Water is an essential part of life. We need it to survive. Without water, we would quickly perish, whereas human beings can go without food for up to three weeks. Thus, we have a lot of positive feelings about this element. It is necessary for our health, keeping us alive as well as helping us stay clean and hygienic. But unfortunately, water, though it stimulates life and growth, can also cause tremendous damage. When severe storms or plumbing issues cause your home or business to become a victim of water damage, you’ll need to take action immediately. Read our guide on water damage to learn how to cope in a disaster situation.
Why Is Water Damage Cleanup Important?
Some people wonder if water damage cleanup is really an emergency. After all, there are a lot of things you may want to prioritize after a disaster, such as spending time with your family or calling your insurance company. But we are here to tell you that water damage cleanup is an emergency. It should take precedence over everything else except a medical emergency.
You see, moisture acts as a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, and mold. The longer you wait to clean up, the more likely you’ll start to see these nasty substances form in the damaged areas. Mold and mildew release spores that are harmful to your health and may cause respiratory infections, and you will have to go through remediation if you see any patches in your home because these substances are too hazardous to clean up on your own. If you don’t want to pay for mold remediation as well as water damage cleanup, act fast when disaster strikes!
Can I Do Water Damage Cleanup Myself?
There are certainly some things you can do on your own if you’ve experienced water damage. While the cleanup should be left to professionals, you can take action in an emergency by:
1. Turning Off Your Water Supply
If the water in your home is building up due to a plumbing issue, you need to turn off your main water supply ASAP. All homes have a valve to shut off the main water supply, but it is located in different areas for each structure. It may be in the basement, in a utility closet, or outside near the water meter. You’ll be able to tell it is your main water supply valve if it has a circular spigot (such as you may see above your hose) or a small lever.
2. Turn Off Your Circuit Breakers In the Damaged Area
As you probably know, water and electricity don’t mix. If it’s safe to reach your electrical box, it would be wise to switch off your circuit breakers. This reduces the risk of an electrical fire or other complications.
3. Get Personal Belongings to Safety
Are there personal belongings in the room that has become flooded? You can start moving them to safety. Not only will this help preserve your items, but it will also make it easier for a cleanup crew to get in and move around.
4. Soak Up Any Excess Water
You can start sopping up any excess water using towels or a mop. Likely, you won’t be able to get everything soaked up. However, don’t worry about perfect results. Just get what you can.
5. Contact a Professional For Water Damage Cleanup
The most responsible thing you can do is call a professional for water damage clean up as soon as possible. This will save you a lot of time and complication later on. Thankfully, there are many 24/7 hour water damage restoration companies out there who are ready to step in and help during an emergency.
We Can Help With Water Damage Cleanup!
Thankfully, our team is not just composed of plumbing experts. While plumbing is our main specialty, we also can assist with water damage cleanup. Whether your water damage has been caused by plumbing issues or not, do not hesitate to reach out to us around the clock for help. Contact us today for water damage cleanup!