Water Damage Tips

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

6 Water Damage Restoration Tips Everyone Should Know

Water damage is a serious issue that can significantly impact your property, safety, and finances. It is important to know how to deal with water damage in order to limit the damage it does and get your home back in shape quickly. Often times people underestimate the extent of water damage and then end up spending thousands more than they would have if they called a professional restoration company right away. Here are six water damage tips everyone should know:

Do not wait to call a professional

Do not wait to call a professional. If you don’t, you could be left with a host of problems that will cost you more money and time than if you had called a water damage restoration company right away. Water damage can cause serious problems, mold growth, structural damage, and electrical issues as well as fire hazards and other concerns for your family members.

Shut off the power

Shut off the power (only if it is safe to do so). If you don’t know how to turn off the water or gas, call a professional. Using your electrical equipment after a water loss can be dangerous.

If you see any smoke or fire, shut off all utilities and leave the house immediately.

Inspect for Mold

Mold is a common problem after water damage. It can grow in as little as 48 hours, and it can cause serious problems. If you allow mold to grow and spread, it can cause significant damage to your home that takes time and money to remediate. 

Mold spores are usually found on organic matter like wood or paper products that have gotten wet recently (like from a leak). These spores propagate when they come in contact with moisture and create more mold colonies.

Dry Water Out

The third step in water damage restoration is to dry the area. To do this, you'll need to remove excess water from your home or business.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area as quickly as possible.
• If a wet/dry vacuum is available, use it to remove standing water.

Remove Damaged Materials

The next step is to remove any damaged materials. If you have water damage, you will want to take care of this as soon as possible. Materials, such as insulation and carpets, that have been affected by the water loss need to be disposed of. Failing to remove damaged materials can cause even more damage to your home.

Some materials can be repaired, but it is important that you allow the professionals to conduct the repairs and disinfection to ensure that it is clean and safe to bring back into your home.

Disinfect Remaining Areas

Lastly, it is important to disinfect the remaining areas. Depending on the type of water damage that you have experienced, your property can be covered in bacteria and viruses. To keep yourself and others on your property safe, it is important to disinfect the remaining areas. Disinfection can also prevent mold growth.

Water damage recovery is best done by professional restoration companies

In the aftermath of a water damage event, you’re likely to be feeling stressed and overwhelmed. The last thing you want to worry about is how to effectively repair the damage and restore your home back to its normal state.

Even if the damage is not too severe and you think you can handle it yourself, remember that water damage restoration requires special equipment and expertise. You should always call a professional when dealing with such a serious matter. Our SERVPRO of Jacksonville South team is always here to help!