As a homeowner, the most horrifying sight is to discover signs of water damage. From leaking appliances to broken pipes, water damage repair demands urgency.
Water damage refers to water destroying the interior of your house. It can be a huge hassle for your home or business, and the cost to repair water damage is usually very high. Not to forget the potential health hazards and safety risks it poses to your family’s health. Getting a better understanding of what it is, the signs to look out for, how to troubleshoot this issue, and steps to take after water damage is crucial for timely water damage repairs.
| How to tell if water damage is new or old? Older water damage has a softer and squishier surface.New water damage is usually a dark water spot without rings. |
Is it Even Water Damage?
First things first. You need to rule out whether it is water damage or not. Knowing these details will help you save the integrity of your property. There can be visual indicators as well as some hidden issues. Understanding them both is essential for timely intervention.
Here are some common signs of water damage in homes:
| Visual Indicators | Hidden Water Issues |
| Brown or yellow stains mean leaks. | Concealed moisture can be recognized through unexplained dampness. |
| Flaking or bubbling paint means moisture. | Soft spots in the wall indicate underlying issues. |
| A musty smell indicates mildew/mold growth. | Green or black mold spots point to prolonged excess moisture. |
3. Water Damage Repair: The First Steps:
Water damage repair can be quite frustrating for someone who hasn’t experienced it before. So, if you’re experiencing damaged pipes, overflowing sinks, or clogged drains that have ended up flooding your house, then no need to panic because we have got the ultimate guide for you to handle this.
Let’s look at some steps you can take for seamless water damage repair:
Get it checked by home insurance and water damage services:
If your home insurance company covers the type of water damage you have, which most do, you should contact them first. They will send someone over to assess and analyze the damage and determine if it is a covered loss. If it isn’t, you’ll need to consider hiring a water restoration company or seeking help from professional water damage repair services.
Safety First:
In case of an issue like flooding, the most important step will be to get yourself and your family to safety from the affected area.
Some safety-related steps to take after water damage:
- If the area is not flooded, turn off the power. But if this step requires you to enter a wet area, call an electrician.
- Grab some gloves and rubber boots to save yourself from bacteria-filled water if you get injured.
- Remove any rugs getting wet, lift wooden furniture off the wet carpet, and mitigate carpet staining by putting tin foil underneath.
Time for some water damage repair:
Before you start your emergency water damage restoration, make sure to document all the damage, as this will aid you in insurance claims. Typically, the water damage cleanup process should start within one to two days after you’ve gained clearance to re-enter your house.
Drying it all out:
The standing excess water can be removed through plastic tubs and then mops, but for the final phase, use a wet-dry vacuum and let the area dry thoroughly and ventilate. If you don’t want mold and mildew growing in your home, don’t forget to remove the drywall, insulation, and flooring. The drying is usually expected to be completed in 3-4 days.
| Pro tip: Use a humidifier to speed up the drying process. But if you live in a humid area, use floor fans and dehumidifiers to dry damp areas. |
Ugh… mold:
Yes, mold can start growing within 24 hours of severe water damage. If you want to prevent mold after water damage, you should be quick in removing all items from the water and drying them out. Also, make sure not to let mold spores spread around your house. If you’re having trouble doing that, skip browsing ‘how to dry out a water-damaged house’ and go straight for a professional drying service.
Replacing what can’t be restored:
This step will take the most time because homeowners find it hard to accept that sometimes they would have to get their walls and flooring replaced or even get ceiling water damage repairs done. An expert opinion can save you a lot of time in making these decisions.
Conclusion:
While many people look up ‘DIY water damage cleanup tips’ or ‘water leak cleanup tips’ and try to make it work, the damage can often be too much for you to handle, so getting the correct understanding of what needs to be done immediately after water damage and when to call the professionals is the way to go.
FAQs:
What are some basement water damage solutions?
Consider getting an interior drainage system or highly absorbent water mats.
What are the causes of home water damage?
Clogged drains and damaged pipes are the top causes.
How fixable is mold after water damage?
With immediate professional help, it is mostly fixable.
How to dry out a house after water damage?
You can use fans and dehumidifiers.
What should I do immediately after water damage?
Turn off the power and get your family to safety.