Many things can cause water damage. A failed pipe, a burst drain or toilet, a flood, rapid snowmelt and heavy rainfall in remote locations, and other natural disasters are all culprits. While water damage to buildings, vehicles and other property is a serious thing to deal with, it can also get worse if you don’t handle it properly.
If you’ve suffered water damage due to flooding or any other cause, you need to consult with water and fire restoration experts as soon as the water damage occurs. This is to ensure your property is completely restored and repaired as quickly as possible.
This article outlines strategies for successful water damage repair.
Causes of Water Damage
Three major types of water can cause water damage;
● Gray Water
Gray water can come from your toilet, shower, bathtub, washing machine, kitchen sink, dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, laundry room sink, or floor drain. The gray water contains harmful bacteria, chemicals, and sediment, which can cause damage to your home and pose health risks.
● Clean Water
Clean water is highly corrosive as it’s majorly from rain; hence it attacks and destroys the materials on your property. Water damage from clean water can be expensive to repair and can also be dangerous for you and your family if not handled immediately.
● Black Water
Black water is a common cause of house damage and can be caused by a leaky pipe or by a toilet drain that backs up. Black water typically contains sewage, which has absorbed debris and often leads to serious health problems. Black water damage should be handled immediately by professionals.
Water Damage Restoration Tips
● Eliminate the Water
The first step in water damage restoration is to eliminate the water. Once you’ve eliminated the water, you can then call a professional for further help. Eliminating the water immediately helps to prevent the growth of moulds and mildew. The tips below will help:
- Use a bucket and tow to remove small volumes of water.
- Use the wet-dry vacuum method to eliminate large volumes of water.
- If the sewer line is not the cause of the problem, you can dispose of the water down the sewer line.
● Remove All Affected Items
If your house is flooded, it is essential to remove any items that could be damaged by the water. This process is known as mitigation. Organize your properties, such as clothes, pets, and furniture, in a safe place to prevent them from being damaged by water. This will also help prevent mould and mildew from growing in the affected area.
Next, shut off any electrical circuits that the flooding may damage. You can do this by turning off electrical switches on walls or ceiling panels. You can then call in the professionals. A water damage restoration company will come in, inspect your house and determine what needs to be done.
● Get the Airflow Going
Once standing water is removed and the mould test comes back negative, the next thing to do is to open up the space. This will allow air to flow in and dry out the affected area. This can prevent mould from forming later on.
If the water damage is not severe, you can air out the affected area using an exhaust fan or by installing a dehumidifier. If these don’t work, then call a professional.
● Check For Molds and Mildew
Mould and mildew are two of the most common issues that occur after water damage. So conducting a mould and mildew inspection before you start any restoration work is a good idea. If you find any signs of mould or mildew, especially in areas where water might be pooling, such as basements or floorboards, it’s time to call professionals. Mould spores are often airborne and can spread quickly through homes if untreated.
● Replace Damaged Components
During water damage restoration, it’s important to focus on replacing damaged components. This can be as simple as putting in a new light bulb or as complex as replacing the entire electrical system. It is especially important if the water has damaged electrical wiring or plumbing. This will help prevent more serious problems like electrocution or fire. To protect your properties from future water damage, you should also seal, caulk, and paint the replaced materials.
Water damage of any kind is disheartening. However, strategic planning and careful execution from experts can help you minimize potential harm, keep your home safe, and save money on water damage restoration costs.
