Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Top Ten Steps to Recover from Water Damage

Recovering from water damage can take you days. To make the water damage restoration process easier, here are top ten steps to recover from water damage.

1. Be prepared for contingencies. Water damage can occur due to any reason – leaking pipes, washbasin overflow, tub overflow, sewer blockage, etc. Especially the emergency flood situation can create complete devastation. Everything cannot be done by you, so have the number of water removal or water damage Restoration Company with you. Keep your important documents in a waterproof airtight container. Be handy with mop and plenty of towels.

2. Turn off the main power point. Repairing the electrical points with switches on can be really dangerous.

3. Now it’s the time to start the cleaning process immediately. Use buckets, shovels, good quality mop or other necessary things to get the water off the floors, walls, and carpets. Do this as soon as possible because if the water seeps into the wall or the floor then there are higher chances of structure getting damaged from inside.

4. Remove all the items that have been soiled or have been destroyed by water. Anything that is still absorbing the water must be thrown out immediately. This will prevent further water damage and also ease the clean up process.

5. If the water damage occurs in cold winters then use heater, if it occurs in humid weather then use a dehumidifier. This will reduce the moisture in the home and help in quick water damage restoration. But before using any electrical system, check that water has not caused any harm to them. Such things happen then treat the appliance first. Then you can use fan to prevent the mold growth.

6. Carefully wipe down the walls. For this make use of a clean damp towel or blanket that helps to get rid of water off the walls at the earliest. You can prevent structural damage also.

7. Begin with the minor repairs. If you are not confident of handling them effective call for professional help now. Check for the water builds up in door and windows.
Upholstery and clothes should be washed and allowed to be dried completely. This will help in restoring the fabric of clothes easily.

8. For cushions, mattresses and pillows, propping up would be of great help. Then allow them to dry in sun effectively.

9. Once the cleaning process is over, open the doors and windows. This will allow fresh air to flow in the house and allow proper drying of furniture. You may also open the drawers, doors of the cupboard.

10. Last but not the least call for the professional help. They will provide an anti bacterial treatment, which will curb the microbial growth completely.

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