If you have water damage in your home, the last thing you probably want to do is stand around while you wait for the water damage company to arrive. However, you can do a few simple things to limit the damage. It will also help ensure the restoration company can start cleaning up fast.
How To Limit Water Damage While You Wait for the Water Damage Company To Arrive
Here are several ways to limit damage while waiting for your restoration contractor.
1. Shut Off the Water
Shutting off the water can stop damage caused by a burst pipe, water leak, or a supply line issue. Your water shutoff valve is usually in the basement or a utility closet. Most valves are a simple screw type, similar to a hose faucet. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops, but avoid over-tightening it.
2. Remove Valuables and Important Items
Water is just as likely to damage personal possessions as your furniture and the structure of your home. Remove valuables and important items from the area. If they are wet, wipe them down with a dry rag. Then spread them out on a tarp or layers of thick towels or blankets to dry. Use household fans to speed drying.
3. Unplug and Move Electronics
Water and electricity are dangerous. Unplug electrical appliances and electronics to prevent shorts. If water is filling the room, relocate them to a safe area. If they are already wet, dry them off with a rag. Then lay them out on thick towels or blankets to absorb excess water. For smaller electronics, store them in rice until completely dry. Avoid plugging in or turning on wet electronics.
4. Move or Protect Furniture
When possible, remove the furniture as soon as possible. You can also wrap wooden legs in aluminum foil to prevent more water from soaking into them. Remove couch cushions and covers. With cushions, remove the covering and wash them according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Otherwise, blot them with absorbent towels. For couch covers, launder them according to their washing instructions.
Things You Can Do To Help Them Get Started As Soon As They Arrive
In addition to the steps above, the following will help your water damage technicians clean up faster.
- Secure Children and Pets – Keep young children and pets away from the water-damaged area, doorways, and entrances.
- Remove Obstacles – Clear a pathway between the door and the water-damaged area. Remove any obstacles that will slow down the technicians that arrive to extract the water. This includes furniture, area rugs, and any other item that will block their path.
- Open Curtains and Turn On Lights – Turn on lights and open curtains so they can easily find your home.
- Open Your Door – Even if you want them to enter by a side or rear door, open up your front door so you can see when the contractor arrives.
- Keep an Eye Our for Your Contractor – Once you’ve done everything else, watch out for your technicians to arrive. This way you can open the door for them and direct them to the damage.
What Will They Do When They Arrive?
Regardless of what restoration company you call, they will all follow these same basic steps to remove the water and dry out your home.
- Free Quote – They will assess the damage and provide a free quote on water removal and restoration.
- Water Extraction – Next, they will extract the water and sewage from the damaged area.
- Disposal – They will then throw away damaged items they cannot save.
- Dry Out – Then, they will dry out the structure of your home.
- Disinfect and Deodorize – Once dry, they will disinfect to kill mold and bacteria and deodorize to prevent smells.
- Reconstruction – Finally, they will rebuild damaged areas to their original condition.
Get fast, reliable water damage restoration services now. Call 1-888-443-3110 for a free estimate and emergency water removal and clean-up.
