Four Ways You Can Deal with Water Damage in Your House
Water damage in your house can be stressful and costly to deal with. From small leaks to major flooding, water can quickly cause extensive damage if not addressed promptly and properly. Given that Clearwater Beach has an extreme risk of flooding over the next 30 years, residents of this community are especially advised to stay vigilant.
In fact, there are 3,895 properties in Clearwater with a significant risk of being severely affected by flooding in the coming decades.
Let’s explore five effective ways you can deal with water damage in your house. Being prepared and knowing what to do can help minimize the impacts and get your home dried out and restored as quickly as possible.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that for families in Clearwater living on a median income of $54,182, and with 10.7% of them living in poverty, mitigating flood damages becomes even more crucial to avoid unexpected financial burdens.
1. Stop the Source of the Leak
The first priority when discovering water damage is to halt the flow. Whether it’s a malfunctioning appliance, a leaky pipe, or nature’s elements breaching your home, addressing it promptly is crucial.
For instance, if you reside in a coastal location like Clearwater, Florida, that faces occasional severe weather events, you may have to deal with unique challenges when it comes to water damage.
Knowing whom to call in such situations can make all the difference. If you’re unsure about the source of the leak or how to best address it, consider getting in touch with Clearwater water damage restoration services.
They have the expertise to tackle these local challenges effectively and efficiently.
Homes in this region, more than others, can also benefit from being prepared and knowing the right steps to take.
Here are some tips to handle the situation:
- For appliance leaks, turn off the appliance at the source.
- Shut off the main water valve if facing a major leak.
- Use towels to soak up standing water and wring them out in a bucket.
- If external factors are causing water to enter, secure openings like windows or doors.
2. Remove Excess Water
Once the water source is stopped, the next step is to remove any standing water. The goal is to get rid of as much excess moisture as possible to prevent further damage.
- Use a wet/dry shop vacuum to suck up water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. Empty the tank frequently.
- Place buckets or pans under dripping or leaking areas to collect water.
- Remove any wet items like furniture cushions, rugs, towels, clothing, etc, and take them outside to dry.
- Lift curtains and drapes to allow air circulation and drying.
- Pull up the damp carpet and pad carefully if possible.
- Open closet and cabinet doors to allow airflow to dry out contents.
- Run dehumidifiers and fans to help dry out the area.
Removing standing water quickly is key to reducing the possibility of mold growth and additional water damage. Act fast to collect and discard excess moisture.
3. Inspect for Damage
Once excess water has been cleared out, it’s time to inspect for any damage caused by the water. Look carefully for these common types of damage:
- Warped or bulging floors, walls, or ceilings: Water can cause wood and drywall to swell and warp. Push on suspect areas to check for sponginess.
- Peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper: Moisture will cause adhesive and paint to lose bond. Check walls for any lifting or bubbles in the surface.
- Mold or mildew growth: Look for fuzzy white or black growth on surfaces, which indicates the presence of mold.
- Cracked or delaminating tile: The plywood underlayment can swell, causing tile and grout to crack or lift up.
- Damaged furniture: Wood furniture may swell or start to fall apart. Check for loose joints or cracking.
- Rust on metal: Exposed metal surfaces like nails or pipes may start to rust if exposed to moisture.
- Rotting wood: Any untreated or poorly sealed wood can quickly rot from excess water exposure.
- Damaged drywall: Drywall soaks up water like a sponge and can become soggy, crumble apart, or grow mold.
Documenting any water damage found is essential for insurance claims and restoration work. Take photos or videos of affected areas for your records.
Take active measures to facilitate drying within the first 24-48 hours after water damage for best results. Lingering moisture will only make restoration more difficult and expensive.
4. Monitor for Mold Growth
As excess moisture lingers in the home, the risk for mold growth escalates. Mold can begin forming in as little as 24-48 hours in wet conditions.
Be vigilant in checking for signs of mold, including:
- Visible fuzzy or slimy black, green, or white growth on surfaces
- A musty or earthy smell in affected rooms
- Allergy symptoms like runny nose, headaches, sore throat or itchy eyes when in the home
- Small black or brown dots along baseboards, drywall, or paneling
If mold is spotted, take proactive measures to kill and remove it:
- Mix 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon of water and scrub onto moldy surfaces. Ensure the area dries fully after bleaching.
- Use concentrated mold killer sprays and follow product instructions.
- Wear protective gear like goggles, gloves, and a mask to prevent breathing in mold spores.
- Carefully bag and dispose of any porous materials like drywall with mold growth.
Preventing mold from taking hold is much easier than removing an established mold problem. Stay vigilant and act at the first sign of mold to prevent it from spreading.
Conclusion
Dealing with water damage effectively requires quick action and smart restoration methods. Following these guidelines can help minimize the impacts on your home and possessions. Stopping the water source, drying quickly, monitoring for mold, making repairs properly, and inspecting the restored areas are all critical steps when recovering from water damage.
If damage is extensive, don’t hesitate to call in professional water damage restoration services. Many companies specialize in responding quickly, extracting water, drying properties effectively, and properly restoring homes to pre-loss condition.
With the right techniques and help when needed, your home can recover fully from a water damage event.