Thanks to our modern conveniences and shifting work culture, it seems that more of us are living in homes than ever before. So, what does this mean for the average homeowner? It means that cleanouts and plumbing problems can result in water damage much faster than you might expect. In fact, roughly 30% of all homes experience some degree of water damage each year. As such, it pays to know how to handle water damage restoration if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation. Read on for everything you need to know about tackling the challenge. And if you need further help, contact Robinson Restoration in Vancouver.
Disconnect Outlets
When water damages electrical components, it can cause out-of-the-blue electrical fires. This, of course, is something you don’t want to deal with. To prevent this from happening, immediately disconnect all appliances that could be damaged by the downed power. A good rule of thumb is to disconnect one at a time. That way, you can keep track of which items were plugged in when the power went out.
Suppose you are not comfortable disconnecting appliances. In that case, you can turn off the power at the main circuit breaker. Doing so will cut power to all outlets in your home. Once you have disconnected all of the damaged appliances, dry them off as best as you can. If possible, take them outside to dry in the sun.
Inspect Mold
Mold can grow anywhere, but it’s more likely to grow in wet environments. In other words, if you have a leaking roof, broken pipes, or poorly installed gutters, you’re more likely to have mold issues as well. However, mold can also appear in damp rooms where there isn’t any obvious source of water damage.
If you have any suspicion of mold growth, it’s best to call in a professional as soon as possible. A mold inspection usually involves taking air samples and sending them to a lab for analysis. The results of the test will help the remediation team determine the best way to get rid of the mold.
Start Drying Process
Once you have taken care of any safety issues, it’s time to start the drying process. The first step is to remove as much water from the affected area as possible. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by mopping up the water with a sponge.
If the water is coming from an upstairs room, you may need to use a sump pump to remove the water. A sump pump is a device that is placed in the lowest point in the home, such as a basement, and pumps water out of the home.
Once you have removed all water, it’s time to start drying the area. You can open windows. The goal is to get air circulation in the room. In addition to fans and open windows, you may also want to use a dehumidifier to help dry out the area. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air. This can be helpful in small areas or if you live in a humid climate.
Sanitize the Area
Once the area is dry, it’s important to sanitize all surfaces that have come into contact with the water. This includes walls, floors, furniture, and any other items in the affected area. The best way to sanitize an area is with a bleach solution. To make a bleach solution, mix one cup of bleach with one gallon of water. Once you have mixed the solution, use a sponge or mop to apply it to all surfaces in the affected area. Let the solution sit on the surfaces for at least 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Once you have sanitized the area, it’s important to dry it again. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Remove Damaged Items
Once the area is dry and sanitized, you can start removing damaged items. Any items that have come into contact with the water should be thrown away. This includes carpeting, drywall, insulation, and any porous materials. If you are unsure whether an item can be salvaged, it’s best to err on caution and throw it away. It’s better to replace a few items than to risk mold or mildew growth.
Water damage can be a major problem, but it’s important to start the cleanup process as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done. In addition, mold and mildew can start growing within 24-48 hours, so it’s important to act quickly. If you have any questions about the cleanup process, it’s best to call in a professional. A water damage restoration company will have the experience and equipment to get the job done right.