Dealing with water damage in your home can be stressful and frustrating. Whether the damage is caused by a flood, a leaky pipe, or a backed-up sump pump, water can wreak havoc on your home and belongings. Take care of the issue as soon as possible. Here are some steps for dealing with residential water damage to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Recovering From Residential Water Damage
Make Sure the Area is Safe
Before stepping into any space where the water damage has occurred, check that the area is safe. If the water has impacted the electrical system, or if you’re unsure, turn off the power in the area. If the water has leaked through a wall or ceiling, be aware that the structure may be unstable.
Turn Off the Water Source
Before you can begin clean-up, you’ll need to stop the flow of water. If the source is a broken water pipe, shut off the main water valve to your home. This will stop the water from coming in and causing even greater damage.
Assess the Damage
Once you have determined that the area is safe and the water has stopped, assess the damage. Determine where the water came from and what it impacted, including floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, and other personal belongings. Take pictures of the damage in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Remove Possessions
After you have taken pictures of the damage, gather the most valuable items in the area and take them somewhere they can dry. These items might include personal papers, jewelry, electronics, or anything of value. Getting these items dry and clean as soon as possible is important in preserving them.
Hire Professionals to Deal With Residential Water Damage
If the damage is minor and has only impacted a small part of your home, you might be able to handle the cleanup yourself. Use towels or a pump to move the water out of the house and set up fans to get the area completely dry.
If the water came through the ceiling or a wall or was caused by a dishwasher, washing machine, or sewer backup, call a professional to help with clean-up. Gray water and black water may contain pathogens or other contaminants that are harmful to your health. Professionals have the proper protective gear and equipment to remove the water, clean the space, and reduce the risk of health impacts.
Any water damage, no matter how minor, leads to an increased risk of mold growth, especially if the area is not cleaned and dried properly. Since mold can have a negative impact on your health, it’s a good idea to have professionals handle the clean-up.
Call Your Insurance Company About Residential Water Damage
Should the damage be substantial, call your insurance company to make a claim. This will help offset the cost of professionals and the loss of personal belongings.
Dealing with residential water damage is challenging. The destruction caused by broken pipes, flooding, or backed-up sewers can be devastating. Following the steps listed above helps reduce the damage and gets your life back to normal as soon as possible.
Border Home and Property Inspections offers home inspection services to the midwest of Alberta and Saskatchewan. Contact us to request an appointment.