Water Damage Cleanup

10 steps to take when you experience water damage in your home

Water damaged can be a devastating experience, both emotionally and financially. It is important to take the necessary steps to mitigate any further damage, and to get your home back to its pre-damaged state as quickly as possible.

Here are the ten steps you should take when water damage occurs in your home.

  1. Turn off the main water supply: Before doing anything else, the first step is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This will help minimize any further damage and protect against additional costs from flooding.

    Water Damage Cleanup

  2. Report the damage to your insurance company: Once you’ve turned off the main water supply, contact your insurance provider as quickly as possible. You may be eligible for coverage depending on the type of policy that you have in place.
  3. Dry out the area: After shutting off the main water supply and reporting it to your insurer, begin drying out the affected area immediately. Use fans, dehumidifiers and towels to absorb as much moisture as possible and prevent mold growth or other forms of damage.
  4. Mitigate any mold growth: Mold is a common consequence of water damage and can cause serious health issues. If you notice any signs of mold growth, take measures to remove it immediately before it spreads further throughout the home.
  5. Assess the damages and make repairs: After drying out the affected area, you must assess the extent of the damage and determine what needs to be repaired or replaced. If the drywall has been saturated with water for an extended period of time, it may need to be removed completely and replaced with fresh material. 
  6. Clean up any debris: Once the repairs have been made, be sure to clean up any debris and Water damaged materials that are left behind. This will help prevent further contamination, and can also decrease your insurance costs if you’re making a claim.
  7. Sanitize the area: After cleaning up the area, be sure to sanitize it with anti-bacterial products or steam cleaners to kill bacteria and other contaminants that may still remain in the affected space. 
  8. Repair or replace damaged items: If furniture, carpets, rugs or other items were damaged by the water damage incident, they may need to be repaired or replaced completely. Depending on the type of item and extent of damage, you may need to contact a professional restoration company for help.
  9. Restore your home to its pre-damaged condition: After repairing and replacing any damaged items, it’s time to restore your home to its pre-damaged state. This may involve painting or re-texturing walls and ceilings, replacing carpets or other flooring materials, and more.

    Water Damage Cleanup

  10. Prevent future water damage: The final step is to take preventive measures to ensure water damage doesn’t occur again in the future. This may include checking pipes and plumbing for leaks, installing sump pumps and other water drainage systems, or investing in a waterproofing system. 

By following these ten steps, you can mitigate the potential damage from water damage and restore your home to its pre-damaged state. Taking care of water damage quickly and properly can save you both time and money in the long run.

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