5 Steps to Take Immediately After Water Damage Occurs

Water damage can happen in an instant but leave long-lasting consequences if not addressed properly. Whether from a broken pipe, a storm, or a malfunctioning appliance, the effects of water damage can escalate quickly, affecting the structure of your home and the health of those inside. Time is of the essence when water damage occurs, and knowing exactly what steps to take can make a significant difference in minimizing damage and preventing long-term issues like mold growth.

Step 1: Ensure Safety First

The first and most important step in any emergency situation is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Water damage presents several hazards, including electrical risks and structural instability. Before you rush to save belongings or start removing water, follow these essential safety measures:

Turn Off Electricity

If water is pooling in areas with electrical outlets, appliances, or near your home’s electrical panel, you must turn off the electricity immediately. Call an electrician if you cannot access the main breaker without stepping through water. Electrocution is a real and serious risk when water and electricity mix.

Evacuate the Area if Necessary

In cases of severe flooding, such as from a natural disaster, sewage backup, or compromised foundation, it’s essential to leave the premises until professionals can assess the situation. Even if the water seems manageable, you never know what contaminants could be in the water or what areas of the home have been structurally weakened.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If you need to enter the area to salvage belongings or assess the damage, wear protective gear like rubber boots, gloves, and a face mask. Floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria, sewage, or even chemicals. Safety should always be your top priority.

Step 2: Stop the Source of Water

Once everyone is safe, the next step is to stop the water from continuing to enter your home. Depending on the cause of the water damage, your actions will vary:

Shut Off the Main Water Supply

For water damage caused by a burst pipe, broken appliance, or plumbing malfunction, locate your home’s main water valve and turn it off immediately. This will prevent additional water from flooding your home and give you time to call a plumber or other professionals to repair the damage.

Contain the Water

In some cases, such as a leaking roof or windows during a storm, you may not be able to fully stop the water right away. In these situations, use tarps, towels, buckets, or other materials to contain the water and prevent it from spreading to unaffected areas. Every little bit of containment will help reduce the extent of the damage.

Call Professionals if You Can’t Stop the Water

If the water damage is the result of something beyond your control, like natural flooding, don’t hesitate to call for professional help. Emergency water damage services are equipped to deal with large-scale issues that a homeowner alone cannot handle.

Step 3: Remove Standing Water

The longer water sits in your home, the more damage it causes. Once the source of water is stopped, begin removing standing water as quickly as possible. The method you use depends on the amount of water present.

Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum for Small Amounts

For smaller amounts of water, such as minor leaks or spills, a wet/dry vacuum can be highly effective. These vacuums are specifically designed to handle water cleanup and can often be rented from local hardware stores if you don’t have one.

Use Pumps for Larger Amounts

If the water damage is more severe and there’s a significant amount of standing water, you may need to use a submersible pump to remove it. These pumps can remove water quickly and efficiently from flooded areas like basements. Depending on the size of the job, you may need to rent professional-grade equipment.

Absorb Moisture with Towels

Once the majority of standing water has been removed, use towels or mops to soak up the remaining moisture. Getting as much water out of the area as possible is essential to prevent mold growth, wood warping, and damage to floors, walls, and furniture.

Step 4: Dry and Dehumidify the Area

Removing standing water is only half the battle. If not dried properly, water can seep into your floors, walls, and furniture, causing long-term damage. The drying process is critical in preventing mold growth, which can begin within 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Increase Airflow

Open all windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate through the space. Use fans to speed up the drying process. Strategically placing fans in areas where water has accumulated can help push moisture out of materials and dry them more quickly.

Use Dehumidifiers

Even with the air circulating, moisture can remain in the air and in porous surfaces like drywall and wood. Using a dehumidifier helps remove excess moisture from the air, significantly speeding up the drying process and reducing the likelihood of mold developing.

Monitor the Drying Process

You’ll need to continuously monitor the drying process over several days. Be sure to check all areas that were exposed to water, including closets, cabinets, and beneath appliances. If you suspect that an area hasn’t dried properly, consult a water damage professional for advice or additional equipment.

Step 5: Assess Damage and Prevent Mold Growth

Once the water has been removed and the area is dry, it’s time to assess the full extent of the damage. This is an important step, as it allows you to determine what can be salvaged and what may need to be replaced.

Inspect for Structural Damage

Water damage can weaken the structure of your home. Check walls, floors, and ceilings for signs of warping, cracking, or other forms of deterioration. Waterlogged materials, especially wood, may need to be replaced to ensure the integrity of your home. If there is any question about the safety of the structure, call a contractor or structural engineer to assess the situation.

Check for Signs of Mold

Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs, and it spreads quickly. Look for visible signs of mold, such as discoloration, fuzzy growths, or a musty odor. Mold can be dangerous to your health, causing respiratory issues and other problems, so it’s important to act quickly if you spot any signs.

Call Mold Remediation Professionals

If mold is present or if you are concerned about the potential for hidden mold growth, it’s crucial to call a mold remediation professional like Ahold of Mold Environmental. Our team of environmental consultants, engineers, and indoor air quality experts are trained to assess the situation, identify mold issues, and perform thorough remediation to ensure your home is safe.

Call Ahold of Mold Environmental for Professional Water Damage and Mold Remediation

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home, leading to structural damage and serious health risks if not handled properly. Acting quickly by following these five steps can help minimize the damage, but in many cases, professional assistance is required to ensure the safety and longevity of your home.

At Ahold of Mold Environmental, we’ve been serving the Buffalo, NY, and Erie, PA, areas since 1994 with expert mold remediation and assessments. Our team is equipped to handle every aspect of water damage and mold remediation, from diagnosing the issue to repairing the damage and preventing future problems. As a family-owned and -operated business, we take pride in our extensive experience, genuine expertise, and commitment to staying current with the latest remediation practices through continuing education.

If you’ve experienced water damage, don’t wait—contact Ahold of Mold Environmental today to schedule an appointment. Our team of environmental consultants, remediation contractors, and indoor air quality experts is here to help you restore your home to its pre-damage condition.

Categorised in: Water Damage Restoration