Water Restoration Do’s and Don’tsNo one likes finding water in their living room (a fish, maybe).  Water in any room, when it isn’t contained to a tub, sink, pipeline, or water glass is a sign of a bad day.  While the instant reaction may be to dive in and take care of the problem, sometimes that can be more hazardous than you first realize.  Standing water can come with a lot of health hazards you aren’t expecting.  The beginning steps of water restoration in the home are crucial.

Don’t Rush In

Small spills from leaking roofs, excess AC condensation or a leaking appliance are usually fine to deal with, but flooding with more than an inch of water on the floor can be dangerous.  Grey- or black-water lines that have breached and are adding to the problem pose a health hazard.  Electrical contacts, especially from lower electrical outlets and appliances are a huge risk for flooding.  Before even setting foot into a flooded area, shut off power and water to the room to limit the danger.

Remove the Water

Calling a professional for serious flooding is essential, especially during a storm.  Don’t step into the water.  You could trip or injure yourself on hidden obstacles that have shifted during the flooding.  Instead, drain the water using buckets without stepping into the water if possible.  A wet/dry vac is even better.  Simply run the vacuum line into the room with the outlet set to pump outside.  Before any restoration can begin, the water (and it’s source) need to be dealt with.

Dry everything and Toss What Can’t Be Saved

When a professional company dries out a room, we bring in heavy-duty air movers, industrial desiccants, and dehumidifiers. For small spills you’ll want to do something similar.  Use absorbent pads and desiccants to remove water from carpets.  Take linens, curtains, and other fabrics out to air-dry (or use a dryer if possible).  Place dehumidifiers in the room to speed up the drying process, and add fans to help move fresh, de-saturated air through the room.

There are somethings that can’t be saved.  Wallpaper may need to be replaced.  If the flooding is bad enough, you’ll need to pull out the carpet and replace it.  Often furniture is too badly damaged to be salvageable.  Anything that can hold water and has dark spaces is a possible harbor for future mold and mildew.  Other items are simple going to have permanent damage from flooding.  This is why it’s important to store easily damaged papers and water-sensitive materials in a high place.  Books, documents, and photos are all very difficult to salvage when water is involved and most of the time they end up having to be thrown out.


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