Water damage can be a pain. However, it can be addressed quickly when you have the basic knowledge and proper tools to fix properties damaged by water. Mold, mildew, and damaged flooring and ceilings can all be caused by water seeping into your home. The damage may be severe in some circumstances and need professional assistance.
Regardless of how the water damage happened, it is critical to address it as soon as possible to avoid further destruction. In addition, you can do things on your own to minimize the damage and get your home back to normal. We’ve compiled a list of water damage restoration ideas so that you can try repairing water damage in your home.
Causes Of Water Damage In Houses
Water damage is caused by a lot of things like storms, burst pipes, or even water leaks. In the United States (U.S.), water damage is the second most common reason for filing an insurance claim.
The industry estimates about 14,000 people in the U.S. experience water-related emergencies at home or work every day. Furthermore, 98% of homeowners in the country will experience water damage in their basements at some point in their lives. In Chicago alone, 114,318 properties show a 26% risk of being heavily flooded in the next 30 years. Although this places Chicago at a slightly moderate flooding risk, the adverse effects of such calamity can still affect the residents’ day-to-day life.
Below are the different causes of water damage in houses:
Severe Weather
Severe weather that brings heavy rains and flooding can allow water to seep into your home through cracks in the foundation or windows. However, if the floods are destructive enough, or nearby rivers are flooding, the water surge can even cause your home to collapse.
Leaking Or Burst Pipes
Leaking pipes often cause water damage in houses. Over time, pipes can be cracked or damaged, which can cause a pipe to burst. If you do not fix these leaky pipes, they can cause flood damage, even if there are no severe weather conditions.
What’s even worse is if you are experiencing a slow leak from a burst pipe since it will take time before you notice. There may be standing water in any crawl space if you have a leaking pipe. That is why it is crucial to call a professional to correct it.
Overflowing Toilets
Overflowing toilets are another common cause of water damage in houses. If the toilet is not flushed correctly, it can overflow and cause water to spill onto the floor. Moreover, if you do not clean the water quickly, it can cause damage.
Sump Pump Failures
A sump pump, or a device used to remove water from the basement, can cause significant damage if it breaks down. Wet flooring will be the least of your worries as this can damage your house if you don’t act fast.
Appliances Leaks
Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are appliances that can leak and cause water damage in houses. Water heaters can leak if they are not adequately maintained. On the other hand, dishwashers and washing machines can leak if the hoses are not properly attached.
Useful Water Damage Restoration Ideas
Water damage is no joke, and it’s essential to be as prepared as possible in case it happens to you. Here are some valuable tips on fixing water damage in your house.
1. Identify The Type Of Water Damage
The first step is to know the kind of water damage. This will help you determine the best course of action to take. There are three types of water damage:
Clean Water: This water comes from a clean source such as a broken pipe or a faucet.
Grey Water: This is slightly dirty water that contains some contaminants such as dishwater or washing machine water.
Black Water: This water contains harmful contaminants such as sewage or floodwater. This type of water can cause structural damage or permanent damage.
2. Locate The Water Source
Once you know the type of water damage, locate the water source. This will help determine how to fix the problem best. If the water is coming from a broken pipe, you need to switch off the water supply and call a plumber. Addressing the problem with the water source is the key to genuinely preventing further water damage.
It is imperative that you first address the source of the water damage before solving the graver issue. But the source of the water damage is not always easy to find, such as a visible leak on the roof or from a pipe. Other times, the source can be tough to find, and you’ll have to work hard to figure out where the water came from.
If you see any mold development, this may reveal the source of the damage since molds usually grow under direct water flow.
3. Dry Out The Area
It’s critical to respond quickly when experiencing water damage. Use materials that absorb excess water, such as towels or rags. You can begin drying the wet areas through fans on the wet floor and walls to dry it off. If the damage is serious, you may rent a couple of industrial-strength fans to dry the area properly.
There is also a fast drying process that you can use, such as vacuuming with a wet/dry vacuum. If you can, open all the windows to let fresh air circulate. Make sure to dry out every wet square foot you find and immediately replace damaged ones.
