its pristine state.
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