Water damage ranges from mild to severe and from obvious to almost imperceptible. But no matter what, it’s important to treat water damage the right way. I can tell you this because, when my basement flooded, I half-assed it and paid the price.
But what exactly does it mean to deal with water damage the right way? And what strategies should the average homeowner use after sustaining water damage?
How to Deal With Water Damage the Right Way
These are the things I wish I would have done when I encountered major water damage in my home.
1. Consult your insurance policy.
Oh how I wish my policy covered damage from flooding. In many cases, floods, leaks, and other sources of water damage will be covered, but this isn’t a guarantee. Because of this, it’s a good idea to check your insurance policy long before you have to deal with water damage, so you can upgrade or expand your policy coverage if necessary. Like, right now. Do it now.
2. Hire professionals.
Proper water damage cleanup goes far beyond simply drying the area with a towel. I know that now… Properly restoring damaged items, mitigating structural damage, and preventing the buildup of mold and mildew are all important considerations that laypeople like me aren’t aware of.
3. Understand the type of water damage you have.
Water damage varies in severity based on the volume of water present, the amount of time that water has to soak in, and the type of material absorbing or withstanding it. But you also have to consider the type of water that you’re dealing with; white water from a leaky sink or pipe is much easier to deal with than black water that comes as a result of a major sewage issue. Yuck.
4. Locate and fix the root cause.
Find the root cause and fix it before you do anything else. Otherwise, the damage is going to continue and likely become worse. If you have a leaking roof, repair it. If you have a sewage issue, fix it. If you aren’t sure what the root cause is, turn off the water to your house and do whatever you can to stop the flow of water. Fortunately, I at least had this one covered.
5. Dry in stages.
There are many stages to properly drying a house. If you have standing water, your first mission is to clear it however you can (using buckets if necessary). After that, you should work on drying out the area with a shop vac and towels. After that, you should incorporate dehumidifiers and fans to thoroughly dry whatever moisture remains. Too often, people clear out the visible water and falsely believe the job is done, leaving excessive moisture on the ground and in the walls.
6. Inspect for mold and mildew.
Many species of mold and mildew are functionally harmless, but some can be downright deadly. These fungal species thrive in areas with high moisture, so they manifest and proliferate in the wake of extensive water damage. One of your highest priorities should be preventing the accumulation of mold and mildew in the structural components of your home, so make sure you dry and inspect carefully.
7. Get rid of anything porous.
Certain porous materials are much more susceptible to water damage than other types of materials. In most cases, the best course of action is to get rid of whatever porous materials have sustained damage.
8. Know when to dispose or restore.
For other types of materials, it’s harder to know whether the right move is disposal or restoration. Water damage restoration methods are more advanced than ever, but there are still some materials and objects that can’t be easily restored.
9. Disinfect in addition to drying.
Water damage isn’t just annoying; it can also be a significant health risk. Because of this, it’s important to disinfect surfaces in addition to drying them.
10. Address damaged structural components.
If your walls and floors are damaged by water, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. Make sure you evaluate and address any structural damage that occurs on your property.
Preparing for the Future
Think ahead. Check your insurance. Learn what you can. Don’t be a dummy like me. You’ll be happy you did if you ever have to deal with flooding and water damage in the future.
Feature Image from Shutterstock
