The sound of water dripping off taps in your house might be a familiar yet annoying one, in addition to the icky water damage situations like water stagnation, leaky ceilings, and improper piping.
Most of these damages are caused by everyday wear and tear, obsolete fittings, or simply the passage of time. However, in exceptional circumstances, it can occur because of faulty pipeline structures, floods, or other events that are out of your control.
No matter what the reason is, the aftermath of these damages can be catastrophic, and fixing these are vexing chores. Any delay in dealing with these effects can worsen the situation quickly. Thus, if you can’t fix these issues yourself, it’s always recommended to seek help from a reliable cleanup and restoration professional like Bedrock Restoration.
Today in this article, we will uphold the steps you should undertake after coming across water damage in your home.
Types of Water Damages
Before we dive right into how to deal with havoc-wreaking situations, let us get a basic understanding of the types of water damage one can anticipate in your home.
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Clean Water Damage
It usually occurs due to leaks from pipes, bathtubs, and sinks. This water damage indicates excess water in your home and is a common occurrence in most households.
Though less hazardous, they must be treated before mildew or mold forms on the spot to avoid health issues and damage to the property.
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Grey Water Damage
This water damage originates from sump pumps, washing machines, and washrooms.
The hazardous and microorganisms content in such water damage is high and may have an immediate adverse effect on human health. In addition, contaminants may be water-borne and airborne, making the situation more detrimental.
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Black Water Damage
This water damage is the most iron-fisted of all. Quick action must be taken in these cases to avoid irreversible damage to one’s health, surroundings, and property.
Sewage water containing human and chemical waste, mold, dangerous toxins, and muck combined may have long-lasting adverse effects. Hence, seeking professional help to fix this is the right way to go about it.
Ways to Deal with Water Damage
Water damages can occur in multiple ways, and their severity cannot be predicted immediately. Although easy to fix, the consequences of untreated or improperly treated damages will lead to a trail of structural and health-related issues in the future.
So, here are some ways in which you can deal with water damage in an effective way.
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Curb the Source
One of the first things to figure out in such a situation is identifying the source of the damage, be it a leaking plumbing fixture or an electrical appliance.
It can be dealt with easily if it is a simple case of a pipe break or overflow from a plumbing unit since it’s primarily clean water damage. Just turn off the water source if it can be located and is within reach to avoid further water logging.
In contrast, when electrical appliances or devices are involved, cut off the power once the origin point has been established. It will reduce the chances of electrocution and preserve the existing working condition of your valuable appliances.
However, if the water levels rise at an alarming speed, exit the house or building immediately.
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Prioritize Safety
As basic as this may sound, make sure of the safety of your family and yourself before taking any action to fix the damage.
Insulate yourself if there is any open source of electricity or appliance around. Wear protective gear like watertight, insulated boots and waterproof PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to shield yourself from injuries. You may also use other materials that are non-conductors of electricity.
In extreme circumstances where you may have to leave the premises, gather essential items to the extent possible. In case of flooded homes or premises, do not enter without ensuring that the power supply has been cut off completely. Also, avoid standing in damp areas. Take the help of an electrician or handyman if you are unsure of the electrical situation.
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Dry and Dust Your surroundings
With the safety aspect ensured and the seriousness of the damage ascertained, it’s time to take corrective actions. Within 24 hours, dry out your surroundings. Wear protective gear again if you decide to do it yourself.
Use plastic buckets to get rid of the excess water. Once the water levels have been brought down, check and throw away unsalvageable items.
Once the electrical condition is under control, devices like a wet-dry vacuum cleaner can be used to get rid of the remaining water. Air-conditioners, dehumidifiers, and fans will help speed up the drying process. Try and complete the process soon to avoid mold and contaminants.
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Assess the Mold Situation
The house has been completely dried out, including areas where moisture tends to collect and settle. However, the process does not end here. It’s time for a thorough inspection of the house.
First, identify if there is a growth of mold anywhere. Mold can develop within 24 hours of waterlogging, and getting rid of it can be laborious. So, if mold covers small areas, you can get rid of it yourself using detergent.
However, make sure you do not spread mold spores in the process.
In case of critical mold damage, do not attempt to undertake the task yourself. Instead, get professional assistance from mold remediation service providers near you.
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Undergo a Thorough Flooring and Structural Inspection
Irrespective of the extent of water damage in your home, the durability of the roof, walls, and floors is bound to be affected. So, inspect your roof to check for potential leakage and mold growth. It is of utmost importance in cases where the ceiling is not sealed.
Drywall also requires equal attention. You can repaint it in situations where the damage is not too deep-rooted.
Besides, replace your carpeted floor, given its capacity to retain water-related bacteria. In the case of wooden flooring, assess their stability post water stagnation and verify if they need replacement too.
Wrap Up
Thus, no matter the intensity of water damage, immediate action taken will single out grave issues early and avoid futile expenses in the future.
However, ensure to contact your insurance service provider to get a crystal-clear picture of the cost of the damages you can recover and when your home is ready to move in again.
