Steps to Take During Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common issues homeowners experience. Whether caused by natural phenomena such as floods or leaky pipes in your home, the damage should be addressed immediately. When water-related issues go unaddressed, they escalate over time and pose significant risks to both the structure and the occupants of your home. Here, we will explore immediate steps you should take if you notice water damage to mitigate the risks of damage in your home.

What is Water Damage?

Water damage refers to any harm caused to your property by water intrusion. It may result from various sources, such as flooding, groundwater, heavy rain, leaking pipes and appliances, or plumbing defects. If your home is experiencing water damage, you may notice the following signs:

  • Mold or mildew growth
  • Musty smells
  • Wood rot
  • Peeling paint
  • Warped floors and walls
  • Water sports or stains
  • Cracks in foundation walls
  • Efflorescence

6 Immediate Steps to Take When Water Damages Your Home

When water damages your home, immediate action is essential to prevent further damage to the property. Understanding what steps to take in such a situation can help minimize the severity of the damage and speed up the restoration process. Here are six important steps to take to deal with water damage to your home:

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

If you notice water damage due to minor water leaks or seepage, you do not need to worry about turning off the power. But if your home is experiencing flooding or large amounts of water intrusion from other sources, you should cut off the power supply to prevent the risk of electrical shock. If your power outlet is submerged in water, do not attempt to reach it. Instead, call your utility company and ask them to turn off the power.

Step 2: Stop the Water Source

Look for the source of water on your property. If the source is a broken pipe, turn off the water immediately to stop flooding. However, if the water is coming in from outside sources, call water damage repair professionals.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

Homeowner’s insurance generally covers water damage that is sudden and caused by accidents or natural disasters. If your home is experiencing water damage, make sure to call your insurance company. They will inspect the damage and provide you with a quote. If you inform your insurance company about the damage early on, they will likely help you find a company to repair water damage.

Step 4: Identify Mold

Water intrusion in your home creates a favorable environment for mold to grow. If your home is not dried soon after water damage, it becomes susceptible to mold growth. To ensure that your home is mold-free, schedule an inspection with a mold specialist. They will inspect your home to detect the presence of mold and take measures to deal with any mold they find.

Step 5: Start Repairs Immediately

You should begin water damage repair as soon as you detect water damage in your home. To protect your appliances and furniture, move them to a dry space. If possible, try to get rid of any standing water. This will help minimize the damage to your belongings.

Step 6: Contact a Professional Restoration Company

Delaying water damage repairs can allow the damage to increase, which will make the repairs more expensive. Call a water damage restoration professional and get started immediately. Restoration specialists are equipped with the necessary tools and expertise to deal with water damage efficiently and ensure that your home is moisture-free.

3 Categories of Water Damage

The type of contamination present in the water coming into your home directly impacts the severity of the water damage. Clean water may not pose as much risk as contaminated water. Assessing the type of water helps professionals implement the right solution for damage restoration. The three categories of water damage are:

Category 1: Sanitary “Clean Water”

Category 1 water damage originates from a clean water source and does not pose health hazards. Sources of this type of water damage include water supply lines, melting ice, broken toilet tanks, sink overflow, or rainwater.

Category 2: Significantly Contaminated “Grey Water”

“Grey water” water damage is caused by water with a substantial amount of contamination that may lead to health hazards or illness. Sources of such water damage include dishwasher or washing machine overflow, toilet bowl overflow, or seepage through the basement.

Category 3: Severely Contaminated “Black Water”

This type of water damage is caused by water that is severely contaminated with pathogens, toxins, and other harmful substances, also known as black water. Exposure to this type of water poses risks of infections such as e-coli and severe respiratory problems. Sources of this type of water damage include sewage, seawater, hurricanes, and waste line backflow.

How Long Does It Take to Dry Out Water Damage?

The amount of time it takes to dry out water damage is project-specific and depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage, the size of the affected area, and the necessary solutions implemented. In general, a professional team may take 5-7 days to complete a significant water damage restoration project.

Conclusion

Immediate action is the key to minimizing the impact of water damage on your property. The steps outlined here will help you address water-related issues promptly and efficiently. If you are looking for expert assistance with water damage restoration, OKC Restorations is just a call away. We are equipped with the right resources and knowledge to deal with any type of water damage. Call us today for professional solutions.

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