Water damage restoration companies near you

What should I do first when I have water damage? 

Water damage in your home can come from a variety of sources. These include storms, leaking or burst pipes, faulty appliances, leaking air conditioner units, plumbing issues like overflowing toilets, and clogged gutters.

 

No matter the cause, floods and leaks can damage walls, furniture, appliances, and carpets. Depending on the extent of the damage, parts of your home may need to be rebuilt. Excess water can also cause electrical hazards and, if left too long, can result in dangerous mold.

 

Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. According to the EPA, if things in your home remain wet for more than two days, the air can become unhealthy due to mold. Standing water and wet materials are also a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. These can cause disease or trigger allergic reactions. If you are not able to dry everything completely, the effects of water damage can continue long after the original problem.

 

The first thing you should do (as long as it’s safe) is take pictures of the damaged area and items for your insurance company. You should also call the insurance company for information on your coverage and options.

 

You can deal with water damage yourself, but it can be inconvenient and time consuming. You need a wet/dry vacuum to soak up the water and a steam cleaner for carpets. You’ll also need to wash and disinfect everything. The final step is restoration – replacing areas of the walls and floors that the water damaged. Instead of trying to do it yourself, you can hire a water damage restoration company.

 

How do I find a company to help me? 

When hiring a company or contractor for water cleanup services, make sure they have specific experience with your situation. You can search BBB.org for “water damage restoration” or “water cleanup services” to find business profiles of local companies.

 

Get estimates and check references. You should also look for professionals affiliated with or certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC), the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), or the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA),

 

There are some things you can do before the professionals arrive. If you are entering the water damaged area, use equipment to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. If there is standing water, make sure you turn off the electricity and gas (if you cannot turn off the power without stepping in water, call an electrician or your power company). You should also be looking for structural damage like sagging ceilings or floors. When in doubt, do not enter a damaged area – wait for the professionals.

 

What can I do while I'm waiting for help? 

 

Open inside doors to let the air flow to all areas.

Open drawers, cabinets, and closets so they can begin to dry.

Mop and blot to remove as much water as possible.

Remove wet area rugs (you should not try to remove wall-to-wall carpet yourself).

Remove wet cushions and take them somewhere to dry

If you can do it safely, move photos, books, and paintings to a safe, dry location

 

Do not enter a room with standing water until the electricity has been turned off.

Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water; only use a wet/dry vacuum like the kind you can rent from a hardware store.

Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.

Do not touch or disturb visible mold.

 

For more information

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