Water damage is a nightmare for homeowners and renters alike. It’s already bad enough when a burst pipe or leaky faucet ruins your expensive furniture, but it can become an even bigger problem if the water remains for days on end. If you believe you have water damage in your home, then follow this six-step plan to mitigate the problem and minimise damage.
Avoid as many electrical components as possible
The first thing to remember in water damage is that you want to avoid contact with electrical items as much as possible. While they don’t necessarily present an immediate danger, it is still important to take steps to steer clear of them. If there is any way for you to put off calling an electrician, then do it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Let the water evaporate
Sometimes the damage is already done but there’s not much you can do about it. If your ceiling has sprung a leak and you want to get rid of water damage as fast as possible, then turn on fans and dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you are living in humid conditions or have a basement that leaks, as these areas can be susceptible to mould growth if moisture isn’t removed quickly.
Air out your home
You may not be able to remove all of the moisture, but you can at least reduce its effect on your home. Air it out as much as possible, even if it’s only for five minutes at a time.
Remove surface water
If there’s a lot of standing water in your home, then you are going to want to get it out of the way as soon as possible. If you have a mop or sponge and wringer, then put it to use. You can also use towels or paper towels if you don’t have a mop handy.
Protect the belongings that can otherwise be ruined
If you want to salvage anything from your furniture and other belongings, then you need to protect them as much as possible. Place them on plastic covers or tarps that will prevent moisture from getting inside. If you don’t have enough tarps and plastic, then use towels to cover up your furniture. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than nothing.
Call a professional
Sure, the water damage may be minimal, but you should still call a professional water damage restoration company to assess the situation and give you an estimate on repairs. They will be able to determine if the damage is as bad as you think, as well as give you tips on how to avoid future flooding.
