Water is indeed an essential element of life, but it can also cause significant damage to residential and commercial properties. High winds and heavy rains, can lead to flooding, damaging floors, walls, and personal belongings. Excess moisture can also lead to visible mold or mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies. In addition, water can seep into cracks in foundations and walls, which could be the cause of structural damage over time. No one ever wants to deal with this that’s why a water damage restoration is a must, but it’s an unfortunate reality for everyone.
In the aftermath of a flood or water leak in your property in Chicago, IL, make sure that you take immediate action to reduce damage and prevent further damage from occurring.
These five steps will help you do just that.
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Turn Off the Source of the Water.
When you experience water damage, turn off the source of the water. If you can safely reach the main water shut-off valve for your property, turn it off. Doing so will help stop the flow of water, preventing more damage in the process.
Is the water is coming from a burst pipe? Is the water coming from a flooded basement? In either case, it is essential to turn off the source of the water before beginning any water removal or cleanup. Once it has been turned off, you can now assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs. Then, begin the process of water removal.
However, if you are unsure of what to do regarding water removal, it’s best to contact a professional water damage restoration company.
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Remove as Much Water as Possible.
With a wet/dry vacuum, mop, or towels, soak up as much water as you can from carpets, floors, and other surfaces. This is essential for preventing further damage and avoiding mold growth.
There are a few different ways in removing water, depending on the source of the flooding. For example, burst pipes can be turned off at the main water valve, and storm flooding can be pumped out with a sump pump. Overflowing toilets can be stopped by turning off the water at the toilet tank. Once the source of the flooding has been addressed, complete water damage cleanup can begin. This includes removing all soaked carpets, furniture, and drywall, cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, and drying out the affected areas completely. It may also involve using industrial fans and dehumidifiers to remove all traces of moisture from the affected area. Quick action is essential when dealing with water damage, so don’t hesitate to call the experts of a water damage restoration company if you need assistance.
Move Wet Items to a Dry Area.
Moving any wet items to a dry area will help prevent further damage and make the cleanup process easier. If possible, move wet furniture, clothing, rugs, electronics, and other items to a safe, dry place to prevent further damage. Items you should move can also include important documents or electronics. If you can’t do it, prop them up on blocks or foam so that they’re not sitting in water.
Don’t Use Electrical Appliances Unless They’re Safe to Use.
Water and electricity can be a dangerous combination, and even a small amount of water can cause serious damage to electrical equipment. In Chicago, IL, for example, severe weather can lead to flooding and water damage to homes and businesses. Repair costs can be significant, and in some cases, natural disasters can lead to loss of life. Take precautions and only use electrical appliances that are safe to use during a water emergency. This includes making sure that appliances are properly grounded and that cords and plugs are in good condition.
Wet electronics constitute a significant safety hazard. If possible, unplug them and allow them to air dry before using them again. If you must use them (for example, if you’re using a wet/dry vacuum), make sure they’re plugged into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet to avoid shocks.
Call Emergency Water Damage Restoration Professionals.
Water damage restoration is a complex process best left to professionals. A qualified restoration company has years of experience that is necessary to restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition safely and efficiently. And while you may be tempted to handle the cleanup yourself, it’s always best to call in a professional restoration company.
Here are more reasons why:
The Right Training and Equipment
Restoration companies specializing in water damage are trained in the latest techniques for dealing with all types of water emergencies. They also have industrial-grade equipment that can handle even the largest spills. Trying to clean up a water emergency yourself with rented equipment and store-bought cleaning supplies is simply no match for the tools and expertise of a professional restoration company.
Assistance in Filing an Insurance Claim
If your water emergency is covered by insurance, a professional restoration company can help you file your claim and get the reimbursement you’re entitled to. They will work directly with your insurance adjuster to make sure all the necessary work is covered. This can take a lot of the stress out of the claims process and help you get your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible.
Save You Time and Money in the Long Run
Trying to clean up a water emergency on your own may seem like a time-saver in the short term, but it will probably end up costing you more time and money in the long run. Not only will you have to rent or buy expensive equipment, but you’ll also likely need to purchase more cleaning supplies than what is available at your local store. In addition, if you don’t properly clean and do the drying process in all the affected areas, you could end up with other serious problems down the road. These problems will not only be more costly to fix, but they could also pose a serious health risk not only to you but also to the people around you.
Different Types of Water Damage
One of the biggest mistakes most people can make after experiencing water damage is trying to handle the cleanup and restoration themselves without seeing the whole picture. It’s understandable that you want to save money by avoiding professional fees, but the truth is that water damage is very complex and requires specialized training and equipment to fix properly. Without the proper knowledge and tools, you could end up doing more harm than good.
For example, did you know that there are different types of water damage?
Category 1 Water
Also known as “clean water,” category 1 water comes from sources like broken pipes and sink overflows.
Category 2 Water
“Gray water” or category 2 water contains bacteria and other dangerous contaminants and comes from sources like toilet bowl overflow and washing machine leaks.
Category 3 Water
Category 3 water or “black water,” is highly contaminated and comes from sources like sewage backup and floodwaters.
Clearly, each type of water requires different methods of cleanup and restoration. What’s more, even within each category, there are different levels of contamination, which further complicates things. That’s why it’s so important to leave water damage cleanup to the professionals who have the training and experience to do it right.
Powerhouse Restoration: Your Trusted Emergency Water Damage Restoration Company in Chicago, Il
Once you understand the water damage restoration process, you should be able to take action as soon as possible and call the experts with water damage restoration services.
Water damage can wreak havoc on your home or business, causing costly repairs and posing a serious health risk. If you’ve experienced water damage, knowing what to do and who to call will mitigate the damage and prevent further issues. This is where our team of experts at Powerhouse Restoration Inc. comes in.
At Powerhouse Restoration Inc., we work quickly to understand thoroughly the problem you have, extract the water, and begin the restoration process. In addition to performing the essential cleanup and repair services, we also provide guidance and support throughout the entire process.
We understand how overwhelming water damage can be, which is why we offer 24-hour emergency service. When it comes to water damage, time is of the essence. Our team will work around the clock to get your home or business back to its pre-damage condition.
So when you need water damage repair services, don’t hesitate to call us!