6 min read
Experiencing a water damage event is frustrating and exhausting for any homeowner. Whether from a burst pipe, a leaky roof, a sewer backup, or a natural disaster, excess water can compromise a structure and create health and safety hazards.
Worse, there’s no time to waste on water damage restoration. Mold can grow within 72 hours after a water event, so acting quickly and taking the proper steps to address the damage is critical.
If you are ever put in a situation where you have to address water damage on your property, here are some pointers to remember during the pre-cleaning and repair processes.
Pre-Cleaning Stage
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
It may be tempting to jump right into cleaning the mess and getting the repairs done, but it’s crucial that you ensure your and your family’s safety before anything else.
Never enter a flooded home before turning off your power supply. Outlets, exposed wires, and electronic devices submerged in water can create electrical hazards. However, if switching your electricity off entails entering or standing in a wet area, it’s best to leave the job to technicians.
If you were able to turn off the power, put on protective gear such as rubber boots and gloves before re-entering your home. These will protect you from injuries and infection, especially in cases where the water source is contaminated.
Locate and Address the Water Source
Failing to locate and stop the source in water damage events unrelated to natural disasters will allow water to enter your building continuously.
For instance, a burst pipe, a supply line leak, or a sewer backup can continue to soak your fixtures and belongings. In these cases, the sustained water flow can reach more parts of your building’s structure, causing wood rot, mold, and other extensive issues.
Because of this, locating and addressing the water source requires professional insight. Identifying and stopping the source must be done quickly and effectively to prevent further damage and make water extraction easier.
Assess and Document the Damage
After addressing the source and before moving on to the actual cleanup, assess and document the damage. Here are some questions to ask when evaluating your home’s situation:
- How much water entered the building?
- What was the water source? Was it contaminated?
- What parts of the building were affected?
- Were any furniture, fixtures, or personal belongings damaged?
Then, make sure to take photos of all the damage. Cleaning up water damage, repairing damaged materials, and replacing unsalvageable items can be stressful and time-consuming. Sufficient documentation can help you with your insurance claims and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you need to get your home back to normal.
On the other hand, the lack of adequate documentation can reduce the amount of financial assistance you will receive. In worse cases, it can even result in a claim denial.
Cleanup and Repairs Stage
Remove the Water That You Can
Water extraction involves removing any standing water and drying out all affected areas. If you decide to do this on your own, here are some pointers to remember:
- Use buckets or plastic tubs to remove gallons of standing water. Then, use a mop to absorb water in hard-to-reach areas or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining damp debris.
- Open your windows and doors to increase air circulation and ventilation if the weather permits.
- Speed up the drying process by using fans and dehumidifiers.
Repair the Damage
After water extraction and drying comes what is probably the most laborious and challenging aspect of water damage restoration: repairing the damage. Depending on the extent of the water intrusion, this process may involve replacing damaged drywall, flooring, ceiling, or other parts of your home.
One way to determine where to start is by checking for structural damage, like warped walls or sagging ceilings. It’s also a good idea to watch out for water stains on walls or ceilings, soft spots on the floor, or warped tile, laminate, or wood flooring.
Most importantly, enlist professional water damage services in Kansas City to have qualified experts assess and repair the damage as soon as possible. Without the right skills and tools, taking the DIY route may only worsen the situation and prolong the restoration process.
Preventing Future Water Damage
Finally, it’s important to take steps to prevent water damage in the future.
Besides repairing water damage, there are also some practical steps to stopping water damage before it happens.
- Prevent or minimize basement flooding by installing a sump pump.
- Inspect your water lines for leaks regularly and repair them as necessary.
- Invest in a water sensor to get alerts on any leaks, bursts, or other water issues.
- Have your roof regularly repaired and maintained to prevent leaks during heavy rain or snow.
Get Proven Water Damage Services in Kansas City
More often than not, the damage after a water event is too extensive for an individual or a family to handle on their own. While minor damage can be addressed with simple repairs, major incidents such as a burst pipe or widespread flooding are best left to restoration professionals.
Water damage restoration for serious water emergencies typically involves removing the flooring, drywall, and insulation. Furniture and other possessions may also need to be dried, cleaned, or discarded, depending on the level of water damage. All these must be done as quickly as possible to prevent mold and other problems.
When you hire local water damage & restoration services, you work with experienced pros who can take care of everything quickly. They have the necessary skills, processes, and equipment to assess your property and perform the necessary repairs – all within the ideal timeline to prevent further issues.
Here are some pointers to help you find the best water damage & restoration services provider for your needs:
- Select a service provider that is licensed and certified.
- Check that the team you’re eyeing offers 24/7 availability and rapid response.
- Work with a team with experience filing claims and working with insurance companies. This will spare you from unnecessary stress when coordinating with your insurance provider.
While handling the pre-cleaning stage on your own is possible, it’s best to get help from a qualified restoration company for the rest of the process to stay safe and get the best results.
Call Restoration 1 for Prompt and Reliable Water Damage Restoration
Looking for a certified, insured, and experienced restoration company within the area? Our local Restoration 1 team is available around the clock for water damage services in Kansas City. We recognize that time is of the essence, so we immediately dispatch a team to your location to assess the situation and begin the restoration process for you.
Let us help you avoid the stress and mess of water damage. Contact us to get help today.
