Top 5 Tips for Dealing with Water Damage - RestoPros

Whether it’s a storm or a burst pipe, the water in your home could be doing a lot more damage than you think. Not only can it destroy building materials, it can also lead to mold growth and indoor air quality problems.

As soon as you notice water damage in your home, it’s important to speak with a water damage restoration specialist, such as RestoPros. Preventing mold in the home is important for protecting your home and keeping the indoor air clean and healthy.

Here are some tips to deal with water damage while you wait for a professional:

  1. Disconnect and move possessions out of the way

While you should never handle electronics while wet or standing in water, the sooner you unplug electronics and move possessions and furniture out of harm’s way, the more likely they are to survive. If safe and possible, turn off power to the circuits of the affected area at the breaker box.

Keep in mind these electrical safety tips during a flood:

  • Never step into a flooded basement if you suspect the water is in contact with any outlets, cords, or appliances.
  • Never touch anything electrical while wet or standing in water.
  • If an electrical device has come in contact with water, do not use it until a professional has inspected it.

Don’t forget to remove all carpets, rugs, and underpadding if you can. Even if your possessions do get water damaged, it’s still possible to save them, as long as you contact a professional water restoration specialist right away.

  1. Remove the water

Getting rid of the excess water is a great way to prevent mold from forming. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum, you can use the old-fashioned method of removing water with towels, dust pans, buckets, and mops. Pour the water down the drain or onto your lawn or other permeable surface.

When using a wet/dry vac, make sure the outlet and cord are far away from water. Don’t use an extension cord.

  1. Dry out the area

If you have fans and dehumidifiers, it’s time to bring them out. Turn on the air conditioner and dehumidifier if you can. If there is low outdoor humidity, open up windows and get the air moving with fans.

Unfortunately, if water has affected the drywall, those sections will probably need to be replaced. If wood and baseboard trim have been damaged, it may be salvageable, but pressboard will need to be replaced.

  1. Clean and disinfect

After the area has completely dried, it’s important to clean and disinfect the affected areas, such as walls, wood, and furniture. Avoid using bleach since it’s not effective against mold spores. If there has been a lot of water damage, speak with a professional water restoration specialist for the proper cleaning and disinfecting methods. If the water damage was used by sewage or other contaminated water, you’ll need to call in a professional for safety reasons. For small cleanups, look for EPA-registered mold and mildew disinfectants and all-natural products.

  1. Properly dispose of damaged items

You may be tempted to throw everything in a dumpster, but there are rules for disposing of certain items, such as electronics, old paints and toxic liquid, drywall, and even furniture.

Failure to properly deal with water damage can lead to serious long-term health effects. Always speak with a professional mold remediation specialist if you have a mold or moisture problem. The longer you wait, the more damage it will cause.

Contact a professional right away if you notice any of these signs of water damage:

  • Wood damage
  • Drywall damage
  • Ceiling tile stains
  • Damp, musty smells
  • Mold or mildew

For professional mold and water damage specialists in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, contact RestoPros today!