Some ways you can start protecting your home from unexpected water damage are to start with safety for all residents, stop the source if possible, and document the damage. Contact your insurance company ASAP and begin water removal quickly, if you are able.
Water damage can happen when you least expect it, affecting 14,000 Americans every day, according to iPropertyManagement. Homeowners never want to deal with a broken water pipe, an overflowing toilet, or a damaged roof, but these things do happen. When they do, you will want to be prepared to handle the consequences.
Even a small leak can cause huge problems over time if you ignore it and don't fix it because you are worried about costs or other reasons. It's important to understand how you can recover from unexpected water damage as soon as possible, so it doesn't negatively affect your life any longer than it has to.
Start With Safety
No matter what's going on with your home and the resulting water damage, the first thing you will want to do is protect your loved ones and any residents of the home. This includes any pets, all of your family members, and any other important items.
Do what you can to get everyone to safety before taking any other steps. Yes, your home is important to you, and you want to prevent any water damage if possible, but your family is much more important than that.
If there is significant water damage, you want to avoid entering that area as much as possible. You also need to be careful with contaminated water, since it can be dangerous to your health to deal with it.
Stop the Source if Possible
Once you know it's safe to do so, you can go in and stop the water source. This could mean turning off the home's main water supply or turning off the appliance's water connection.
Maybe you have no idea where all of these connections are, so you might need to call your building's super or a property manager to ask them for these details. Stopping the source quickly can help prevent additional water from entering the property.
Document the Damage
Hopefully, you don't have too much damage to your home after this incident. No matter the amount of damage, you need to document it. Start taking pictures of all the damage for your insurance company or any other authority that asks, like your landlord.
Take photographs and videos of affected:
- Rooms
- Flooring
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Personal belongings
If possible, capture both wide views and detailed images showing the extent of the damage. You will need these pictures to ensure you get the right compensation for all your damaged items. It will also show that you are doing all you can to fix the issue and get the help that's necessary.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You probably have some kind of flood insurance or water damage insurance included with your home insurance policy. No matter if you know about it or not, it's crucial that you contact your insurance company as soon as possible and get them informed of what's going on.
They will probably send an adjuster or someone to take a look at the water damage when they have a chance. Avoid assuming that every type of water damage is covered. Review your policy and ask your insurance representative specific questions about your situation.
The better your documentation after your water damage, the easier and faster it will be for you to get the compensation you need to fix your home and get back to a normal routine again.
Begin Water Removal Quickly
If you can, start water extraction from your home as soon as possible. If you have any standing water at all, it needs to be addressed quickly. It shouldn't be allowed to stand and ruin your furnishings, walls, floors, and foundation.
Hiring a water restoration service like BoneDry Services can help you get the professionals in and remove water from your home, so you don't have as much damage. Depending on the severity of the incident, they may use professional equipment for structural drying and flood cleanup, like:
- Pumps
- Wet vacuums
- Air movers
- Dehumidifiers
- Moisture-detection equipment
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Watch for Mold and Secondary Damage?
Mold can be a huge byproduct of water damage in your home and needs to be addressed immediately, as it's dangerous to human health if allowed to grow. Many homes have mold in America without the homeowners realizing this fact.
Mold remediation services are available, so if you see any mold growing in your home after the water has been removed, it's important to call upon these services. These services might be included in your home insurance policy, so speak to your insurance company about it.
Why Should You Look Beyond What You Can See in Water Damage?
A lot of water damage occurs in spots that we ignore or don't actually pay any attention to in normal day-to-day life. Water may travel to these areas without our knowledge and cause damage.
Moisture may become trapped:
- Beneath flooring
- Behind walls
- Under cabinets
- Inside insulation
- Around structural components
These hidden areas can remain damp even after visible water has been removed. That's why it's important to have professionals come in for flood cleanup, because they know about all of these spots better than you and can help with precise water extraction.
Deal With Water Damage As Fast As Possible
The longer you let water sit around in your home, the more damage it can cause, and the more expensive it will be to get your home back to normal again. That's why it's important to follow the steps outlined above for water damage and get the help you need as soon as possible.
Don't worry about the costs of these services, as it will cost you a lot more if you don't get water extraction done in the right way.
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