How to Repair and Clean Up Water Damage in Your Home

When you buy your home, you never think that you would ever have to worry about water damage in it. However, it does happen every day, to millions of homes across the United States, especially Florida. Whether it\’s from a hurricane in Florida, or some type of pipe leaking, water damage in your home can be a nightmare. There are many things you can do, in order to cleanup and restore your home. Here is what all you can do to make it happen.

For starters, you need to figure out the underlying problem. Where did this all come from? That is going to be your biggest task. This is because, without pinpointing the reason you had this accident, you will not know what all you need to do, in order to fix it and make it from not happening again. It could be from a number of things. Leaking pipes, weather, or a main busted water source. Whatever the problem is, your going to have to stop it immediately. Now that you have stopped the problem, it is time to figure out how to repair your water damage. Remember, if it is from contaminated water, of any source, get out and call a professional immediately. But, for everything else, here are some steps to take, if you are ever in a situation of water damage.

Cleanup and Restoration

Step #1: Open all windows and doors, in order to get all the fresh air in there. You can also turn on all fans so you can get the areas dry. This will help with odors from forming later on. You also need to get out the dehumidifiers. You need to get all that moisture out of the room or rooms, in order to avoid the mold and mildew to start growing. Be sure to empty it and keep it going until everything is completely dry.

Step #2: Call in the professionals. Most people can\’t do this themselves, so if you cannot, this is the time to call the pro\’s. But if you can do it, be sure to check your place for mold and mildew afterwards.

Step #3: Once you have everything starting to dry and the dehumidifier running, now is the time to start getting out all the things that got ruined, that can be thrown out. For example, papers, and old furniture that can\’t be saved. If you have damaged, valuable papers, then try your best to photo copy them. Other items and valuables that you must try to salvage, freeze them and after it is dried, try and take them to a professional to see if they can be saved.

Step #4: Break out the wet/dry vac, if you have one, or go and rent one from your local department store. You can clean up most of your water damaged furniture, most carpeting and even wood or tiled flooring. This can be a time consuming ordeal, but will help get the bulk of the water damage, in your home, cleaned up. If you have wooden floors, or surfaces, you may want to use a mild detergent and clean water to get that dirty water gone from it. Be sure to dry it with a box fan and open all windows afterwards and keep using that dehumidifier.

Step #5: When it comes to other surfaces that has been attacked by water damage, you may want to go around scrub up the old water, with a mild detergent and clean water. Areas such as, counter tops, walls, and doors. As for ceilings, and drywall, you will more than likely have to get your local inspector to check it out and if it is separated, swelling or beyond repair, then you will have to replace it. If it is in fact replaceable, you can dry and paint the damaged area.

Step #6: Be sure to keep all fans on, windows open, and dehumidifiers on, even after you have cleaned up everything. You must make sure everything is dry, in order to keep mold from growing. You should be able to be fan free in a couple days.

Step #7: When you have all of the water cleaned up and dried, you need to make sure that all of your pipes and leaking areas are fixed. Make sure this does not happen again. If it is weather related, be sure to have your home weatherized and prepared for any type of situation.

Water damage in a home, or anywhere, can be an expensive and very upsetting ordeal. In order to keep these things from happening, you just have to be prepared and keep all your pipes checked annually.

Are you looking for more information regarding water damage? Visit http://www.nationalrestorationexperts.com today!

Are you looking for more information regarding water damage? Visit http://www.nationalrestorationexperts.com today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding water damage? Visit http://www.nationalrestorationexperts.com today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: water damage,clean water,dirty water

Leave a Reply