Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems faced by homeowners.
While some water damage is caused by natural disasters like floods or hurricanes, the vast majority is due to smaller, everyday problems like leaking pipes or overflowing toilets.
No matter the cause, water damage can be a major headache. If not dealt with quickly and correctly, it can lead to serious problems like mold growth, structural damage, and even health problems.
The good news is that, with the right steps, water damage can be properly removed, and your home can be restored to its pre-damaged state.
Here are 7 steps professionals use for proper water extraction and home restoration:
-
Immediately Shut Off All Water Sources
The first step in water damage restoration is to shut off all water sources. This includes turning off the water main, as well as any water-providing appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Shutting off the water will prevent further damage from occurring, and will help to make the cleanup process easier. It’s also important to ensure the area is safe and secure in case of flooding.
-
Inspect the Water Damage and Make a Plan
Once the water sources have been shut off, it’s important to inspect the water damage. This involves looking for any signs of structural damage, mold growth, or other signs of potential health hazards. Once the damage has been identified, it’s important to make a plan for the restoration process. This plan should include the steps needed to repair the damage and the timeline for completing the project.
-
Remove All Standing Water
Once the plan is in place, the next step is to remove all standing water. This can be done with various tools, such as wet vacuums, pumps, and mops. It’s important to remove as much water as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. Any standing water should be removed as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth and other potential hazards.
-
Remove All Wet & Damaged Materials
After the standing water has been removed, the next step is to remove any wet or damaged materials. This includes carpets, furniture, drywall, and other materials that may have been affected by the water. It’s important to discard these materials as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
-
Clean and Disinfect All Surfaces
It’s important to clean and disinfect all surfaces that have been affected by water damage. This includes walls, floors, carpets, and furniture. Start by washing all surfaces with mild detergent and warm water. Pay particular attention to any areas that may be contaminated with sewage, as this will require special disinfectants. After cleaning, allow all surfaces to dry completely before restoring them.
-
Begin the Drying Process
Once all surfaces have been cleaned and disinfected, it’s time to begin the drying process. This should be done as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. Start by removing any standing water with a wet/dry vacuum. Then use fans and dehumidifiers to increase air circulation and reduce moisture in the air. Keep these running until all surfaces are completely dry.
-
Restore the Home
Once the home is dry, it’s time to begin the restoration process. This may involve replacing any damaged materials, such as flooring or drywall. You may also need to repair any electrical or plumbing systems that have been affected by the water damage. Finally, you can repaint, refinish, and decorate the home to make it look new again.
Conclusion
Proper water extraction and home restoration is a critical process that should be carried out by trained and experienced professionals. There are a number of steps that need to be taken to ensure that the job is done properly, and these steps include assessing the damage, extracting the water, drying the area, and disinfecting the affected areas. With the help of a professional water damage restoration company, you can rest assured that your home will be restored to its pre-flood condition in no time.
Elite Clean Restoration provides top-quality services for water removal. Our professional water remediation specialists will safely extract water from your home to avoid water damage for fair prices. Call us today at (317) 854-5720 to schedule an appointment!