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What to Do Immediately After Water Damage: A Homeowner’s Guide
June 1, 2025
It can be highly frustrating to experience water damage. Be it a burst pipe, sewer backup, or flooding, they can be difficult to deal with, and if not done properly, they can cause further problems like mold growth, rotting wood, and other health problems.
By taking a few right steps, you can save your home and family from facing the harmful effects of water damage.
5 Steps to Take Immediately After the Water Damage
1. Take Care of Safety First
The first step should always be the safety of you and your family.
- Start by turning off electricity to the affected areas, if it seems safe. Water and electricity can lead to electrocution.
- Ensure to wear protective gear like gloves or boots
- Check if there is any structural damage, like a sagging ceiling or wrapped floor that may collapse.
- If you’re dealing with sewage water or flooding, leave the area. It can have harmful bacteria.
2. Identify and Stop the Source of Water
Next, try to find out where the water is coming from.
- If there is a burst pipe, turn off the main water supply valve of your home.
- If there is a leak in an appliance, turn off the appliance and the water valve.
- In case of a leaking roof, place buckets under the area dripping.
Identify the Water Type: It is important to find out whether the water is clean (from pipes), gray (from appliances), or black (sewage). Avoid black water; it is not safe.
3. Contact Professional Restoration Company
Professional restoration companies perform all the steps that are difficult for you to take on your own. If you live in Tulsa, contact Restoration 1 of Tulsa for 24/7 emergency services.
- Contact a water damage restoration company without any delay, or it can cause mold growth or structural damage.
- Share all the information related to the damage with the experts on call.
- Follow all the guidelines shared by the experts.
4. Document the Damage for Insurance
To claim insurance correctly, documenting the damage is essential.
- Take photos and videos of the damaged areas before anything is cleaned.
- Create a list of all the damaged belongings, electronics, or other structural elements.
- Note down information like the purchase and the estimated value of the damaged items.
- Contact your insurance company to report the incident immediately.
5. Begin Initial Mitigation (If Safe)
If you think it is safe, you can begin taking a few more steps, like
- Remove the standing water with the help of mops, towels, bucket, or wet/dry vacuum.
- Remove any of the valuables, including small furniture or electronics, from the area.
- For the furniture that cannot be moved, you can cover it with aluminum foil under the furniture leg to prevent it from staining or absorbing water.
- If the weather is dry, open the windows and the doors.
What Your Restoration Company Will Handle
Assessment of the area
Professional emergency services start by examining the affected areas for water damage. They use moisture meters and thermal images for any hidden damage to the walls and floors. Once assessed, they categorize the water damage according to the industry standard and create an action plan.
Advanced Water Extraction
Restoration companies use a powerful water extraction tool to remove water quickly. They are also able to extract water from the wall cavities and built-in fixtures. This step helps your home dry quickly and prevents more damage.
Complete Structural Drying
Next, they use high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the area completely and keep track of the progress. The step includes trying the walls, floors, and even the hidden cavities.
Cleaning
Restoration service providers also clean the affected area with professional-grade cleaning products to remove any residue and contaminants. This process removes any stains or smells from the surfaces of your house, returning it to its original state.
Nobody wants to face the trouble that comes with water damage, but if you do, it is important to take the steps mentioned above. Save 918-416-6189 in your devices so you can contact Restoration 1 of Tulsa in case of water damage.
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