DIY Water & Flood Damage Tips

When you own a home, standing water becomes a breeding ground for mold that can potentially cause structural damage and pose a health risk to the occupants. This is why it’s important to address it immediately when you find it.

When you own a home, it’s likely that at some point you may find standing water. It’s one of the more frequent homeowner’s insurance claims. One of the most important things you can do is to call a professional restoration company. Here are some other steps you can take to minimize the damage and improve the situation.

Shut Off Water and Electricity

If the water is coming from a source inside your home, you should turn off the water source to reduce the damage. You may need to shut off the main water line if you can’t pinpoint an internal source. If there are electronics or power cords that are close to the water line or in the water, it’d be a good idea to shut off the electricity as well.

Remove Impacted Items

Remove any loose items that are wet or were possibly impacted by the water. This can include area rugs, furniture, fabrics, toys, or anything else that may have been on the floor in or near the standing water. Some items may be able to be dried and salvaged. But if they’ve been saturated for too long, mold growth can occur.

Remove Standing Water

If the water source has been eliminated and the contents removed, you may be able to remove the standing water. If it’s a small amount of standing water over a small area, a shop vac can help. But if the area is larger, or you are unsure of what you’re doing, it’s always a good idea to call a professional restoration company like We Restoration to help remove the standing water.

Check for Mold or Mildew

You may not think that the water sat for long enough for mold or mildew to grow, but the reality is that this can occur in as little as 24 hours, given the right conditions. Mold can grow if there is any moisture left in the affected materials. Some molds can be extremely toxic, so if they are found you need to be extra careful. If mold is found, a Remediation company can help with the removal process.

Generate Airflow

After standing water is removed, airing out the area can help dry it out. If it was a small amount of water, box fans and dehumidifiers will help. If the amount of water was more significant, professional equipment might be needed.

Call A Professional Remediation Service

These steps can help if you find standing water in your home and minimize the damage and the impact of it. But the reality is that water and flood damage can

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