Water damage is a property emergency that should be addressed right away. Damage created by it could jeopardize individuals’ health in the affected house. It may also create significant economic loss if the damage is severe or the insurance company does not pay for the repair services.
So, what can you do if your home has water damage?
What to Do After a Water Damage in Your House
As a homeowner, among the most horrible things you might go through is extreme water damage or flooding. Broken pipelines, leaking appliances, and more significant issues like flooded basements, sewer backups, and even water damage after a tropical storm may all be massive problems. Also, mold may form in at least 24 hours from even the least quantities of water.
Below are four steps you can take when water damage takes place in your house:
Keep Everyone Safe
Safety must be the main concern. Therefore, switching off the primary power source is advised to prevent electrocution or a fire. When you discover water damage, you must act instantly and figure out the cause.
Here are the common sources of water damage you need to watch out for:
- Leaky pipelines
- Burst pipelines
- Water leaks
- Damaged appliances such as washing machines or water heaters
- Exposed water supply lines
- Septic tank spillover
- Blocked drains
Examine the Damage
Determining the degree of water damage can help you submit insurance claims. Take photos or videos to prove this to your insurance provider. Take as many photos or videos as possible before, during, and after the cleaning to record the degree of the damage. This proof can provide your insurance company with a detailed report of what happened. It can also assist you in understanding how to proceed with water damage restoration.
Property damage restoration services are necessary to evaluate the damage comprehensively. Having an expert look at the damage allows an accurate estimate of the needed restoration and boosts your possibilities of acquiring a sensible payment from the insurer.
Call Your Insurance Company
If a homeowners insurance policy safeguards your house, call your insurance provider. Homeowner’s insurance covers unexpected and unintentional damage, so you could get coverage even if a prolonged concern, such as a slow roof leak, caused the damage. However, you might need extra coverage in flood-prone locations to protect your home from flood damage. You must consult your insurance provider to guarantee you have the appropriate coverage.
Start the Repairs
Your family may be allowed to stay in the unaffected areas of your house, depending on the level of the damage. However, if your home requires comprehensive repairs, you should look for a temporary residence. Services like water damage restoration in Haslet from reliable remediation companies are necessary to complete the required repairs. These firms are accredited, authorized, and ready to handle your disaster.
Furthermore, guarantee a fair rate for the specialist’s service within the specified duration. The time required to fix the damage is proportional to its intensity. Typical water damage repair services include:
- Sealing off affected areas.
- Cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces.
- Changing any damaged flooring.
- Recovering furniture and fixtures to their pre-damaged condition.
- Addressing any underlying structural issues that may have caused the damage.
Final Thoughts
The majority of homeowners are concerned with restoring their home’s aesthetic appeal. They care more about renovating the room than repairing the damage. However, removing the water and changing the carpet is insufficient. Inadequate post-flood repair work may jeopardize your household’s well-being and the structural integrity of your house if mold development brought on by water damage is permitted to spread out. Therefore, hiring a skilled company and acting promptly is essential to prevent further home damage.
