How to Respond to a Water Damage Emergency

Were you aware that water damage racks up a whopping $20 billion in costs for homeowners every year? Whether it’s the aftermath of burst pipes or storm floods, excess water is never a welcome guest in any home. If you find yourself dealing with flooding or Utah water damage in your home, it’s crucial to act promptly. While ensuring personal safety is top priority in the face of rising storm waters, here’s what you should do if faced with flooding or other water damage.

Locate the Source of the Water

Do you know where the water is coming from? If a busted pipe is the culprit, shut off the water source to stem the flow. If it’s seeping through cracks in the foundation, a professional’s help is in order. Identifying the source also helps determine the water’s sanitation level. While a burst pipe under your sink isn’t ideal, at least it’s clean water. The same can’t be said for floods triggered by a sewer backup. Either can cause the need for 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services in Lehi, UT.

Turn Off the Power

You might not need to worry about this for minor water amounts, but with a significant basement flood, your electrical outlets could be submerged. Safety first – cut the power.

If your circuit panel is in the basement, don’t attempt to reach it to turn it off. Instead, contact your utility company to shut off the power. Once the water is gone and the space is drying out, have an electrician inspect your wiring and any electronic appliances that might have suffered flood damage before plugging anything back in. Your experts for 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services in Lehi, UT will let you know when it’s time to bring in an electrical expert to help.

Call In Your Insurance Company

Filing an insurance claim for Utah water damage cleanup might not be the immediate thought with a foot of liquid in your home, but it’s essential. While you likely won’t have flood insurance for natural events like hurricanes, you might still be covered for sewage backup or plumbing issues. Document the damage as best as you can – the company will send an adjuster for a thorough inspection – and initiate your insurance claim.

Calling the insurance company sooner is beneficial, as they can provide contractor recommendations for mold remediation specialists or Utah water damage repair professionals in your area.

Remove Wet Things and Begin the Drying Process

Once it’s safe, swiftly remove wet items. Some can be salvaged with proper drying, while others, like submerged carpets, should be discarded. Large appliances should be left in place to dry, and consult an electrician on what can be safely used again.

If the flooding is minimal and you can act promptly, you might be able to handle your Utah water damage repair on your own. Open all windows and doors to promote air circulation. If possible, use fans and dehumidifiers. The quicker you remove moisture, the better chance you have of avoiding mold growth.

Contact a Water Restoration Professional

For substantial water amounts, it’s time to bring in the pros. Specialists have the equipment to efficiently pump out and dry out your space, knowing just how much to remove at a time to preserve your home’s foundation and structure. At Water Damage Specialists, we can do your Utah water damage cleanup ASAP.

Call a Mold Specialist

If you acted swiftly within 24 hours to remove items and dry out the space, you likely prevented mold growth. However, don’t assume – mold spores can grow anywhere there’s unchecked moisture, including HVAC ducts and under flooring, and only a Utah mold remediation expert can help you find all of them.

While a Utah mold remediation specialist may not be necessary if you managed excess water with a mop or shop vac, it’s a good idea if it took a while for the water to recede. A professional mold inspection is recommended for your household’s health.

Clean Your Damaged Space

Once emptied and dried, it’s time to clean and sanitize. If the water was clean, like from a pipe burst, you can likely handle the cleanup yourself with everyday cleaning products. If dirty water was involved, it’s better to call in the pros for area sanitization.

Restore and Rebuild

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, the flood aftermath might be an opportunity to revamp your space, from a fresh coat of paint on baseboards to replacing flooring and drywall. For major tasks, consider professional help. Even in an unfinished basement, it’s crucial to seek a pro’s opinion on preventing a repeat occurrence.

While some events like hurricane season can’t be avoided, if your Utah water damage resulted from poor drainage, explore ways to enhance drainage around your home’s foundation. For faulty appliances or plumbing, repair or replace the problematic parts. If you have new systems, schedule regular inspections to avert mishaps.

For homeowners, few things are as distressing as finding water where it shouldn’t be. Yet, in the aftermath of flooding, maintaining composure and acting promptly is the key to ensuring personal safety and minimizing damage to your Lehi, UT, home and belongings. When you need help, call Water Damage Specialists ASAP and we will be there as soon as we can.