What Steps To Take After Water Damage?

Water damage is one of the major emergencies that can happen in your home. Whether the damage has been caused by flood, storm, weak roof, busted pipes, sewage leak, or any other cause, you need to take prompt action. When there is serious water damage in your home, you need to have a good plan to reduce further damage. Below are the steps to take.

1. Identify the Problem

The first step to take after water damage is identifying the source of the problem and fixing it. The best thing you can do, especially if you can’t pinpoint the exact cause of the problem, is to turn off your home’s supply system. Of course, there are some problems you can’t fix, such as floods. In such a case, call for emergency services.

 2. Call a Plumbing Expert

Calling a plumbing expert after water damage can make a huge difference. For example, if the damage is caused by a busted pipe, they will fix the problem and prevent further damage. They also assess the water damage and act to prevent moisture damage in the home. 

 3. Contact Your Insurance Company

You need to call your insurance company after water damage. They will assess the damage and determine whether it qualifies as a covered loss. 

You should also document the damage by taking several photos of before and after clean-up to help you when making claims. 

4. Ensure That You, Your Family, and Belongings Are Safe

You need to make sure that everyone in your home is safe. You also need to ensure that your belongings, especially those highly prone to water damage, are safe. To do this, switch off the power. However, if this is not possible or puts you at risk, it’s better to call an electrician. Wear protective gear if you are going to reenter the home. 

5. Start Removing the Water

Start removing the water and ask for help if it’s a lot. Ensure you wear safety gear to keep yourself safe. If there is a lot of standing water, start removing it using buckets and cans. You can then use a mop to absorb the water on surfaces. This will reduce more damage to your building and other belongings. You also need to remove porous materials such as carpets, fabric, and insulation. 

6. Commence on Repairs Immediately

Don’t wait for several days to seek water damage repairs. It is advisable to start to repair not more than 48 hours after the damage. Call a water damage restoration expert to ensure that all goes well and that your house becomes ready to reoccupy. They will make sure mold and mildew don’t grow in your home and can dry out things to prevent further damage. 

Restoration companies will also advise you on what you should replace and what you should repair. 

7. Moving Back to Your Home

When you should move back to your home after water damage depends on several things. It would be best if you waited for a go-ahead from your insurance company and restoration company. The insurance company will need to do all the assessments they need, while the restoration company will have to ensure that the home is safe for occupancy. If a natural disaster has caused damage, you might also have to wait for the local government to give you the go-ahead to go back to your home.

Water damage can be very frustrating. However, if you follow the above steps, you can reduce further damage and be able to reoccupy your home after a short period.

Categorised in: Water Damage Restoration