Guide to Recovering from Water Damage in Your Home
Most homeowners have experienced financial losses due to water damage. Most of these issues stem from roofs that are leaking, faulty plumbing, and washers and water heaters that are broken. Natural disasters like severe flooding and hurricanes can also damage homes to varying degrees of severity. Water damage, whether caused by a flash flood or a burst pipe, can be one of the most destructive home disasters a homeowner may experience. Water-damaged items are frequently beyond repair, cleaning up can be strenuous, and the risk of mold growth can persist for weeks. By taking prompt action and implementing a strategic plan, you can minimize the pain of water damage restoration by starting off on the right track.
For homeowners in Long Beach, timely intervention and professional assistance are crucial. Engaging experts in Water Damage Restoration Long Beach ensures that the damage is assessed accurately and the most effective remediation strategies are employed. This not only helps in salvaging possessions but also in mitigating long-term risks associated with structural damage and mold proliferation.
Locate The Source
Identify where the water is coming from. If the cause is a damaged pipe, you can shut off the water supply to prevent the leakage. If water is coming through cracks in the foundation, you will need to hire a professional to repair it. Identifying the source can also determine if the water is safe to drink. Although having a burst pipe under your sink is not ideal, at least the water is clean. The situation is different when it comes to floods resulting from a sewer backup.
Turn off Electricity
When dealing with water damage near outlets or wiring, prioritize electrical safety as your first concern. The precautions you implement should correlate with the level of harm present. In case of a small leak impacting a limited area, it is advisable to turn off the circuit breakers responsible for supplying power to the wiring and outlets close to the leak. A major pipe break causing damage in multiple rooms will require the entire circuit panel to be shut down. If you have standing water in your home after a flood, it is important to have your utility company remove the electrical meter before entering flooded areas for safety. If the electric panel is inside and the building is not safe to enter, you must get help from a professional.
Contact the Insurance Company
When you have a flood in your home, you may not immediately think about filing an insurance claim for water damage, but it is important to contact your homeowner’s insurance company eventually. Although you may not have flood insurance that includes hurricanes, you are likely covered for sewage backup or plumbing issues. Record the extent of the damage to the best of your ability, as the company will dispatch an adjustor for a thorough examination, then proceed with filing your insurance claim. Contacting the insurance company is crucial because they can provide referrals for mold remediation experts or water damage repair professionals in your vicinity.
Collect Debris
Remove any clutter that the water has carried in. Floodwater can be very messy with sediments, tree branches, leaves, and garbage. Find anything that can be saved. These items could include your valued heritage pieces, furnishings, carpets, or curtains. If feasible, separate salvageable valuables should be stored in a dry room or kept outside of the house. Anything that is badly damaged should either be discarded or kept for insurance reasons. Remove clutter and debris to uncover the full extent of water damage in the house.
Bottom Line
Finding water in unexpected places can be very frightening for homeowners. After a flood, it is important to remain calm and respond promptly to ensure your safety and minimize harm to your property and belongings. You can also contact a professional restoration company, which will do everything needed to ensure your building is secure and free from water damage.
