The moment a water damage incident occurs, the homeowner is bombarded with a variety of concerns. It is best to take time for these during the following days and weeks, as you can make more informed decisions and avoid additional costs associated with water removal and cleanup. What may seem like a simple task or an easy fix can be quite burdensome. It is a good idea to review the company’s working process and make sure that they are familiar with the products being used and prepared to handle any incident.
1. Removal of Water
The first step to successful water removal is to stop the water flow. The water can be shut off inside the house or by the plumber. While waiting for the plumber or your purchase, you can pump out as much water as possible using a sump pump, bucket, and towels. Once the primary source of flooding has been cut off, and before proceeding to do any cleaning or restoration work, you will have to pump out any standing water.
2. Electrical Switching
Once you have established that no electrical circuits are involved, you should de-energize them. You can contact the utility company or call a professional electrician to handle this. It is best to avoid walking or standing on surfaces that could be wet and conductive, like carpets and rugs, because the risk of electrocution is high if the power is not disabled. It would be best if you also shut off any circuit breakers to avoid electrical shocks.
3. Structural Damage Inspection
A quick assessment of your home will reveal any hidden water damage that could exist. Some signs include sagging ceilings, bulging walls, and leaking windows and doors. If you notice any cracks or openings in your walls, ceilings, or floors, you should contact a professional to determine the cause and remedy it.
4. Dehumidification & Drying
Water damage can leave significant amounts of moisture which can cause extensive damage to your property. They should implement appropriate measures to prevent mold, mildew, and other forms of decay due to water in the air. They should install a dehumidifier within the first 24 hours of the water leak, and it is advisable to leave it in place for at least a week before doing any restoration work.
5. Cleaning & Sanitizing
A professional water damage restoration service should be able to handle the cleaning and sanitizing of your property. This step is crucial to take to avoid additional expenditures related to mold, mildew, or other types of decay brought on by exposure to too much water. After the water damage restoration procedure is over, your home will be made secure enough for additional restoration, repair, and renovation.
It is important to remember that water damage restoration work is not just about removing water but also the restoration process. You should hire a reputable, experienced, licensed, and reliable restoration company that can handle all aspects of your work and ensure that you receive quality results at a reasonable price.
