A Basic Guide on Water Damage Restoration

Major plumbing problems should be fixed when it is still a small leak. If it is not fixed, it will develop into a flood with standing water in the room within a short period. Other parts of the pipe may also suffer from damage if the original area of the pipe that is damaged is not fixed promptly. To avoid water damage, you must pay attention to the plumbing system in your house and keep them maintained at all time. The following are 4 tips on water damage restoration for your home.

1. Identify the Leaks

The first step is to identify the source of the leaks by looking for signs of moisture on your ceilings and walls. The area that is affected by water damage may show signs like sagging drywall, water stain, and dripping water. Repairs will not fix the problems if the source of the leaks is not identified. Leaks can be in places that you are not expecting as the water travel around the home.

You know where the water comes from by its color. Clean water comes from leaky pipes. If the water appears to have some debris, it could be coming from the rain. Gray water comes from toilet and washing machine. Blackwater comes from the sewer so it is contaminated and not safe to clean yourself. If the leaks come from the pipe, you can shut off the water shut off valve located outside of your house.

2. Assess the Water Damage Level

You will want to check the damage level. Water damage that involves small water volume can be fixed by the homeowners. If it involves a large water volume, it is not the time for DIY fixing. Instead, you should get a professional plumber to help you. Until the plumber arrives, you should follow the instructions of your local disaster authorities.

3. Remove Your Valuables

Before you remove the water, make sure you have already removed all the valuables such as carpets and furniture. If you want to save the material, you should check for mold first before drying it under the sun. After you have removed the materials, the area needs to be disinfected to kill all the germs. This is to prevent health problems for the members of the household. You can spray bleach on the surfaces and wipe with a cloth to prevent mold spores from growing.

4. Eliminate the Standing Water

The water needs to be eliminated as soon as possible. You can use a container to scoop the water or you can hire a plumber to pump out the water. After the water has been extracted, the plumber can use a dehumidifier to dry up the area appropriately. All these can be done within 1 day when you call a plumber. If you clear the water yourself, it may take longer. You should hire a plumber if you know you can’t clear out the water and dry up the house in less than 3 days.