What To Do When You Have Water Damage In Your Home
When you hear the words “water damage,” do you get an instant sense of dread? This is understandable, but what if I told you that there’s a way to alleviate your anxiety and to mitigate the water damage in your home?
What is Water Damage?
Water damage is caused by a leak or broken pipe. This leakage can be in your home or you might have a natural disaster like flooding. When this happens, the water will spread and it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage. Some ways to fix immediate water damage include turning off the water supply and checking for leaks before beginning any cleanup. Save as many personal items as possible with help from friends and family. Remove all standing water with towels, mops, or buckets of clean water before using a vacuum cleaner.
Signs of Water Damage
A sign of water damage is if you notice a musty smell. If you find mold, that is also a sign of water damage. Other signs are if your ceilings have buckling or peeling paint and the walls have water stains.
How to Prevent Water Damage
If you have water damage in your home, here are some tips to help you prevent future problems:
• Never turn on any electrical devices when the power is off.
• Keep a safe distance from an open window or door that could let in water.
• Do not use appliances until they have been cleaned and dried out.
• Take steps like installing a sump pump to protect against flooding.
Things to Do After a Flood
If you experience a flood, it is important to clean up the water as soon as possible. Remove any standing water and wet materials from your home, using a mop or towel. Save any wet flooring, carpeting, and furniture to be cleaned off site by professionals. It is also important to salvage clothing that has been soaked in water. Remove all traces of mold by wiping down surfaces with bleach or a bleach-based cleaner.
Caring for Your Belongings
If you have water damage, there are some steps you can take to prevent mold growth. First, you will need to clean up the area as best as possible and dry it completely with a fan or dehumidifier. Next, use disinfectant on any porous surfaces that have been exposed to water and install an air purifier. Finally, you will need to set up your belongings somewhere safe until the water damage is cleaned up and permanently stopped.
Your Health and Wellness
Once you notice any signs of water damage, the first thing to do is stop the water from flowing. If it has already reached the walls or ceiling, you will need to cut power and turn off the HVAC system. However, if there is just a leaky faucet, you can use a bucket to collect the water. Next, check for mold by taking a flashlight into the dark areas and making sure there are no major leaks. You can also use bleach on surfaces that have been wet for more than 48 hours.
Prevention Tips
If you believe you have water damage in your home, the first thing you should do is find the source of the leak. This can be difficult to do because the water may be invisible or seeping into your walls. After finding the source, try and fix it as soon as possible to reduce the amount of damage that will happen to your home. You should also start drying out anything wet as quickly as possible. When dealing with a flood, start removing any items that are wet and try not to walk on them too much to keep from spreading water around. Water is dangerous when it comes in contact with electrical wires so make sure you don’t turn on any power sources until electrical appliances have been dried out for at least 24 hours.