Check for Concealed Moisture
Water can be hidden in places out of sight, so looking for moisture in nooks and crannies is essential. Use a moisture meter to check for concealed moisture in the walls, ceilings, and floors. This will ensure that there will be no mold development in the long run.
4. Look For Mold In The Already Dry Areas
It will help if you are looking for mold in the dry areas. If there is mold, you need to be careful because some molds are harmful to humans and can give you severe health problems, significantly if you accidentally inhale mold spores or other serious contaminants.
If the mold problem is minor, you could do the water damage repair project yourself. On the other hand, if the mold issue is more severe than you thought, an emergency plumber can help you fix it, and there are credible companies in the Chicago area.
5. Clean And Sanitize Everything
Cleaning and sanitizing everything in the damaged area is the next step. This includes washing all the surfaces with soap and water and then disinfecting them with a bleach solution. This is to avoid all forms of safety hazards. Make sure to wear the proper safety gear. This includes gloves, goggles, and a mask.
If there’s any damaged upholstered furniture or carpeting, you’ll need it professionally cleaned and sanitized. Any porous materials, such as drywall or insulation, damaged by water must be discarded.
6. Repair Any Damaged Wood Furniture, Fixtures, And Appliances
Patch up water damage on your walls or ceilings, and replace any damage on your flooring. Double-check your foundation wall and ceiling panels and ensure they are all sturdy and secure. You might need to have them replaced or repaired as well. If there is damage to your property, you’ll need to repair it immediately so that it will not worsen in time.
Check also for structural problems, particularly on wood furniture, fixtures, and appliances. These will need to be repaired or replaced as well.
7. Remove and Discard Destroyed Porous Materials
You should also remove any destroyed porous materials in your home. These include materials like ceiling tiles, insulation, and carpeting. They can trap contaminants that could cause problems in your health immediately if not taken care of. If you have any of these materials, make sure to get rid of them immediately to avoid further water damage in your house.
8. Prevent The Water From Returning
After you’ve fixed the water damage in your home, it’s time to prevent it from happening again. Inspect all the plumbing fixtures and pipes in your house and repair any leaks. Make sure to keep an eye out for any signs of moisture or water damage so that you can take care of it right away. Make sure, too, to look out for possible mold and mildew problems.
Also, consider setting up a sump pump if your house is prone to flooding. A sump pump will help remove any water accumulated in your basement or crawl space and prevent it from causing more damage.
9. Prioritize Ceiling Water Damage Repair
Ceiling water damage is a challenging problem that homeowners face. It’s also considered as dangerous as it can lead to electrocution if not taken care of right away. If you have ceiling water damage, make sure to repair it immediately to avoid serious accidents. Standing water left in the ceiling could also attract mold and mildew, which could lead to health problems.
10. Don’t Forget About The Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an essential tool in preventing water damage. It will help remove any excess moisture in the air, preventing mold growth and mildew from developing, and preventing the need for water damage repair in the process. Make sure to use a dehumidifier in any affected areas of your house prone to get to that hidden moisture.
11. Take Preventative Measures
It’s better if you can inspect your home for any potential problems. This will enable you to identify any areas that may be susceptible to water damage so that you can take steps to fix them. You can start by ensuring that you don’t have blocked gutters and they are clean and in good working condition. This will help to remove any water that has entered your home before it has a chance to cause damage.
12. Get An Insurance
You might want to consult an insurance agent and get an insurance company to help with the cost of repairs if the damage is bad enough. Getting homeowners insurance is also a good option. Many insurance companies have a rider that allows for water damage, such as a sewer backup rider. It is worth checking into this before anything else because it can save you money and time in the long run.
Conclusion
Water damage is one of the problems that homeowners face. Several factors can cause this, such as heavy rains, storms, leaks, and flooding. Thus, it would help if you acted fast when you saw the first signs of water damage. The problem will only worsen if you delay it, and it will be more costly.
Follow the tips above to fix water damage in your home. If the problem is too big for you to handle, don’t hesitate to call a professional. They have the knowledge and experience to complete the task fast and effectively.