Water damage is one of the worst types of damage a homeowner can experience. It can take place due to a variety of reasons and can vary in terms of intensity as well. In some cases, the water damage may take some time to become prominent. While in other cases it could be sudden due to a burst pipe causing uncontrollable damage. Regardless, you should know how to handle such a situation to prevent expensive repairs and replacements. You should begin by finding and fixing the cause of the water damage and then considering mold removal. We will give you some important tips that will not only help you contain but also recover from water damage.

Locate The Water Source Or Leakage

The first and most important step of the process when it comes to water damage is locating the source. Depending on the situation, you may or may not be able to locate the water source in the first place. The reason we say this is because determining the source of water damage is not that easy every time.

If the water damage is sudden, you might be able to observe a water leakage nearby as well. For instance, you might come home to pools of water in a certain area. But, if the water leakage is slow and gradual, you will have to put some time and effort into finding the source.

Plus, the complexity of the water leakage or source can also depend on the area. For example, if water damage is taking place in the roof area, you will have to check the roof by climbing on it along with the attic. Since you might not have proper access to the roof and deep inside the attic, you may find it difficult to spot the water source.

Plus, there are also tiles on the roof that make it difficult to solve the issue. Water leakage in such cases, travels down and reaches multiple areas, which adds to the complication. Therefore, if you can locate the water source, you will be able to fix it on time.

However, if you can’t do so, you will need to consult an expert. Keep in mind that even a tiny spot can causes a big problem. So, instead of taking it for granted, you should get it inspected.

Dry The Area ASAP

The next step in troubleshooting the water damage process is drying the location. Once you have determined the source of the leak, you will need to properly dry the area to prevent mold growth and other issues. Believe it or not, mold growth can take place within 24 hours of the leakage.

This could be a health concern and even more so if your family members include kids and the elderly. Constant exposure to mold and mildew can result in respiratory issues. In some instances, it can lead to chronic health concerns. That is why you will need to use a fan or a heat source that helps evaporate the moisture and water in the area. If you want to be sure, get help from mold remediation Gaithersburg services.

Turn Off The Appliances

As soon as you spot the water leakage, you should turn off the appliances. If possible, you should remove the power cable. If the situation is such that there is a pool of water, it would be a lot safer for you to turn off the circuit breaker or the main power supply.

This will ensure that the power is cut off and no one gets electrocuted. If you have multiple kids in the house, you need to be extra careful in such cases. Since kids tend to play around in the house, it is fairly easy for them to enter the kitchen without knowing there is a possibility of getting an electric shock.

Furthermore, if the water damage happens to be extreme, you will need to shift the electric appliances to another area. If there are rugs in the kitchen or any decorative items made of metal, you will need to remove them for a while until the situation is fixed.

Start Water Damage Repair Immediately

Once you have determined the source of the water leakage and shifted the appliances, it is time for you to start working on repairing the damage. Some homeowners get lazy and wait for the problem to go away on its own. If you have a wooden floor, you will simply end up damaging it in the meantime.

As a result, you will not only end up paying for the damages but also the floor, which could be expensive. Plus, we would suggest hiring an expert to fix the issue. If you have already given the water leakage enough time, you will have a small time bracket to fix and prevent further damage.

This is especially the case if the leakage is taking place in the roof. You will have a maximum of 24 hours to fix the leaky roof. Otherwise, water might get to the furniture and other expensive items in the house resulting in damage. You will be able to cover them but that won’t help for long.

Disinfect The Area

Disinfecting the area is as important as locating the water source. As mentioned earlier, mold and mildew are quite problematic factors and can be inhaled if you happen to touch them. The problem with mold and mildew spores is that they are airborne and can be difficult to completely get rid of. If you can sense a musty smell, then there is mold growing in your house.

On top of that, even if you fix the water source, you will have to deal with mold as it will not go away on its own. Unless you have the proper tools and skills to manage the issue, you should give it over to an expert who can handle it properly.

And, if you cannot afford to hire an expert, you can purchase a pair of gloves and off-the-shelf disinfectant and get the issue resolved on your own.

Contact The Insurance Company

Now that you have a better view and idea of the water damage, you will need to get in touch with the insurance company to help cover some of the damages. If the water damage was sudden and extreme or if you were not able to handle the issue due to not being present at the scene, you will need to ask the insurance company to pay for some damages.

This happens in situations like families going on holidays and unexpected water damage occurring back at the house. Since you couldn’t do anything about it, you will need to get the issue solved by the insurance company.

Conclusion

Dealing with water damage can be a complicated issue at times. But you do not need to panic. By following the tips mentioned above, you will be able to handle the situation until help arrives. At the same time, you should also keep regular checks for unusual symptoms around the house to prevent such situations from taking place in the future. For storms and downpours, keep the gutters clean and the roof maintained to avoid most of the problems. If you’re experiencing water damage, it’s best to call in water damage restoration Silver Spring experts who can tackle the issue swiftly.