Whenever you experience water damage from a flood, contact a professional as soon as possible. Cleaning up water damage will reduce the possibility of structural weakness or the growth of harmful bacteria or mold.
Cleaning Up After Water Damage
A flood in your home will require professional water damage restoration. Having restoration services carried out will restore everything to its pre-event condition.
It’s common for homeowners to ask questions like how much water damage cleanup will cost, how to choose the right restoration company, and what to expect when something like this happens.
If flood water enters your home, you should act quickly. The following information will help you answer those questions.
Water Damage Cleanup Costs
Obviously, not every water damage cleanup project is the same, and the cost depends on the extent of the damage.
If you have water damage, your insurance company may cover most, if not all, of the cleanup costs. It is important to remember that every homeowner’s insurance policy is different, and if it’s a flood, you may need specific flood insurance. The process of filing an insurance claim can take time, so you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. Make sure you get a fair response to your claim, and that your family is protected from further injury.
Many types of emergency services can be handled by water mitigation and restoration companies. If you notice standing water in your home, you should contact a professional as soon as possible. One of the most significant benefits is that if you act fast, you’ll likely be able to minimize the damage and lower your costs.
Choosing Water Damage Cleanup Companies
It is likely that you will find many companies in your area that provide water damage restoration services. It’s hard to choose the right one, especially when you’re incredibly stressed and time is of the essence. How do you choose the right one?
Check with the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) to ensure any company you are considering is certified. Water damage cleanup and restoration companies are regulated by IICRC, a professional association.
By doing this, you will know the technicians who come to your house have proven their competency. For continued certification, they must not only pass a very challenging formal exam, but also take continuing education classes.
Water Damage Drying Process
The first step in the drying process is the removal of water. Machines are used to extract water from the ground and other porous materials.
Following the removal of any standing water from the affected areas, any remaining moisture must also be removed.
The structure of your home may need to be dried using dehumidifiers, fans, and other types of powerful drying equipment if flood damage is extensive. You might have to remove wet drywall, flooring, or other components.
In the event that a significant amount of water has entered your home, every second counts. It won’t take long for parts of your house to become so waterlogged that they can’t be repaired. As a result of structural damage to your home, it may also no longer be safe to live in. A flood emergency needs to be addressed as quickly as possible to minimize damage.
Types of Home Water Damage Cleanup
You can get your home and your life back to normal after flood damage by hiring a professional restoration company.
The experts use powerful equipment and sanitizing agents to ensure your home is not only safe, but also structurally sound. During the water damage remediation process, companies will not remove their equipment until they have performed moisture, humidity, and temperature tests to ensure all affected areas have been adequately dried.
Sewer Water Cleanup
Overflows of minor toilets can usually be cleaned up by homeowners, but sewage backups should always be handled by professionals.
Particularly if someone in your home has a health issue that may increase their risk of severe infection. Don’t attempt to clean any kind of extensive backup on your own, such as one affecting multiple areas of your home. There are simply too many risks involved.
Toilet Overflow Water Damage Cleanup
Some types of flooding are beyond the control of homeowners. Typically, toilet overflows aren’t among them.
The shut-off valve is usually located near the base of the bowl on every toilet. Simply turn that valve as far as it will go to the right to stop water from continuing to overflow onto your bathroom floor. If it’s a small spill, then you can probably clean it up yourself without having to call a professional.
However, you will have to get help if the overflow is substantial, or sewage is spilling onto the floor. This type of spill could contain harmful microbes, so cleanup will best be left to an expert.
Water Damage Cleanup in Basement
Basement floods can occur as a result of inadequate drainage, torrential rain, a broken or burst pipe, a bad sump pump, or a malfunctioning appliance.
Basements often have floor drains, but the drains can become clogged over time with dirt and debris. A professional can remove water from the basement quickly and efficiently before extensive damage occurs.
A flooded basement can quickly turn dangerous. Not only can it damage walls, floors, and belongings, but it can also become a health hazard.
It only takes a few inches of water to cause havoc with potentially dangerous bacteria and mold.
Water Damage Cleanup Timeline
Depending on how much damage has occurred, water damage cleanup could take anywhere from a few hours to several days.
If, for example, a washing machine floods a basement, it can quickly saturate walls, flooring, and possessions within an hour of flooding. Wooden flooring, cabinets, and furniture can be destroyed within just two to three hours of a dishwasher leaking.
This damage can occur at such a rapid pace that it can’t be overstated how crucial fast action is.
Water Damage Cleanup Safety
Whenever your home experiences major flood damage, safety should always be your first priority. You may need to relocate if safety is a concern.
Aside from mildew, mold growth, and bacterial growth, there could also be electrical damage. The company that provides your restoration services will be able to give you an idea of when it will be safe for you to return.
Find a Water Damage Restoration Expert Near You
Call now to be connected with a local, licensed, IICRC-certified Water Damage expert near you.