Water damage is a threat to all homes, at all times. And because people often underestimate water, they can be caught unprepared when an emergency strikes. Water damage in your home can come from a variety of sources, including natural disasters, leaking, faulty pipes or a backed-up sewer line.
Whatever the source, water damage is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage to your home and possessions. Water can quickly spread, causing structural damage and mould growth.
Moreover, there are many different types of water damage, and each type requires a different type of repair. For example, damage from a clean water source, such as a leaking pipe, will be less complex to repair than damage from a contaminated water source, such as a sewage backup.
That’s why it’s important to know what to do in the event of water damage. If you act quickly and efficiently, you can minimise the damage and even prevent it from happening in the first place. Alternatively, it’s best to engage with professionals who can help you deal with the problem.
So, what should you do if water damages your home? The following are some tips for urgent water restoration:
Turn Off Electricity
The first thing you should do in the water restoration process is to turn off the electricity to avoid electrocution. If the water comes from a leaky pipe, you may also want to shut off the water supply to prevent further flooding. This is also true if the water is coming from a natural disaster such as a flood.
Remove Standing Water
Any standing water will only complicate your repairs. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the volume of water. Small amounts can be soaked up with towels or buckets.
If you are dealing with a larger volume of water, you may need to use a pump or wet vacuum or mop up the area with towels. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and protective clothing whilst doing this to avoid contaminated water from coming into contact with your skin. This is because water from sewage lines or natural disasters can contain harmful bacteria.
Assess The Damage
Once you have removed the standing water, it’s time to assess the damage. This will assist you in determining what needs to be fixed or replaced. Any porous materials such as wood, drywall or carpeting will likely need to be replaced as they can absorb water and harbour mould.
On the other hand, non-porous materials such as metal or plastic may be able to be repaired depending on the severity of the damage. In the case where you are unsure, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and replace the item.
Inspect for Mould and Mildew
Checking for mould and mildew should be your priority. In optimal conditions, mould can appear within 24 hours, so timeliness is key when inspecting. Failing to address water damage or mould can cause a variety of health problems for people who live in the affected home.
For one, it can be toxic to humans. Where mould is present, you may develop respiratory illnesses and other infections. Symptoms that suggest mould exposure include difficulty breathing, coughing and sneezing.
When you start to breathe in the air and spend many hours in the environment, nausea, vomiting and nosebleeds are possible. In severe situations, lung bleeding can occur, which is potentially fatal and necessitates immediate medical attention. Other individuals may experience their lungs as if they were weak or have trouble breathing without feeling chest pressure. Those who have asthma may be more prone to having asthma attacks daily.
To prevent moulds from forming, one effective method is to open up the space as much as possible and get airflow going. Use fans and dehumidifiers to improve air circulation and reduce moisture in the air. If the damage is already done, however, you’ll need to implement a mould removal strategy as quickly as possible.
Dry the Area
Once you have removed the standing water and addressed the mould issue, it’s time to start drying out the area. For small areas, you can use a combination of fans and towels. For larger areas, you’ll need to bring in professional-grade drying equipment.
Start the Cleanup Process
Once your house has been brought back to its normal moisture level, it’s critical to have it disinfected and sanitised. Bacteria, mould and other contaminants may have been carried into your home by the water that poured through it.
The cleanup process will vary depending on the type of water damage. For example, if the water is from a clean source such as a leaky pipe, you’ll need to do a different type of cleanup than if the water is from a sewage line.
Make Repairs
This could involve anything from patching up drywall to replacing flooring. Water damage is the most common cause of home damage and is relatively simple to repair on your own. Drywall installation cost, siding and baseboards are all frequent targets for water damage and are straightforward to fix. If any structural components of your house were damaged, then you need to be extra careful when removing and replacing materials. Even if you’re experienced in home improvement, removing structural components without taking the proper precautions can cause extensive damage to your house.
Call in a Professional
Not only do you need to clean the surfaces of your home, but you must also clean the air inside. In most cases, the tools you use to clean your home won’t be enough to remove all the contaminants from the air.
If you’re dealing with a significant amount of water damage, it’s best to call in a water damage restoration Melbourne service to handle the cleanup process. They’ll have the proper equipment and experience to get your house back to normal as quickly as possible. Water damage repair experts use air scrubbers to remove germs from the air that might reinfect your house and cause mould formation and sickness in the future.
Water damage can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure your home is safe and clean. With proper care and attention, you can get your home back to normal in no time.
