Water Damage Advice

12/4/2017 (Permalink)

Advice That Can Help You With All Your Water Damage Issues

If your house experiences water damage don’t waste any time, begin cleaning up right away.  Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage.  The longer you wait to tackle the problem the more difficult it will be to restore your possessions back to their original condition.  If you are a handyman by hobby you might be able to fix a small leak by yourself, if you have a more serious problem than a small leak you should call a water damage restoration professional for assistance in cleaning up.

Water damage is one of the most common problems experienced by homeowners in the United States. It is the second most common reason for filing an insurance claim, and annual losses due to water damage are close to $3 billion. Nearly 40 percent of homeowners will have to file a water damage claim at some point during their lives.

Different Causes Of Water Damage

There are a number of different causes that can lead to water damage. Depending on where you live, although less prominent in New Mexico, a heavy rainstorm can cause flooding in your area.  This flooding can seep into basements, causing several inches of standing water in it. Another source of water damage can be caused through  plumbing problems, like a clogged toilet or leaking/broken pipes.  Lastly, older water heaters can start to leak, thus causing a flood in your home.

When you discover flooding or water damage in your home, there are certain steps that you need to take right away. If the water is coming from your plumbing or water heater, shut the water supply to your home off right away. This will prevent any more water from entering your home.

Once your water supply has been shut off try to move as many of your possessions as you can to higher ground where they will be safe from any standing water. Focus on valuable or irreplaceable items first, such as personal documents, family heirlooms, and electronic equipment. The sooner that you can get these away from the water, the less likely they are to get irreparably damaged.

Some Tips On What Not To Do When Your Home Is Flooded

The first and most important tip may seem obvious, but in a time a of panic common sense can elude the best of us.  Due to obvious dangers, never use electronic equipment when your home has been flooded. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so using electronics puts you at risk.  Additionally, the wiring in your house may have been damaged by the flood. This makes it important to get an electrician to inspect your house and make any needed repairs before you plug anything back in.

Once you’ve cleared yourself of the dangers talked about above, be sure to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Aside from getting yourself safe, this should be the first step taken in your process to recovery.  The sooner you get this process started, the sooner you can receive your funds to help you recover your house. However, you need to know what is covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Some insurance policies may not cover flooding or other types of water damage. If yours does not, you may want to purchase additional coverage to provide more protection.

After you have contacted your insurance agent, they can help you find a water damage restoration professional whom can help you start cleaning up the damage as quickly as possible.  SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque responds within 2-4 hours as to help minimalize any damage to your home and belongings.  Especially when dealing with severe flooding, it is necessary to hire a professional who has specialized equipment to properly remediate the water damage.  Professionals don’t just clean the water damage, they make sure no moisture is left to prevent any mold damage from growing and causing more problems.  

The Problem of Mold and the Prevention of its Growth

Time is crucial when drying any areas affected by water damage. If moisture is left to sit for mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours after a flood.  Mold spore are very small and can spread throughout your home undetected, which can lead to health problems.  Mold is sneaky and can start to grow inside your walls or underneath floorboards.  This is because these types of materials hold in moisture which helps the mold to grow. Sometimes mold doesn’t make itself aware to occupants until it has already taken foothold inside a home.

Due to the extra possibility of water damage causing mold growth, water damage is a very serious problem that shouldn’t be put off.  Do not try to cut corners when it comes to water damage.  Instead, call an experienced water damage restoration professional for assistance.  Us at SERVPRO of NE Albuquerque will be willing and able to provide the expertise that you need to restore your home to a livable condition.