Your house is damaged by water…….What do you do?

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Water can be extremely damaging to your home.

It is vital to act quickly, before more damage occurs. First you must stop the water source or intrusion. Once stopped, mitigating, or keeping more damage from happening, is where service professionals like SERVPRO of Benton County. SERVPRO can come out to your house, assess the damage, clean and dry the area affected, and restored. 

Professionals, like SERVPRO of Benton County can identify water damage in obvious areas, classify the type of water doing the damage, and put together a plan of action to mitigate and restore the affected area. In addition, restoration professionals find areas unseen that have been affected and create access, or use professionally designed equipment, that allows the drying and restoration process to occur.

Whatever type of water damage you may have, whether it is a clean water break, a leaking washing machine, or a sewage leak, it is still very important to address it quickly before further damage occurs. SERVPRO is equipped to handle whatever the situation, whether large or small.

Permanent damage happens quickly, from wood surfaces deteriorating, carpet de-laminating, or mold beginning to appear because of the moist conditions. This is why it is so important to act quickly.

While you are waiting for your restoration professional to arrive, here’s a few things you can do:

1. Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
2. Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
3. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
4. Remove any newspapers, magazines or colored material that may bleed onto carpets.
5. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
6. Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. .

To prevent future water damage it’s a good idea to make sure that you regularly maintain your plumbing and roofing. In your bathroom and other rooms you should make certain that you have good ventilation and you should use good insulation in your windows and walls – especially your basement. Make sure as well to clean your gutters regularly and to make sure that there is no overspill. If you are buying a new home, make sure to research the area first to avoid houses on flood plains.

You can also prepare for potential water damage by making sure you keep your most important belongings up high and away from basement level. You should also make sure you have the number of a 24-hour emergency water damage restoration service, like SERVPRO of Benton County, in your phone at all times and you should have good insurance coverage for your home and for your possessions to cover the restoration services and items that needs may need replacing.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at SERVPRO of Benton County.

If you have any questions please call 541-745-2097