What to Do When a Water Damage Disaster Strikes in the Home

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian offers tips on how to prevent water damage. In case of water damage, these steps explain how the restoration process works.

The team of knowledgeable, experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian understands the critical need for water damage restoration when a ruptured water line sends water streaming throughout a home. Time is the greatest challenge the homeowner faces when dealing with water damage. The longer water is permitted to saturate floorcoverings, baseboards, walls, ceilings, upholstery, clothing, furniture, electronics, important documents, insulation, and ductwork, the larger the scope of the water damage disaster becomes. In the end, the restoration process will take longer to complete and will be more expensive. Listed below are some tips to help the typical homeowner meet the challenges of a water damage disaster.

Expect the Expected

Every six seconds, a home or apartment experiences a water damage emergency. Fourteen thousand times a day, a pipe bursts, a roof leaks, an appliance floods the kitchen or laundry room, the toilet overflows, or some other weather-related or non-weather-related water damage disaster occurs. It adds up to $13 billion per year. For the homeowners in the North Dallas area who have basements, ninety-eight percent of basements will suffer some type of water damage incident. Anticipate the inevitable. These suggestions are geared to help the typical homeowner cope with the reality that a water damage emergency is inevitable.

1. Be aware of the many sources of water in and around the home.

Water is already found throughout the home, but it is usually contained in a pipe, supply line, or toilet. Water can intrude into the house through windows, doors, or the roof.  Water can seep into the basement or crawl space.

2. Know how to spot water damage.

Look for brown, dark green, bronze, or yellow spots or stains on walls and ceilings. Scan walls for blistered paint, peeling wallpaper or warping drywall. Conduct a sniff test for a moldy, earthy odor. Feel for moisture around fittings and under plumbing connections for unexplained dampness or moist spots.

3. Regularly inspect the areas where a leak would be most expected.

The three rooms most prone to suffer water damage are the kitchen, the bathrooms, and the laundry room. The three appliances most likely to cause a flood are the washing machine, the dishwasher, and the garbage disposal. The ice maker earns an honorable mention.

4. Diagnose a leak and trace it to the source.

Attic and ceiling leaks can be difficult to identify since water may travel a great distance before pooling. Water intrusions that penetrate the foundation to flood a basement or crawl space may require the expertise of a professional. Likewise, a plumber may need to be called in to trace a sewage leak to its source.

5. Repair the leak while it is small and the damage is minimal.

If caught early, the leak repair and damage restoration are manageable DIY projects for the homeowner.

6. Replace pipes and parts before they create problems.

Anticipate the worst. Replace supply lines before they burst. A ruptured washing machine supply line can spew as much as seven or more gallons of water per minute onto the laundry room floor. The dishwasher can create similar water damage havoc in the kitchen. The unseen ice maker supply line can discharge from three to five gallons per minute when it ruptures. These water line connections have a limited lifetime. Replacement of the lines in compliance with the manufacturer’s recommendations can prevent a major water damage disaster.

Water Damage Response

A rapid response to a water damage disaster results in the water intrusion being quickly identified and stopped. The solution may be as simple as shutting off a valve or as dangerous as tarping a damaged roof. A shorter response time results in less primary and secondary damage to the house.

Step 1 - Emergency contact

Upon calling SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian, a highly skilled SERVPRO representative guides the homeowner through the crisis and may ask several questions to help the response team determine the equipment and resources needed for the situation.

Step 2 - Inspection and water damage assessment

A certified technician inspects the site to determine the scope of the water damage. The homeowner is presented with an estimate complete with documentation, images, and video.

Step 3 - Water removal and water extraction

Powerful pumps and vacuum units immediately begin removing the majority of the water to help prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

Step 4 - Drying and dehumidification

Advanced air movers and dehumidifiers dry the home or business.

Step 5 - Cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing

Restorable items are treated using advanced cleaning techniques and EPA-approved cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing products.  SERVPRO technicians are adept at cleaning water-damaged contents.

Step 6 - Restoration

The restoration of a home or business to its pre-water damage condition may involve minor repairs or major reconstruction.

SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian has been serving the local area since 2000. They are locally owned and backed by a nationwide system of qualified franchises. The team is available 24/7/365 to respond to property damage emergencies. SERVPRO of Waxahachie / Midlothian can manage all phases of the water damage remediation process, including handling insurance claims.

For more information about water damage restoration in Midlothian, TX, contact the office by phone at (972) 935-0827 or email acarey@SERVPRO10932.com