My Home Has Water Damage: What Do I Do?

Many things can come out of nowhere and wreak havoc on your home. Unfortunately, water is one of the sneaky ones that can do considerable damage. So, the question is: What is considered water damage in the home? 

Water damage refers to the presence of excess water in a home that can cause damage to the structure and contents of the home. Various sources, such as leaks in plumbing or the roof, flooding, and water intrusions from natural disasters such as storms or hurricanes, can cause water damage. 

Water damage can range in severity from small, contained leaks to extensive flooding that affects multiple rooms and floors of a home. The extent of the water damage and the appropriate response will depend on the specific circumstances of the event and the type of water involved (e.g., clean water from a broken pipe versus contaminated water from a natural disaster).

There are many potential causes of water damage in a home. Some of those common causes include

• Leaks in plumbing – Pipes can become corroded or damaged over time, leading to leaks or burst pipes that can cause water damage.
• Roof leaks – Water can enter a home through the roof if it is damaged or not properly sealed. Storms, high winds, or other weather events can cause roof leaks. 
• Appliance failures – Water heaters, washing machines, and other appliances that use water can fail and cause water damage if they are not properly maintained.
• Flooding – Homes can be damaged by flood water from natural disasters such as hurricanes, heavy rain, or from rising water in rivers or other bodies of water.
• Sewer backup – Sewer systems can become blocked or damaged, leading to water and sewage backing up into a home.
• Poor drainage – If a home’s drainage system is not functioning properly, water can accumulate and cause damage.
• Poorly sealed windows or doors – Water can enter a home through poorly sealed windows or doors, especially during heavy rains or storms.

If you have run into the unfortunate event that your home has been blindsided by water and is now showing serious damage, there are certain steps you can take to start the cleanup process. First, it’s important to take immediate action to minimize further damage and begin repairing and restoring your home. 

Here are some tips on where and how to get started

• Shut off the source of the water if possible. If the water comes from a broken pipe or appliance, turn off the water supply to that appliance or the main water supply to the home.
• Remove any standing water if it is safe to do so. Use a wet/dry vacuum or mop up as much water as possible.
• Remove any items damaged by the water, including carpets, furniture, and other personal belongings.
• Document the damage. Take photographs and video of the damage for insurance purposes.
• Contact your insurance company. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the cost of repairing and restoring your home after water damage.
• Hire a water damage restoration company. A professional restoration company can help assess the damage, extract standing water, and dry out the affected areas. They can also help with the repair and restoration process.
• Repair and restore your home. Once the affected areas have been dried out and any necessary repairs have been made, you can begin the process of restoring your home to its original condition.

Now, you’ve identified that you have water damage, you’ve identified the cause of the damage, and you’ve made yourself familiar with the steps you need to take to restore your home to its original condition. But, before you dive in head first, you need to be aware of the potential dangers you may encounter and important safety precautions to take while cleaning up water damage: 

• Protect yourself from injury – Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and boots to protect yourself from hazards such as sharp debris and contaminated water.
• Beware of electrical hazards – Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination. Turn off the electricity to the affected area, or have an electrician do it if you are uncomfortable doing it yourself.
• Watch out for mold – Water damage can lead to the growth of mold, which can be harmful to your health. Wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself while cleaning up mold.
• Use caution when working with heavy items – Moving wet, heavy items such as furniture can be difficult and physically demanding. Use caution and get help if necessary to avoid injuries.
• Follow proper procedures for disposing of damaged items – Some items may be contaminated with sewage or other hazardous materials. Follow proper procedures for disposing of these items to avoid health risks.
• Stay out of floodwater – Floodwater can contain hazardous materials and can be contaminated with sewage. Avoid contact with floodwater as much as possible.

Even if you are the greatest DIYer in the world, cleaning up water damage should realistically be left to professionals. 

Here are four reasons why you should hire a professional to restore your home

1. Expertise – Professional water damage restoration companies have the experience and knowledge to properly assess the damage and take the necessary steps to clean it up. They have the tools and equipment needed to remove standing water, dry out the affected area, and repair any damage that has been done.
2. Safety – Water damage cleanup can be dangerous, especially if the water is contaminated. Professionals have the training and protective equipment to handle and clean up the damage safely.
3. Time – Cleaning up water damage is time-consuming and can be physically demanding. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, it can take longer to clean up the damage, leading to further damage and higher repair costs.
4. Thoroughness – Professionals have the experience and knowledge to ensure that the job is done thoroughly. This includes not only removing the water and drying out the affected area but also repairing any damage that has been done and taking steps to prevent future water damage.

Leave it to Total Flood & Restoration! 

Overall, it’s best to leave water damage cleanup to the professionals to ensure that the job is done safely, efficiently, and thoroughly. However, if you want the job done right, Contact Total Flood & Fire Restoration, and our trained professionals will resolve your home restoration or cleanup needs. 

We are ready and willing to serve those in Utah, Davis, and Salt Lake City counties and are available 24/7. Call us @ (801) 560-9798, and let’s get started today.