Water damage to your house, office or business premises is devastating. Your possessions are damaged, and it could take days, weeks, or even months to repair the damage. The aftermath of water damage can cause further problems such as mold, insects, or deterioration. Finding the right water damage restoration experts in Seattle area will salvage your home.
You need to start acting immediately. This way, minimal damage will be done while removing all the water from your home to save what’s left of your belongings. If you don’t act quickly, there’s a good chance that you’ll have more extensive damage once you do get around to fixing it. Read on to learn what you should do immediately after water damage.
Turn off Water
If you have a water leak or flood in your home, you should first turn off the water. The longer you let it run, the more damage it can cause to your property and belongings. Call a plumber if you’re unsure where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. They’ll be able to help you find it and turn off the flow of water quickly so that further damage can be avoided.
Call Insurance Company
Don’t delay—the longer you wait, the more likely it is that you could lose out on coverage. Insurance companies have a lot of resources to help you get your home back to normal faster. You may be eligible for emergency repair services from a local contractor, who will come out and assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
Some insurance companies also offer additional protection against water damage claims through flood insurance, which can provide funds for repairs if there’s a flood or other situation where water gets into your home.
Call Restoration Company
If you have experienced water damage, you must call for professional help as soon as possible. The longer you wait to mitigate the effects of water damage, the more expensive it will be to repair.
A Residential Water Damage restoration company can help you identify the extent of the damage and estimate how much it will cost to repair. They will also determine if there is anything that can be salvaged from your home, such as furniture or appliances. If you wait too long before calling a restoration company, you could have to replace damaged items or even entire rooms in your house.
Remove and Dry Items
The longer they stay wet, the more likely they will be damaged. You can use fans and dehumidifiers to help speed up the drying process. It is also essential to keep a close eye on all of your belongings after a flood or other major water leak. If you see any mold growing on them or if they start smelling funny, call in professional help immediately!
Remove all wet items from your home and set them outside on a tarp or plastic sheeting. It includes furniture, rugs, clothing, electronics, and even books. Do not try to clean these items yourself; they may have been damaged by floodwaters and are more likely than other items to grow mold or mildew.
Assess What Should be Restored
Knowing what should be restored and what can wait is essential when faced with water damage. If you have electrical equipment that has been damaged, you should call a professional to assess the damage and repair it as soon as possible. If the electrical equipment is still under warranty, you may be able to get the repairs done at no cost.
If your home has sustained major structural damage, such as bowed walls and floors, you’ll need an expert contractor who can repair those things correctly. Often these kinds of repairs require replacing entire sections of wall or flooring material due to their complexity—and those materials aren’t cheap!
Look for Another Place
It can be done by calling a friend or family member, staying at a hotel, or renting a short-term apartment. If you need to stay with friends or family, ask them before moving in as you wait for your home to be restored.
Be cautious. If you have experienced water damage, you may be dealing with mold or other hazards. However, if the water is removed and the carpet/room is dried within 24 hours, there is a good chance you will be able to prevent mold growth, electrical failure due to short circuits, and structural movement in your walls and foundation. Call a professional immediately to come and survey the problem and guide you through the proper steps towards clean-up.
