Water Damage- Know What to Do

Water Damage- Know What to Do.

When to Call Professionals: Anytime significant water damage occurs, to ensure effective mitigation and avoid long-term problems.

Water can quickly cause enormous damage. Most homeowners are not equipped to handle and mitigate the kind of damage and bacterial growth that water can cause in a very short time, and need the professional help and guidance of a water mitigation/restoration company to minimize damage and thoroughly handle the cleanup.

You can contact the insurance company to start the claim and have them dispatch a water mitigation company as quickly as possible.

If you are unsure whether you want or need to file a homeowners’ claim, then you can call a water mitigation company directly and have them assess the damage and start cleanup. Once you know the cost of mitigation and have repair estimates, you can decide whether to involve your home insurance.

What to Do:

• Shut off the water to the leaking appliance or turn off the main water shut-off Valve.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• If it appears significant, calling a water mitigation company is critical.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings that are not permanently attached. DO NOT attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.
• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through coat hangers, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Wipe wood furniture dry after removing any tabletop items. Prop up any wet furniture cushions for even drying, and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe and dry location.
• Keep books on shelves. Pack them tightly to prevent page warping until a restoration professional can begin specialized drying.
• Open drawers, closets, and cabinet doors to increase airflow and enhance drying.

What NOT to Do:

• Do not enter a room with standing water until the electricity has been turned off.
• Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring
• Do not disturb any visible mold.
• Do not remove books from the shelves.

Why Water Mitigation is Crucial

Water damage can be deceptive, as it often spreads quickly and penetrates hidden areas, creating long-term risks to the structure and safety of your home. The importance of water mitigation lies in its ability to prevent issues such as:

• Mold Growth: Water creates a breeding ground for mold, which can start growing within 24-48 hours. This damages surfaces and poses health risks, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions.
• Structural Damage: Moisture weakens structural elements like wood, drywall, and flooring. Without intervention, it can lead to rotting wood, warping, and the eventual need for expensive repairs or replacements.
• Electrical Hazards: Water and electricity don’t mix. If electrical systems are compromised, it can lead to potential fire risks.
• Increased Repair Costs: The longer water is left untreated, the more extensive the damage becomes, leading to more costly repairs.

Effective water mitigation can save thousands of dollars by preventing these long-term issues and further damage.

• Key Steps in Water Mitigation: This includes water extraction, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and sanitizing, and repairing affected areas.
• Mitigation vs. Restoration: Mitigation stops further damage, while restoration repairs and returns the property to its pre-damage condition

Who to Call-  Local Water Mitigation Companies

Fresh Start Home Repair, LLC

Website | www.freshstarthomerepair.com
TEL| (253) 410-7672
EMAIL | fs-homerepair@outlook.com

ServiceMaster Restore

WEBSITE | https://www.servicemasterrestore.com/

TEL| 1-800-RESPOND

SERVPRO

WEBSITE| https://www.servpro.com/

TEL| 844-500-1152

1-800 WATER DAMAGE

WEBSITE|  www.1800waterdamage.com

TEL| 800-928-3732