When your home experiences water damage, you may experience a groundswell of emotions. Whether you had a fixture break, a pipe burst, or a backup of the sewer, it is important to have water removal done as quickly as possible.
Getting your house back in a livable condition might feel overwhelming, but with an action plan, you can get through the muck and restore your home effectively and efficiently. Use these tips for a successful water removal project in your home.
Assess the Damage
As soon as you realize that your home has water damage, assess the situation. Take digital photos, which will be time-stamped. You may need these for insurance purposes. It is also a good idea to contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance agent for assistance. Your policy may cover your belongings and repairs to your home if the water was a result of a burst pipe or failed fixture. Take care when entering flooded areas. If the water in your home is many inches or even feet deep, it may not be safe to enter those areas. You may need to wait for water removal experts to siphon the water out of your home. The weight of several inches or more of water could weaken the floorboards, putting your safety at risk.
Dry the Affected Area
When there is no standing water, you may begin to dry the interior of your home. During the winter months, your heating system can help with this. In the summertime, run your air conditioner. If you have an air blower, turn it to the continuous fan function during the autumn or spring months. This promotes more air circulation. Ceiling fans, window fans, and portable fans can also help with drying your house. Consider running a dehumidifier on each level of your house. These devices draw out moisture 24/7 until your home is dry. They condense water in the air into a liquid. The liquid can then be drained into the wastewater system. Mopping and blotting also helps with water removal. Use a pat drying technique to dry out damp items such as wood furniture. Use wood blocks to lift furniture off of the floor. Remove cushions from sofas and chairs and allow them to dry separately. Open cabinet and furniture drawers and doors to help move dry air into these areas.
Remove Fragile or Hazardous Items
Some items in your home may be especially prone to water damage. Art, photos, and important papers should be removed and taken to a safe and dry location. Furs and leather items should be hung out to dry as quickly as possible to avoid warping. Firearms and medications should also be removed from flooded areas and stored in appropriately locked containers.
Decide What is Salvageable
In many cases, you may be better off disposing of water-damaged items that are easily replaced. Paperback books, linens, and upholstered furniture may not be salvageable if they were damaged by sewage. Items that only got dampened could be dried out in a room with fans or by placing them in direct sunlight. Water removal experts also have specialty equipment to draw moisture out of upholstered furniture, draperies, and carpets.
Be Cautious
Take extreme caution when using electrical items when your home has standing water. Do not use any electrical appliances or outlets in a room with standing water. Avoid trying to remove water with a vacuum cleaner. Do not touch any items contaminated with raw sewage. Be sure to wear rubber gloves, boots, and a face mask when entering your home after it has been damaged by a flood or sewage.
Get Help When You Need It
There is nothing wrong with seeking the assistance of professional water removal experts. If you have a large home or your health prevents you from doing the cleanup yourself, promptly contact professional water removal services. Mold and bacteria start to grow in a warm and moist environment within hours, and mold removal is a costly and time-consuming endeavor. If your home’s water damage includes sewage, it could be hazardous to your health. It is a good idea to have the professionals handle a large or hazardous cleanup.
When the water removal project is too big for you to handle, contact Aloha Restoration. Based in Lake Zurich, Aloha Restoration offers prompt mold and water removal after a home flood, sewage backup, or burst pipe. The professionals at Aloha Restoration are properly trained in safe mold removal practices. The company offers a full spectrum of remediation and remodeling services. Call today to learn more about the services provided by the experienced team at Aloha Restoration.