One of the most common home disasters is water damage. Water damage can be caused by a variety of issues stemming from either inside or outside of your house, including problems with water heaters and washing machines, burst pipes, clogged gutters or heavy rainfall.
Whatever the case may be, the steps you take immediately following the discovery will be crucial for getting your home restored quickly and completely. RTC Restoration is a trusted restoration company servicing Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming, and is here to inform homeowners of the six steps they should take in the first hour.
1. Shut Off Home Utilities
If there's standing water inside your home, the first thing to do is shut off power to the affected areas. It's also important to make sure you don't step in the water before doing so to avoid getting injured yourself.
Turn off electricity at the circuit breaker for the rooms experiencing damage, and if there's a gas line running through the area, shut off your main gas supply as well until your home is restored.
2. Identify the Water Source
Once the area is secure, your next step in the emergency water removal process is finding the source behind the water. It may not be obvious where the water is coming from, but some of the most common reasons and how to shut them down include:
- Burst Pipes: If you suspect you have a burst pipe, shut off your main water supply, which is typically located in the basement.
- Appliance Leaks: When your dishwasher, washing machine or other appliance is the culprit, check for a valve on the backside of the appliance.
- Toilet Overflow: If your toilet is overflowing, there should be a valve on the back side—turn it clockwise to stop the water.
- Water Heater Leaks: When water heaters break, shut off both gas and electricity, located on top of the heater and at the main electric panel.
3. Document the Damage
Before beginning to restore your home, thoroughly document all the water damage. Most insurance policies cover water damage from sudden or accidental events, including burst pipes or appliance failures, so you'll want to take as many photos as possible to make sure you get proper coverage when you file your claim.
4. Move Valuable Belongings
Water can damage many household items, so you'll want to move your belongings out of the standing water as soon as possible. Start with most important items, which could include electronics or sentimental mementos such as:
- Computers or Laptops
- Home Entertainment Systems
- Documents or Photos
- Family Heirlooms
- Lamps or Appliances
5. Remove Standing Water
The longer water sits in your basement, the more damage it can do, so start removing it as soon as your valuables are safe. For smaller amounts of water, use household cleaning supplies like towels, mops and buckets. If you have more than just a few puddles, you may have to rent a shop vacuum in order to remove the standing water entirely.
6. Dry Out Affected Areas
Even after all standing water is removed, lingering moisture can lead to mold growth. To prevent issues like this, begin thoroughly drying out the affected area immediately. We suggest removing all carpets, padding or floor boards that are soaked through, as well as actions like:
- Open Windows for Circulation
- Use Industrial Fans for Air Flow
- Utilize a Dehumidifier If Possible
When you have excessive amounts of standing water or the damage is severe enough, it may be best to call a trusted restoration company offering water cleanup near me. At RTC Restoration, we've been offering professional water extraction services since 2007, and can help with any of the steps listed above when your home experiences water damage, including extraction, cleanup, dehumidification and mold remediation.
We offer around-the-clock availability with our emergency services, as well as quick response times to help get your home restored as soon as possible. Get in touch with RTC Restoration today to learn more, and to receive a free estimate on our water damage restoration services!
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