Water Damage Restoration Do’s & Don’ts

4 min read

While Austin has hot summers and overall pleasant weather, it experiences around 33 inches of rainfall yearly. Moreover, precipitation becomes particularly heavy in May, June, and October.

As a home or business owner in Bat City, it’s not only the natural disasters you must protect your property from. Plumbing emergencies can also happen anytime, allowing gallons of water to rush inside your building and wreak havoc in seconds. This is where careful water damage restoration in Austin becomes necessary.

Many property owners underestimate the importance of meticulous water cleanup and remediation. Removing excess water from your building may seem straightforward, but the wrong approach can lead to long-term damage, structural issues, and microbial growth.

Working with Austin water damage restoration experts is your best bet after a water damage incident, but knowing these do’s and don’ts will be beneficial in returning your property to normal as soon as possible:

Water Damage Restoration Do’s:

Address the Water Source Right Away

One of the first and most important things to do after your property has been flooded is to identify and address the water source as quickly as possible.

If the water damage was caused by a burst pipe or a malfunctioning appliance, turn off the water supply immediately by locating the water shutoff valve. If you are experiencing a widespread flood, building a barrier with sand bags helps stop water from entering your home.

Remove Any Standing Water

After addressing the water source, removing the standing water as quickly as possible can help minimize further complications and losses. This can be done using buckets and rags while you wait for your trusted Austin water damage restoration experts to arrive and take over.

Identify and Recover Salvageable Items

While the mess inside your property can be overwhelming, looking around for items you can still salvage will help you preserve as much of your possessions as possible. The first objects you may want to relocate are those that have not been affected by the water too much.

By moving recoverable items to a safe and dry location, you can avoid losing them to issues like extensive water damage and microbial growth.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Don’t forget to reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can. Repairing and restoring your property after a water damage incident can be costly, so working with your provider early on can help you obtain compensation and get the restoration services you need without breaking the bank.

Water Damage Restoration Don’ts:

Don’t Enter a Flooded Area Unprotected

If you suspect that the water inside your residential or commercial property is contaminated, it’s best to wear protective clothing like rubber boots and gloves before re-entering. Forgoing this safety measure to rush back in and save your possessions is not worth it, as the contaminants in floodwater can cause serious diseases and even death.

Don’t Leave Soaked Items Together

Letting affected items stick together, especially porous objects like wood and fabrics is never a good idea. Stacking your water-affected rugs, carpets, and other absorbent materials on top of the other will only make it easy for mold to grow and spread.

Don’t Use Electronics Near Flooded Areas

While it’s natural for you to want to remove water from your property as soon as possible, it pays to remember that using vacuums near wet floors may do more harm than good.

If you must use a wet vac, check that the cord is free from any issue and plug only into dry outlets. Using rubber-soled boots also helps keep you safe as you start the water restoration process.

Don’t Delay on Calling the Pros

The most critical thing to remember regarding water damage restoration in Austin is that doing things wrong can be costly.

While there are things you can do on your own, like addressing the water source or removing standing water, the reality is that the restoration process requires the right skills and proper tools. Only a certified professional can determine the extent of your water damage and prevent it from further destroying your home or workplace.

A burst pipe, leaking roof, or flooded basement can be messy and stressful, but the right approach to water remediation and restoration can help you get your property and your life back to normal in no time.

Don’t let water damage keep you from enjoying your life or doing your best work. At Restoration 1, our IICRC-certified professionals follow the highest water removal and cleanup standards to restore properties, no matter the disaster. Call us today and get swift water damage restoration in Austin 24/7.