Water damage can destroy a property. Leaking pipes, damaged sewage lines can really leave water damage in a home. It is imperative to act quickly when water damage occurs. Smaller damage can be taken care of by a homeowner. However, more serious incidents require the help of specialists to restore the property.
Water damage occurs most common in areas such as:
- Drywall
- Plaster
- Insulation
- Wood
- Air Conditioning
- Floor Coverings
- Pipes
- Appliances
- Electrical Wiring
There are three types of water to look out for when assessing water damage . First, there is clean water, which comes from rain or leaky pipes. This type of water does not contain bacteria and can be handled safely. The second type is gray water which comes from appliances like toilets and dishwashers. This water may contain some bacteria and should be handled carefully. Finally, there is blackwater which comes from sewers and flooding from nearby sources, like rivers or lakes. This is the most dangerous type of water damage and should be handled by a specialist.
According to Restoration 1 of North Fort Worth, there are five tips to consider when considering what to do about water damage.
Table of Contents
1. Disconnect Electronics
The first thing Restoration 1 of North Fort Worth recommends is to unplug all electronics. It is important to be careful when it comes to electronics and water. If electronics are still plugged in when there is water damage, it causes electric shocks and explosions. There will be less problems if they are unplugged and can dry off. This way, the device and the home will still be intact.
2. Inspect Mold
The type of water that causes damage can bring some horrible mold. Mold can cause a major health risk. It is important to scope out any mold growth in the damaged area. Smaller mold infestations, such as ones that come from rain leaky pipes can be easily cut out. However, for larger mold growths, caused by blackwater,or more hazardous water damage, shut down any airflow to stop any contamination. Then, call a mold specialist to help clean the mold out. It is also important to pay attention to walls and floors. This is where mold is most commonly growing.
3. Dry Out the Water
Before any restoration happens or any more damage occurs, dry out the damaged areas and let out the moisture. Fans or large scale humidifiers are the best for drying out floors, carpeting, and any other damaged materials. According to Restoration 1, this won’t necessarily stop mold growth. However, it will help lessen the damage.
4. Remove Damaged Materials
An important way to prevent mold growth is to prevent mold growth is to dispose of any porous materials, like carpeting and isolation, that have been damaged. The more important things to focus on in restoration have to be cement, drywall, and wood. This way, the properties structure will stay intact. Then, you can replace the damaged materials.
5. Disinfect Damaged Areas
The type of water damage that occurs can cause lots of bacteria, as well as other health issues. It can also cause mold spores to grow. That is why it is important to immediately sanitize the damaged areas. After you get rid of damaged materials, spray the affected areas with bleach to kill the bacteria and mold before repairs begin.
