A broken water pipe and the water damage clean up that it causes is the nightmare of every homeowner. Even a broken sink pipe with a small amount of water can do significant damage in a short period of time.
What to do before expert Water Damage Remediation technicians arrive
A broken water pipe and the water damage clean up that it causes is the nightmare of every homeowner. Even a broken sink pipe with a small amount of water can do significant damage in a short period of time.
The first thing that you should do is find the source of the water damage is and stop the flow of additional water from entering your home. The more water the larger the water damage clean up and more extensive the problem. As a safety precaution, be sure to turn off the electrical power to the section of the home where the water damage has occurred.
After the panic has subsided and before you start your water damage cleanup, you want to assess the level of damage to your home. If you have a limited amount of apparent water damage, there are many things that you can do yourself. But if carpeting, rugs, tile, drywall and the ceiling below have been saturated call a professional water restoration company immediately. You need to be in damage control mode and understand you are racing against the clock.
Water Damage Clean Up Tips
Assuming you can manage the water damage cleanup on your own, the first step is to get fresh air moving through area. Simply open windows and turn on as many fans as possible to get the air flowing throughout the house. This is will help dry the area, and will also help to reduce odors later on.
Next, start a dehumidifier running as quickly as possible to take moisture out of the air. Along with the fans, this will help accelerate your water damage clean up efforts by removing the water quickly. Be sure to check the reservoir tank often and empty it regularly. It is a necessary to run your dehumidifier until things are completely dry to avoid the conditions where mold and mildew can grow.
The next step is very important and will save hassles later. Take some photos of the damaged areas as evidence for your insurance claim. Like any accident, documentation is critical and give you proof that will put you in the best position possible when settling your claim.
It is important to note that wood surfaces that have been affected by the water are more urgent than carpeted areas. Wood is porous and can soak up the water causing warping and delaminating. It is a good idea to remove the water as quickly as possible and then use fans and a dehumidifier on around these areas first.
If the water damage was the result of a burst water pipe or other mechanical failure, repair it quickly and correctly so that you don’t aren’t cleaning water damage again in a few months. A water restoration professional and a qualified plumber can help you navigate through this maze of water damage clean up.
Finally, call your insurance company and determine if the water damage is covered under your homeowner’s policy. The experienced water damage remediation technicians at Sewage Cleaning Australia can help you with this and all the other steps of water damage clean up when your next catastrophe happens.
