Home Again: A Repair Blog

Water damage is a distressing experience for homeowners. It could be caused by a flood, an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, or a natural disaster. The aftermath could be devastating, leaving you with a mess to clean up and damaged property. It is crucial to act fast and begin water damage cleanup as soon as possible to avoid further damage and mold growth. Here are five essential steps for water damage cleanup that could save you time and money and prevent future complications.

Step 1: Turn off the Electricity

Before beginning water damage cleanup, turn off the electricity in your home. This is to ensure safety and to avoid electrocution. If the water damage is significant, contact your local power company to shut off the electricity to your home. This also protects your appliances, electronics, and electrical wiring from further damage.

Step 2: Remove the Standing Water

The next step is to remove the standing water from your home. You can use sump pumps, wet vacuums, and buckets to extract the water. If the water level is high, contact a professional water damage restoration company to assist you. Water removal prevents secondary damage and the growth of mold and bacteria. Ensure you remove all water from carpets, furniture, and walls.

Step 3: Dry the Area

After removing the water, begin to dry the area. Open windows and doors and use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the affected area as quickly as possible. This could take several days, depending on the extent of the damage. Ensure that you do a thorough job, as excess moisture could cause additional damage, mold growth, and unpleasant odors.

Step 4: Clean and Sanitize

The next step is to clean and sanitize the area. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean furniture, walls, and floors. Follow this up with disinfectant to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Cleaning and disinfecting your property helps prevent the spread of disease and ensures your air quality is safe.

Step 5: Document the Damage

Finally, document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos and videos of damaged property, including the level of water damage and damaged electronics and furniture. Contact your insurance company and submit a claim. Your insurance company will send a representative to assess the damage and guide you on how to proceed with restoration.

Reach out to a company like Execuclean Restoration to learn more.