Water damage can be caused by leaking pipes, burst sewage lines, or natural disasters. It’s important to act fast if your home is suffering from water damages.
Water damage in the home can be a very stressful situation, especially if it causes further problems. These repairs are often best left to professionals. However, you can take a few steps yourself to limit the damage.
What is the impact of water damage?
Water is essential to life but can also cause a lot of damage. You will have a mess to clean. It is important for you to know what areas of your home water can damage. Always inspect these areas for damage to be safe.
- Drywall
- Plaster
- Insulation
- Wood
- Framing
- Floor coverings
- Electrical wiring
- Pipes
- Appliances
- HVAC
You can see that water can cause serious damage to your home’s structure and can quickly rack up a large restoration bill if you don’t take action. Acting quickly is essential to prevent further damage.
What should you consider before water damage restoration?
You should first evaluate the situation. Take into consideration the following:
Water Volume
You can usually manage a moderate or small amount of water in your home on your own, if you are equipped with the right tools. If the flooding is severe and does not go away, you should call in a professional.
It may not be time to do a DIY job if your neighborhood is still recovering from a large flood or natural disaster, and if your home has sustained significant damage. Leave these repairs to professionals and follow the instructions of your local disaster relief authority.
Sources of Damage
You need to know where the water comes from before you can begin flood damage restoration in Auckland. When you are dealing with a flood in your home, you should be aware of three different types of water.
- Clean Water: This water is not contaminated with harmful chemicals, and can be handled safely.
- Gray Water: Grey water that leaks from appliances such as your washing machine, dishwasher or toilet may be slightly contaminated. You can do this by yourself if you take the right precautions.
- Blackwater The worst type of water is blackwater, which comes from sewers or nearby sources such as rivers. The water is often contaminated with harmful bacteria and can be dangerous to handle.
Damage Level
Last but not least, you will want to determine the extent of damage. The homeowner can usually handle minor damage, but significant damage is dangerous and difficult to fix without professional help. If, for example, flooding from an upper floor has seeped up through the ceiling and into the room, you will be unable to restore the damage.
5 DIY water damage restoration tips for your home
After you’ve assessed the damage, follow these tips for water damage restoration to get repairs done as quickly as possible. You should not wait more than 24 hours before you begin to see mold growing on wet materials.
1. Disconnect Outlets
Unplug your electronics as soon as you notice water damage. Even though you may not be able to see the full extent of the damage, it is important to remain cautious when working around gas and electrical lines. This equipment could cause electric shocks or explosions if you use it despite the water damage.
2. Check for Mold
Certain mold strains can be toxic and cause serious health problems. Mold can quickly spread once it has infected an area. It is therefore important to check for mold growth in order to avoid health risks. You can remove the moldy area and bag it up to dispose of it. If you have a serious mold problem, shut off the air flow to prevent contamination. Then call a Mold Specialist. Mold can sometimes appear in the walls or floor, so this inspection should continue throughout the restoration.
3. Dry Water Out
You need to dry the area and remove all moisture before further damage can occur. Use fans or a dehumidifier with a high capacity to circulate the air and dry out carpets, wood and other materials. This won’t stop mold from growing, but it will reduce the damage.
4. Removing Damaged Materials
To avoid mildew, it is important to remove porous materials like carpet or insulation that are saturated with water. Prioritize the ceilings and floors. It is important to replace any wood, drywall or cement that has not been sealed. This will allow the structure of your home to support water damage repairs.
5. Clean the remaining areas
You should always be aware that depending on the type and quality of water, it may contain bacteria or other contaminants which can lead to health issues. It is also important to disinfect the water immediately, as it could encourage mold growth. After removing the damaged materials, disinfect the area thoroughly before beginning the restoration. You should spray and wipe the surfaces down with bleach to prevent mold growth before continuing with the repairs.
Hire a Professional to Repair Your Water Damage
Water damage can be a stressful experience for homeowners. However, with the right steps you can restore your home to its original condition. It’s vital to assess the damage before you begin any restoration work to avoid health risks.
