Water damage can be a devastating experience for any homeowner or property owner. Whether caused by flooding, leaky pipes, or any other reason, water damage can wreak havoc on a home or building, damaging walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings.
In such cases, it is essential to call a restoration team to take care of the damage. But before the restoration team arrives, there are many things that homeowners can do to prepare for their arrival.
In this article, we will outline 20 things a person can do to prepare for a restoration team to come and take care of their water damage.
- Call your insurance company: The first step to take when you experience water damage is to call your insurance company. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim and provide you with any necessary information. When you call your insurance company, provide them with detailed information about the water damage. They will ask you questions about the damage’s extent, what caused it, and the date the damage occurred. Providing as much detail as possible is important to ensure your claim is processed quickly and accurately.
- Take photos: Take photos of the water damage to document the extent of the damage. This is important for insurance purposes and will help the restoration team understand the extent of the damage when they arrive. Make sure to take photos from multiple angles and document any items that have been damaged.
- Turn off the water supply: If a burst pipe or a leak causes water damage, turn off the water supply to your property. This will prevent further damage from occurring and make the restoration process easier. If you are unsure how to turn off your water supply, contact a plumber for assistance.
- Turn off the power: If the water damage has affected electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the power to the affected area. This will help prevent electrocution and fire hazards. If you are unsure how to turn off the power, contact an electrician for assistance.
- Stay safe: Water damage can create hazardous conditions, such as slippery floors, exposed electrical wires, and mold growth. It is important to stay safe and avoid entering any areas affected by water damage until it is safe to do so.
If the water damage has affected a large area, it may be necessary to evacuate the property until the restoration team arrives. Follow any instructions provided by your insurance company or emergency services personnel.
- Remove valuable items: Remove any valuable items from the affected area. This includes furniture, electronics, and personal belongings. Place these items in a safe and dry location to prevent further damage.
- Remove excess water: Use a wet/dry vacuum or mop to remove any excess water from the affected area. This will help prevent further damage and make the restoration process easier.
- Remove wet materials: Remove any wet materials from the affected area, including carpeting, furniture, and insulation. These materials can retain moisture and promote mold growth. If you are unsure how to remove these materials safely, contact your restoration team for assistance.
- Disinfect the affected area: Use a disinfectant to clean the affected area and prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and wear protective gloves and eyewear.
- Block furniture: If you cannot remove furniture from the affected area, use blocks or other items to elevate the furniture from the wet floor. This will help prevent further damage to the furniture and make the restoration process easier.
- Use plastic sheeting: Use plastic sheeting to cover any furniture or other items that cannot be removed from the affected area. This will help protect these items from further damage and simplify restoration.
- Control humidity: Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in the affected area. The ideal humidity level for preventing mold growth is below 60%. If the humidity level is too high, use a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture in the air. This will help dry out the area and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
- Use fans: Use fans to help circulate air in the area affected by water damage. This will help promote faster drying and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Position the fans to blow air across the affected area, and leave windows and doors open if possible to promote ventilation.
- Use air movers: Air movers are specialized fans designed to move large volumes of air. These can be used with regular fans to speed up the drying process. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and safety precautions.
- Seal off the affected area: If possible, seal off the affected area to prevent the spread of mold spores and other contaminants to other parts of your property. Use plastic sheeting or other materials to create a barrier between the affected area and the rest of your property.
- Stay in contact with the restoration team: Make sure to stay in contact with the restoration team throughout the restoration process. They will provide updates on the restoration progress and let you know when it is safe to return to the affected area.
- Remove debris: After the restoration process is complete, remove any debris or damaged materials from the affected area. This includes insulation, drywall, and carpeting. Make sure to dispose of these materials properly and follow any local regulations.
- Dry out the area: After the restoration process is complete, continue to monitor the affected area and use fans and dehumidifiers as needed to ensure that the area is thoroughly dried out.
- Test for mold: After the restoration process is complete, test the affected area for mold. Mold can grow quickly in areas affected by water damage; it is important to make sure that the area is free of mold spores before returning to the area. Contact a mold remediation specialist if mold is detected.
- Take steps to prevent future water damage: After the restoration process is complete, take steps to prevent future water damage. This includes fixing any leaks or plumbing issues, installing a sump pump in your basement if necessary, and ensuring that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning properly.
Water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for any homeowner or property owner. But by taking these steps to prepare for a restoration team to come and take care of the damage, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. Remember to stay calm, stay safe, and let the restoration team do their job. With patience and perseverance, your property will be restored to its pre-damage state in no time.
Now That You’re Prepared, Here Is a Look at the Benefits That Come With Hiring a Professional for Water Damage Restoration.
There are several compelling reasons why hiring a professional to take care of water damage is highly recommended. Here are some of the most important reasons:
- Safety: Water damage can create unsafe conditions in your home or business. For example, standing water can create electrical hazards, and mold growth can cause respiratory problems. Professionals are trained to identify and mitigate these risks, ensuring your property is safe during restoration.
- Expertise: Professional restoration teams have specialized training and experience in dealing with water damage. They know how to quickly and effectively assess the damage, develop a restoration plan, and execute it to restore your property to its pre-damage condition.
- Equipment: Professional restoration teams have access to specialized equipment designed to quickly and effectively remove standing water, dry out the affected area, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. This equipment is often expensive and not readily available to the general public.
- Insurance: If you have insurance coverage for water damage, hiring a professional restoration team can help ensure that your claim is processed smoothly and that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Restoration companies are often familiar with insurance policies and can help you navigate the claims process.
- Time savings: Water damage restoration is a time-consuming process requiring significant time and effort. Hiring a professional team can free up your time to focus on other important tasks, such as managing your business or caring for your family.
- Cost savings: While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a professional restoration team can actually save you money in the long run. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to quickly and effectively restore your property, preventing further damage and minimizing the need for costly repairs down the line.
- Peace of mind: Dealing with water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Hiring a professional restoration team can give you peace of mind, knowing that your property is in good hands and that the restoration process is being handled by experts.
Hiring a professional to take care of water damage is highly recommended due to the safety risks, expertise and specialized equipment required, and potential insurance benefits. If you experience water damage, acting quickly and contacting a professional restoration team as soon as possible is important.
Let Utah Disaster Clean Up & Restoration Take Care of Your Water Damage
After over 20 years of experience, Utah Disaster Clean Up and Restoration knows how to clean up water damage. We strive to do our best to restore and reconstruct your home to its former glory. Our fast and friendly service will get you through this stressful experience quickly and seamlessly.
Contact Utah Disaster Clean Up & Restoration today, and let our trained professionals take charge of your water damage restoration.
