Water Damage Restoration Protocol
If you have recently had a water leak, whether it be a toilet overflow, broken pipe, or roof leak, it is important to address the water damage immediately. Responding to a water leak in a timely manner will help prevent additional damages to the structure of your home and the potential for mold growth. It is very common for people to simply mop up water or use a shop vac to remove standing water after a leak. While this will remove water from the surface, it will not completely dry out the home and building materials.
Here are some simple steps to follow after a water leak occurs:
- Stop the leak – If a pipe burst and is spraying water into your home it is imperative that you stop the leak. This may be done by turning off an angle stop or turning off the main valve to the home. Once the leak is stopped, then the drying process can begin. Some toilet overflows are one-time events because of a soft tissue blockage and plunging the toilet may be sufficient, but you may need to turn the angle stop off or shut the flapper valve in the tank if the water will not stop. If you have a leaking roof it may be necessary to either tarp the roof or have it repaired as soon as possible. Starting mitigation prior to the leak being stopped defeats the purpose of mitigation.
- Contact a water mitigation or restoration company – Once the leak is stopped the next step is to start the drying process. Most reputable mitigation companies will provide a complimentary inspection and estimate. Once you have chosen a mitigation company to start mitigation, they will begin removing the building materials that cannot be salvaged and drying those that can. Depending on the extent and type of materials damaged, demolition can typically be completed in one day. After all the non-salvageable materials have been removed, equipment will be set to start drying and this process usually takes 3-5 days.
- Contact a contractor – once demolition is complete, you can have contractors inspect your property even if there is still equipment running. The contractor should be able to create an accurate estimate after demolition is completed, as the repair scope will be clear. It is a good idea to begin contacting contractors as soon as you have chosen a mitigation company. Most contractors are usually booked out a couple of days, so setting appointments as soon as you know when mitigation will start will expedite the process and get your home back to its original condition sooner.
If your home has been victimized by water damage it is important that you contact our professionals today. We will guide you through the entire process to ensure no further water damage is done to your home.
