LAST UPDATED: June 17, 2024
Water damage can occur for different reasons and through various sources. It could be an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, or any other factor that can flood your house, leading to a water emergency.
Regardless of the reason, discovering water damage can be a horrifying experience for a homeowner. It does not harm furniture and belongings alone but also poses a health threat to the home residents.
Floodwater can pose significant risks, including contamination and structural damage, so you should address it promptly.
However, there is no need to panic; these are some steps you can take to address flooding or water damage at your property.
Actions You Can Take After a Flood or Water Damage
Swift action in water mitigation is crucial to minimize damage and prevent future issues like mold growth and bacterial contamination. Professionals will need some time to arrive, so in the meantime, please follow these steps to minimize the damage:
Take Safety Precautions and Control the Source to Prevent Further Damage
Don’t forget to turn off the main valve or shut down the direct water supply first. Also, ensure to take all safety precautions before starting the cleanup process.
It involves cutting off the electricity supply if water is near the electrical outlets. Turn off the electricity at the fuse/breaker box and contact an electrician before attempting anything else.
Call Your Insurance Company
The next thing you need to do is contact your home insurance provider. They will dispatch an estimator to assess the overall value of the damage. However, it’s best to wait for the restoration team to arrive before reaching out to the insurance company to prevent mistakes.
Also, list all the valuable items damaged or destroyed due to the flood. While it is unlikely that someone from the insurance company will arrive at your home immediately, it is best to notify them.
Contact an Expert
Another essential thing to do is to seek professional water damage restoration services by getting a water restoration expert to your property as soon as possible. The water damage restoration process involves steps like water removal, mitigation, and repair, which are crucial to prevent further damage and potential health hazards. For assistance, you can reach out to the experts at Waters Fault. We are here to help you at any time.
Take First Emergency Steps for Water Extraction
After turning off the power, assess the area and look for any structural damage to your house. Water extraction is crucial to minimize the potential short- and long-term effects of water damage. Additionally, take measures to prevent mold growth, such as promptly removing standing water and drying affected areas. If you notice water dripping from the ceiling, place a bucket underneath. Once you feel the property is safe, you can take the following steps:
Caution: If you see sagging floorboards or ceilings, stay away and wait for the professionals.
Once you feel the property is safe, you can take the following steps:
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture.
- Use a wet vacuum, mops, and fans to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Turn on the AC to dry off the area if it is during the summer.
- Take all your belongings and move them to a safe place.
- Take all art objects from your walls and floor and move them to a safe place.
- Remove wet upholstery and cushions.
- Pull away colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Collect all the loose items on the floor.
Your efforts will help minimize the damage while waiting for water damage restoration professionals to arrive.
Hire the Best Professional in Town
If you have a water damage issue in the San Francisco Bay Area, we are here to help you. Our team will guide you through the restoration process, including damage inspection, dehumidification, and drying.
We will arrive at your property as soon as we possibly can to inspect the water-damaged area and set up a plan to mitigate the consequences of the disaster as quickly as possible.