We have all heard this story many times before; a family returns from vacation to find their home is full of water or their basement has flooded due to leaky or burst water pipes. There are many unexpected ways that water can enter your home. Of course, water itself isn’t a problem, but it’s what it leaves behind; the time-consuming and difficult chore of repairing the havoc it wreaked.
Flooding can typically cause mildew and mold formation, decrease your home’s structural integrity, and cause various health problems if ignored. You may notice mildew and mold in your home within a day.
That being said, the best course of action here is to determine the cause of flooding. Is it bad weather conditions or leaking water pipes? In the latter’s case, the best thing to do is shut off your house’s main water supply. As for the weather, natural calamities are beyond our control. However, it’s what you do afterward that counts.
In light of this, here are a few essential tips that will help you recover after a home flood:
1. Hire a Professional
More often than not, flooding in the home occurs without warning. But what will happen if you don’t act quickly and deal with the damage caused by a flood or leaking pipes in your home? In such a scenario, you will provide mold, mildew, and germs a fertile habitat for them to grow out of control. In this case, the best thing to do is contact a business specializing in flood damage restoration, like Flood Pros. These experts know what it takes to fix flood and water damage. They have all the necessary tools and equipment to carry out such a significant job effectively and efficiently. Ultimately, this is a repair that you probably shouldn’t DIY, and call in expert help ASAP!
2. Tackling Essential Damage Repairs
If a full restoration led by a professional flood damage company seems beyond your budget, consider taking on manageable repairs yourself. Of course, this task will be time-consuming and challenging, given the spectrum of issues you might encounter, from moldy furniture to shattered windows to worn-out flooring. Always prioritize safety during restoration as you address these problems.
Electrical safety is another crucial aspect of post-flood cleanup. When appliances and electronics like your favorite game console, laptop, TV, or kitchen gear have become waterlogged, they need a check-up from an expert before they go anywhere near a live socket. Electricity and water are not a friendly mix, and it’s vital to ensure all your devices are clear after their flood experience.
Sometimes you may be up to your elbows in a repair, and you start to feel out of your depth. If that happens, call in an expert. Certain tasks need a professional touch and the right tools to get done safely and correctly. But if you know your way around a toolbox and are ready to get your hands dirty, taking the DIY route can be a cost-effective and satisfying way to bring your home back to its former glory after flood damage.
3. Stop More Water from Coming into Your Home
Stopping the water source that may have contributed to the flood is the next step in restoring your property after a flood. You might not have any other option if nature has intervened and left your home a watery mess. However, to guarantee that no additional water enters your home, install a new sump pump or repair your damaged one to prevent further damage to your garage, crawl space, and main floor.
On the other hand, if a burst water pipe was the direct cause of the flooding, fix it as quickly as possible to lessen flood damage. Ultimately, the quicker you stop water from flowing inside your house, the quicker you can restore whatever damage it has done.
4. Clear Out Standing Water
The subsequent step involves dealing with any standing water in your home. The approach you take will depend on the extent and location of the flooding. Let’s say you’re up against water pooling in your basement; you might find yourself turning to hoses for drainage or even using bins and buckets to scoop it out manually.
Utilize dry towels or a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to tackle residual water puddles that might have formed. Completing this stage effectively could mean that you end up with minimal, if any, water damage. It’s a challenging task, but the payoff is well worth it.
5. Always Prioritize Safety
There might be a need to evacuate your home due to the flooding. However, when you return to your house after the flooding has subsided, keep yourself safe before starting any flood damage restoration work.
The best approach is to turn off all electrical appliances because mixing electricity and water can lead to fatal disasters. Furthermore, make sure you’re wearing safety gear like rubber boots and gloves. You must also deal with sewage water, trash, or debris. So, wear a respirator to avoid inhaling germs and foul odors.
If the water level rises enough to reach your kitchen cabinetry, discard all the items stored inside. However, if you intend to reuse, ensure they are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly, especially cups, glasses, cookware, and kitchen utensils.
6. Contact Your Insurance Provider
A flood damage restoration project will normally cost you thousands of dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. Various things are at play, ranging from updating your home’s furnishings to using expert services. Therefore, paying for a flood damage repair job might leave you financially crippled.
If you have homeowner’s insurance, contact it. Depending on your insurance type, your provider will ultimately finance between 45-65% of the cost of your flood damage restoration project.
The Final Words If you don’t act right away, the impacts of water damage might manifest quickly. Your home will see a steady spread of flood water, consuming everything in its path. Therefore, the sooner you call the experts to fix the flood damage, the better it will be for your home and your family’s health. Tackle the tasks you can manage and ensure safety measures. However, it’s always best to utilize your resources at the time of need and leave the rest to expert
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Originally posted 2023-07-14 13:01:26.