Water damage can be highly destructive to the home. In addition to causing costly damages to the home that can result in lost value, it can also lead to health concerns if left unaddressed. From a burst pipe to a leaking appliance, it doesn’t take too long for water to accumulate and cause significant damage. We discuss some best practices when dealing with water damage.
Water damage tips
- Act Swiftly: It does not take long at all for moisture from a water leak to cause damages. In particular, absorbent materials will retain water and expand almost immediately. In fact, active mold growth can even begin within the first 48 hours after a water leak. Needless to say, you will want to quickly eliminate the source of the water supply and possibly even have to turn the power off to the source. Next, you will need to remove all furnishings and other affected items to clear and dry the area.
- Dry the area thoroughly: After removing all standing water, you will want to be sure to dry the affected area completely. Fans, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers can all be used to remove moisture from damp areas in your home.
- Contact your insurance company: More than likely, a significant water leak will require you to file an insurance claim. After ensuring that you have eliminated the source of the leak and dried the area completely, you will want to initiate the insurance claim process. Your insurance company should be well versed in dealing with water damage and should be able to refer you to a mold remediation company as well.
- Ensure preventative measures are implemented: Like anything else in the home, preventative measures can greatly reduce the chance for devastating water damage. Regularly scheduled inspections on your plumbing, piping, and and seals can be a best practice to effectively prevent potential issues. In addition, you should also keep a close eye on your water bill each month. Of course, a significant sudden increase in water consumption can be an obvious indicator of a water leak.
Summary
It is important that homeowners do not develop a false sense of security when it comes to potential water damage disasters. Even in newer construction homes, water damage can be a significant threat. It is important that homeowners remain vigilant with their preventative maintenance while also closely observing signs of potential issues.
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