Regardless of the source, water damage is a serious problem and should be addressed immediately to prevent further damage to your home and property. Water can spread quickly and cause structural damage and mold growth.
Additionally, there are many different types of water damage and each type requires a different type of repair. For example, damage caused by a clean water source, such as a leaking pipe, will be less complex to repair than damage caused by a contaminated water source, such as a sewage backup.
That’s why it’s important to know what to do in case of water damage. If you act quickly and effectively, you can minimize damage and even prevent it in the first place. Alternatively, it is best to contact professionals to help you solve the problem.
So what to do if water damages your home? Here are some tips for emergency water restoration:
- Turn off the electricity
The first thing you should do in the water restoration process is to turn off the electricity to avoid electric shock. If the water is coming from a leaking pipe, you can also shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding. This is also true if the water comes from a natural disaster such as a flood.
- Remove standing water
Possible stagnant water will only complicate your repairs. There are several ways to do this, depending on the volume of water. Small amounts can be soaked up with towels or buckets.
If you are dealing with a larger volume of water, you may need to use a pump or wet vacuum or wipe with towels instead. Do not forget to wear rubber gloves and protective clothing to prevent contaminated water from coming into contact with the skin. Water from sewage pipes or natural disasters can contain harmful bacteria.
- Assess the damage
Once you’ve removed the standing water, it’s time to assess the damage. This will help you determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. Any porous materials such as wood, drywall or carpeting will likely need to be replaced as they can absorb water and harbor mould.
On the other hand, non-porous materials such as metal or plastic can be repaired depending on the severity of the damage. In case you are unsure, it is always best to err on the side of caution and replace the item.
- Check for mold and mildew
Controlling mold and mildew should be your priority. Under optimal conditions, mold can appear within 24 hours, so timeliness in inspection is key. Failure to address water or mold damage can cause a variety of health problems for the people who live in the affected home.
For one thing, it can be toxic to humans. Where mold is present, you can develop respiratory diseases and other infections. Symptoms that indicate exposure to mold include difficulty breathing, coughing, and sneezing.
When you start breathing the air and spend many hours in the environment, nausea, vomiting and nosebleeds can occur. In severe situations, bleeding into the lungs can occur, which is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Other individuals may feel their lungs feel weak or have trouble breathing without feeling chest pressure. Those who have asthma may be more prone to daytime asthma attacks.
To prevent the formation of mold, one effective method is to open the space as much as possible and increase the air flow. Use fans and dehumidifiers to improve air circulation and reduce humidity in the air. However, if the damage is already done, you will need to implement a mold removal strategy as quickly as possible.
- Dry the area
Once you’ve removed the standing water and dealt with the mold problem, it’s time to start drying the area. For small areas, you can use a combination of fans and towels. For larger areas, you will need to bring professional drying equipment.
- Start the cleaning process
Once your home is back to normal humidity levels, it is important that it is sanitized and disinfected. Bacteria, mold and other contaminants may have been introduced into your home by the water that ran through it.
The cleaning process will vary depending on the type of water damage. For example, if the water is from a clean source, such as a leaking pipe, you will need to perform a different type of cleaning than if the water is coming from a sewer line.
- Make corrections
This can include anything from patching drywall to replacing flooring. Water damage is the most common cause of home damage and is relatively easy to fix yourself. Drywall, siding, and baseboards are common targets for water damage and are easy to repair. If any of the structural components of your home have been damaged, you must be extremely careful when removing and replacing materials. Even if you are experienced in home improvement, removing structural components without taking proper precautions can cause extensive damage to your home.
- Make corrections
This can include anything from patching drywall to replacing flooring. Water Restoration is the most common cause of home damage and is relatively easy to fix yourself. Drywall, siding, and baseboards are common targets for water damage and are easy to repair. If any of the structural components of your home have been damaged, you must be extremely careful when removing and replacing materials. Even if you are experienced in home improvement, removing structural components without taking proper precautions can cause extensive damage to your home.
Not only do you need to clean the surfaces of your home, but you also need to clean the air inside. In most cases, the tools you use to clean your home will not be enough to remove all the impurities from the air.
If you are dealing with a significant amount of water damage, it is best to call a Melbourne water damage restoration service to handle the cleanup process. They will have the right equipment and experience to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. Water damage repair professionals use air scrubbers to remove germs from the air that could re-infect your home and cause mold and disease in the future.
Water damage can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your home safe and clean. With proper care and attention, you can get your home back to normal in no time.
