4 Steps to Take at the First Sign of Water Damage

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Residential water damage

Below Are Four Essential Steps To Help Minimize A Water Loss

Being a homeowner in Delray Beach, FL, means knowing the unexpected happens. If a broken pipe or heavy rains unleash water in home, time is of the essence. The longer the water sits, the more chances of extensive damage. 

1. Call Insurance Provider
While the damage itself may be overwhelming, filing a claim with your insurance helps ease the burden. Along with reporting the damage and setting up a time for the adjuster to come, it is also a good idea to look through your policy to better understand what may or may not be covered. Take pictures and videos of all the damage and gather any records and receipts.

2. Take Safety Precautions
The excess water may be on the front of your mind, but it is important to take safety precautions before entering the affected area. Since water and electricity don’t mix, turn off the power. Depending on the source of the problem, such as flooding or a sewer backup, protective gear should be worn to minimize contact with potential contaminants.

3. Start Water Removal and Drying Process
Standing water quickly wreaks havoc on your belongings and structural components of a home. If the source was a broken pipe, it may mean 100s of gallons of water have drenched your property. Once it is safe to do so, begin the water extraction process. After most of the standing water is removed, everything needs to be dried out. It is a slow process, so the sooner you start the better.

4. Find a Trusted Restoration Professional
While commercial fans and wet/dry vacuums help, a major water issue is not an easy situation to handle. A water damage and restoration expert will properly address the present water issues, as well as find potential hidden damage. Certified professionals are also trained to remove and mitigate against mold growth and restore your property back to “Like it never even happened.”
If a broken pipe saturates your home, taking the above steps may help you get back to normal faster.