If you’re a house owner, you will most likely experience water damage once or more than once in your life. According to statistics, water damage claims cost insurance companies a whopping $13 billion in 2017.
Every home owner’s nightmare is to wake up in the middle of the night with water rushing out of somewhere it should not be. No matter how new your property is, water damage can still affect and even damage it. Here are some DIY ideas on what to do if you find yourself in this scenario:
Identify the Source of the Water
After making sure that it’s safe for you and your family to remain in your home, locate the water source. Pay attention to the visible signs in all the corners of your house, as it can be tricky sometimes. For example, water damage in ceilings can be hard to identify if the water is coming from the roof or somewhere else.
Look for water stains, swollen, or discolorations since these are the most usual signs of water damage. These are usually found in drywall, doors, and cabinets.
Turn Off Electricity and Water Source
If you figure out that the water source is coming from your house, such as a pipe, turn off the water supply as quickly as possible. This will help reduce any additional damage caused by the water. Also, switch off electricity and electronic devices in the affected rooms or location, and move electronic items away from the room.
When managing electrical power or electronic objects, consider your safety first. For example, be cautious when standing in water, or your garments are wet and trying to recover a soaked electronic device. Look for a way to detach if it’s immersed and is still connected to an external power source. Try switching it off from a breaker if you can.
Move Belongings Far From the Affected Area
If you let your belongings sit in the water for an extended period, it can cause additional damage that makes it difficult for them to salvage. If you can not move big and heavy furniture or home appliances, you may need the help of a water damage restoration company. They will put your valuables on the block, enabling them to keep off the ground and out of the water.
If you have vanities and cabinets that can’t be moved, they are also the right people to determine if water went through behind these items.
Eliminate the Water
After shutting off electronic devices, electricity, and water source, and the contents have been moved, the following step would be to remove the standing water. A vacuum cleaner may do if there’s not too much standing water or the affected area is small. However, if it is more than 100 square feet, calling specialists is always the best.
Allow Air in the Area
Even if you get rid of the water, there are still wet building materials you need to remove or dry. If you don’t, you’ll be forced to manage molds in the next few days, which is the last thing you want. Though your tools and equipment can not compete with restoration companies’ drying devices, dehumidifiers and fans can help dry the area.
If it’s possible, open the windows to allow air to enter your home. In severe damages, calling professional companies is strongly advised considering they also have specialized moisture detecting devices. When looking for one, it’s important to visit their website to see their services and reviews and testimonials from their previous clients to make sure you find the best one.