Water damage? What Now?
Life doesn’t pause for water damage.So, it’s always a good idea to know what you need to do before it happens.
As you can imagine, you’re going to have your hands full after the fact. We’ve put together a shortlist of the steps you should take if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of water damage.
Where is the leak coming from?
Water damage can come from a wide range of plumbing issues. A slab leak, a bathtub overflow, a faulty water heater and more can cause tremendous damage in a short period of time and even pose a structural threat.
If you’re lucky, it will be something obvious. Like from a noticeable drip or a damp wall or ceiling. However, oftentimes the culprit can be stealthy, hidden within a wall or floor. In that case, you’ll definitely want to get help from a professional.
Turn Off Water and Electricity
Now that you’ve identified where the leak is coming from, let’s get it to stop. You’ll need to turn off the water at the main valve until the plumbing issue can be resolved. Electricity will need to be turned off as well if flooding is involved. But, if there’s standing water, DO NOT attempt to turn off the electricity yourself. Call a professional.
Evaluate the Damage
Before you start any type of salvaging or repair work make sure to take lots of pictures. You’ll need them for documentation and insurance purposes.
If the damage was due to a plumbing issue, call a plumber to get their assessment right away. You want to get started quickly during this process because the longer the water sits, the more damage your home could incur.
Dry It Out
As you probably already assumed, your flooring, carpet, and drywall will likely need to be replaced. You should also check the framing behind the drywall, as well. It could also be wet and damaged. Make sure to try using industrial fans to dry out structural elements.
Weather permitting, also open up windows to avoid humidity from building within your home. Also, be proactive and remove any wet or damaged items. This is a critical time to try and prevent mold from growing. Every little bit extra you can do will help.
If you have any questions about water damage or how you can prepare ahead of time, call your local Louisville Dauenhauer, any hour.
