Water damage emergencies can make you feel helpless and frustrated. However, with quick thinking and action, you can save your home from permanent water damage.
Water damage can be dangerous to your home, whether the cause is a natural disaster or something you did carelessly. Most of the time, you can clean up the water by yourself. However, sometimes the water is so toxic that you require professional assistance.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the various types of water damage and how to repair them. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you must work quickly.
There are many potential causes of water damage, including human error (such as broken pipes or washers) and natural disasters (such as floods or hurricanes). You need to act quickly because standing water can ruin your house beyond repair.
However, before we get into that, did you know that there are actually three distinct kinds of water that can be destructive? Here’s the lowdown on them that you need to know.
Pure Water
Condensation, rainwater entering your home, leaky pipes, or accidental pipe bursts are the most common sources of clean water. This type of water leak is simple and safe to clean up on your own.
Water in Gray
This type of water, as the name implies, is slightly dirtier and more contaminated. It comes from your dishwashers, toilets, and washing machines, among other things. Although you can choose to clean it up yourself, you must use proper safety equipment and dispose of the water properly.
Dark Water
Because it may contain bacteria, toxic substances, chemicals, and waste, black water is the most dangerous of all. This water comes from sewage, river flooding, and other sources. This type of water damage repair will necessitate the assistance of a professional.
Repairing Water Damage
Water damage requires immediate action. Water damage is usually fixable. Severe cases require professional help.
Safety First
You must prioritize family safety. Turn off the power if flooding, pipes bursting, or stagnant water occurs.To prevent contamination, turn off the main water inlet valve afterward.
In severe flooding, you must also turn off the gas supply.Avoid wading in murky water to avoid accidents. Wear protective gear to avoid contamination.
Start Drying
Remove water and moisture immediately. It will damage more the longer you leave it. Repairing this damage will be costly.Water removal is easy for smaller leaks and bursts. Mops, fans, and ventilation should dry the area.
In cases of severe flooding, you may need to use hand, gas, or electric pumps.Dry the affected areas with a heating system or electric fans after removing the water. This process prevents molding.
Mold/Mildew Inspection
Mold loves dark, damp places. After a water leak, mold can grow in 24 hours. Mold poisons humans and pets. It also causes extensive property damage.Check for mold and mildew. Keep in mind that it can grow in unexpected places, so carefully inspect as you may miss it. Then hire a pro.
Discard Waste
Gray and black water have more contaminants and debris than clean water. Clean your neighborhood as much as possible. Leave toxic water or debris to a professional.Throw out water-damaged household items (or bag it away safely for insurance purposes). However, water-damaged porous material must be discarded because it will rot.
Your Ceiling
If water damages your ceiling, start there. You don’t want your ceiling to collapse and cause an accident.Remove damaged ceiling boards. If a leaky roof caused ceiling damage, find the source. Call a professional immediately to assess the damage and estimate repair costs.
Clean the Rest
Start disinfecting after safely removing all damaged items. Use homemade, bleach, or commercial cleaning products.Remove any remaining mold spores to prevent them from spreading. Before cleaning, put on your mask, goggles, gloves, and suit.
Assess Damage
Water damage in your home must be assessed to determine repair or replacement costs. A professional home inspector is best for this process.The damage can reach your plumbing system, under your floorboards, and other hidden areas. Before signing a contract, estimate your time and money costs.
Conclusions
After these steps, you can move in.Home water damage repair is difficult. It will be expensive and time-consuming. To prepare for accidents, find the right insurance company.If you live in an area prone to flooding, hurricanes, etc.,
you should have good insurance. However, we know this process is hard.Preventing water damage is possible. We hope our guide helped you understand how to handle these situations.
