5 Water Damage Tips, While you wait

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

There is only so much water damage mitigation you can do on your own. At the end of the day, when water damage is causing you problems, you need professional help FAST to get it cleaned up and your property restored. If you are struggling with water damage of any source, contact SERVPRO of York, James City County & Poquoson for the high-quality water damage cleanup and restoration services you need. Our number is 757-229-3442, and we are available for 24/7 emergency services. 

When your property has suffered a burst sewer line, a pipe that is leaking, or a natural disaster, it can often leave your home severely water damaged. In such situations, it is critical to identify the cause and act quickly to prevent further destruction. 

It can be enormously stressful to deal with water damage, with it potentially leading to all other sorts of problems down the line. While it’s important to get repairs done by professionals, there are a few things you can do to help limit water damage where possible as well. In today’s blog, we’ll be discussing five DIY water damage restoration tips you can use to immediately begin addressing water damage in your home. 

What Can Water Damage Impact?

Water is crucial for life, but when it gets somewhere it’s not meant to be, it can cause all sorts of destruction. As a homeowner, you should understand what parts of your property are most at risk for water damage. After a storm, flooding, or other type of water damage, always be sure to inspect the following components:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Wood
• Framing
• HVAC
• Pipes
• Floor coverings
• Etc.

How Severe Are the Damages?

To determine if it’s a water cleanup job you can do by yourself or you should hire a specialist for can be determined by evaluating a number of key factors:

• Water Volume — If you have the right tools, when there is only a small amount of water, you can sometimes manage it on your own. Significant flooding, on the other hand, means it’s time to call a professional. 
• Source of Damages — Certain types of water, such as blackwater and gray water, need to be handled with care, as they may contain contaminants or other health hazards. 
• Severity of Damages — Light damage can generally be handled by homeowners, while significant damage can require more expeditious care and accurate repairs. For example, flooding on an upper floor can lead to water seeping through the floor and into the ceiling in the floor below, causing greater and greater damage the longer it goes unmitigated. 

5 Tips for DIY Water Damage Restoration in Your Home

After getting a picture of the situation, consider the following tips to ensure repairs are done quickly. Be aware that wet materials can start developing mold growth in a day, so there’s little time to wait!

#1: Disconnect Outlets

One of your first priorities after water damage in your home has occurred is to unplug all electronics in the vicinity immediately. You may not yet see the full extent of the water damage, and it’s important to be careful. If electronics become damaged, repairs will generally take longer and be more expensive, with the need for hiring an electrician.

#2: Start Addressing Mold

If you see mold starting to form, there are a few things you can do right away to mitigate it. When it’s a small area, you can cut it out of the wall and dispose of it. It’s also important to stop any air flow in the area to prevent further spread before a mold specialist can stop the contamination. 

#3: Start the Drying Process

While you may not have access to industrial fans, dehumidifiers, and other dry-out equipment that water damage cleanup companies such as SERVPRO do, you can start the dry out process right away. Properly drying out an area will help lessen the damage.

#4: Remove Damaged Materials

Avoid mildew by removing materials such as rugs and insulation that have become waterlogged. Consider focusing on floors and ceilings first, as these areas are the most at risk of causing serious structural damage. 

#5: Disinfect the Area

Water in your home is an open invitation for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive. Once you remove the damaged materials, disinfecting the area is important to prevent mold and other potentially health-damaging issues before the restoration process fully commences. Spray surfaces with bleach and wipe them down. 

Get Professional Water Damage Restoration Services in York

If you are looking for guidance or professional help with water damage beyond what you can handle on your own, contact the professional SERVPRO of York for 24/7 support. When your property has suffered water damage, we’re here to get it cleaned up and restored ASAP, saving you on stress and expenses. Don’t wait — get started today! 

With proper care, we can restore your home back to normal. We follow the comprehensive SERVPRO Method for water restoration. Don’t let the expenses or the health hazards become too great — call us now to get the support you need for your home!

757-229-3442 or toll free at 1-800-889-5002