Water Damage: What You Need To Know

Water damage to your home can occur from many sources: floods, heavy rains, faulty sump pumps, or appliance overflows. These disasters require fast action to repair the damage and prevent further problems. Water damage is the second leading cause of homeowner claims, accounting for 1.6% of losses each year according to the Insurance Information Institute (iii.org). If you experience water damage in your home, the first step is to call a professional remediation company and your insurance company. While you wait for help, here are some helpful tips to reduce further damage and increase the chances of a successful water damage restoration.

Signs of Water Damage

Recognizing the signs of water damage early can help prevent extensive structural damage and costly repairs. Some common indicators include:

• Discoloration: Yellow, brown, or dark stains on walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Moisture trapped behind surfaces often causes paint to warp or bubble.
• Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells are a sign of hidden water damage and potential mold growth.
• Warped or Swollen Materials: Flooring, drywall, or wood may swell or warp due to prolonged water exposure.
• Mold Growth: Visible mold colonies, often black or green, thrive in damp environments and indicate a water issue.
• High Humidity or Condensation: Excess moisture can appear as condensation on windows or mirrors.

If you notice any of these signs, addressing them immediately is essential to prevent further damage and ensure your home’s safety.

Water Damage: To-Do List

Here are some critical steps you can take while waiting for professional help:

• Shut off the source of water. Prolonged leaks can result in denied insurance claims due to negligence.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas to prevent electrical hazards.
• Document the damage with photos or videos, especially if repairs must begin before an insurance adjuster arrives.
• Remove excess water using mops and towels.
• Use dehumidifiers and fans to aid in drying.
• Save samples of damaged materials like carpets and flooring until an adjuster has reviewed them.
• Elevate wet furniture cushions and place blocks under furniture legs to prevent further damage.
• Relocate sensitive items, including photos and electronics, to a safe, dry area.
• Open doors, drawers, and closets to promote airflow.

Water Damage: What NOT to do

When dealing with water damage, it’s just as important to know what actions to avoid. Mishandling the situation can worsen the damage, create safety hazards, and complicate the restoration process. Here’s what NOT to do when faced with water damage:

• Don’t use a regular household vacuum to remove water – it’s not designed for water cleanup and can cause electrical shock or damage.
• Don’t turn on electrical appliances or fixtures in wet areas – this increases the risk of electrocution.
• Don’t walk into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on – it’s extremely dangerous.
• Don’t lift tacked-down carpets without professional assistance – this can lead to damage and carpet delamination.
• Don’t disturb visible mold growth – improper handling can release spores into the air and worsen the problem.
• Don’t leave books, newspapers, or other colored items on wet surfaces – dyes can stain carpets or floors.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet – sagging or waterlogged ceilings can collapse.
• Don’t use fans or HVAC systems to dry contaminated water – this can spread bacteria and other harmful contaminants.

By avoiding these actions, you can minimize additional damage and health risks until professional help arrives.

If you experience water damage in your Plainville home, don't let it control your life. Use these helpful tips to take proper action until help arrives. Since damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours, call the water damage experts at ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning 24/7/365 at (800) 865-5157 or contact us now. We offer cost-effective, appropriate solutions and a quick response to get your home back to normal.