Tips and tricks to deal with house water damage
There can be nothing worse to wake up in the morning and walk downstairs only to step into a puddle where you expected a dry and clean floor. Unfortunately, many people experience water damage at work or at home each day. There are three different types of water that can cause damage. First is the “clean” water from condensation, leaky pipes, rain, and other sources. The second type is the gray water, which is slightly dirty and comes from clean toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and so on. The last and the third type is the black water, which is caused by serious flooding from rivers nearby or sewage.
Some of the tips and tricks to repair and deal with house water damage are mentioned below.
- Stop the flow
If you have identified the source of the water, your first priority is to stop its flow. If unsure of the source, it is best to shut off water to the whole house. Next, you need to turn off the electricity from the fuse box. However, if you are unable to switch it off without going through the water, it is best to call an electrician and stay away from the wet areas.
As soon as you are cleared to remove the water, get rid of it as soon as possible. You can rent a wet vac, a sump pump, and industrial fans, these can be procured from most hardware stores. Open the doors and windows of your house to help it dry up. As you cannot be sure if the water is contaminated ensure you wear protective gear like rubber boots or waders and rubber gloves. Remove all the damaged possessions as soon as possible as mold can set in as early as within 24 hours after a flood. Therefore, it is important to remove all the goods and belongings quickly. Also, remove the flooring to help dry out the subfloor quickly. As some wood subfloors can take months of time to dry up fully. Get rugs professionally cleaned.
After removal of the excess water and damaged materials, you should commence cleaning the affected areas. You can use any of the several disinfectant products that are available in the market. It is important to disinfect the house for keeping the microbial elements at bay. Additionally, you should be careful and follow the instructions of the products cautiously as mentioned on their labels. Wearing protective gear is the norm for being safe.
Conclusion
It can be highly distressing for your basement to fill up with water. In some cases, the calamity can practically put your life at a standstill. Also, the mounting costs can be a cause of worry. It is important to follow the above steps diligently and if possible hire a professional to help you with the repair of the damage caused by water.
