Before, During, and After: How to Prepare for & Handle Water Damage

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the size, our pros can handle your water damage restoration needs!

Preparation is Key 

Dealing with water damage is a pain staking process, from the time it takes, the cost, and the hassles of dealing with insurance. We can all agree that it is much easier to take the steps to prevent water damage than to deal with the damage after the fact. If you have already suffered water damage in your home, the best thing to do is call the professionals at SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton. If you haven’t experienced water damage, take these three precautionary steps to avoid this stressor!

1. Learn Where Your Shut Off Valve Is

You and everyone living in your household should know where the water shutoff valve is. This way, if something goes wrong, anyone can quickly turn off the water and prevent too much damage.  

2. Regularly Check for Leaks

Leaky taps may seem like a small amount of water with their methodical dripping, but they can leak up to eight gallons a day. That can become expensive very quickly, and it will also cause significant water damage to your home. Water damage like this can lead to mold. Every few weeks, it is important to check around sinks and appliances for leaking pipes or standing water.  

3. Check Your Roof

The easiest way for you to see if you’re suffering from a leaky roof is to go into your attic as it rains and shine a flashlight at the ceiling. Shiny spots indict a leaky roof. If you find a shiny spot, make sure to mark the area. It is best to contact an expert to come make repairs. You would not want to incorrectly work on your roof as this may risk injury or further damage.

Know the Facts in Case of Disaster

Even after taking preventative measures, disasters can still happen. Whether you love to fall asleep to the sounds of dripping rain and low thunder, or you cower under the table with your four-legged friend during a storm, it is always important to be prepared for any damages that may come with severe weather. After a storm, always check and make sure that your property is unharmed and water isn’t where it shouldn’t be. Untreated water damage or flooding could lead to mold.   

What To Look For

• Standing water in the basement, attic, garage, or anywhere else it shouldn’t be
• Discoloration or water stains on the walls or ceilings  
• Musty odors in the building  

Water itself can cause foul smells and wood to rot, and it can cause mold to grow. Mold can cause serious structural damage, as well as negative health effects. If you have mold growing, you need to act fast for the sake of your customers, and your business.   

Dry and Sort – Saving Your Belongings

If you’ve fallen victim to water damage in your home or business, you may feel like throwing in the towel when it comes to handling the aftermath. Not only do you have to worry about the damage your structure has faced, but you also have to deal with the potential damage your contents have suffered. You may think that trashing everything is the quickest and most viable option, but some of your assets are salvageable.

If a broken pipe is the culprit, you can have a little peace of mind that you don’t have to deal with the potential black water that comes with flooding. There is still the possibility that mold has begun to spread, so it is important to get everything affected by the water thoroughly dried out. Once you have completed this process, inspect and sort everything to determine what can be salvaged. Items that will likely need to be thrown out include any porous materials that can’t be dried or cleaned and fabrics that show signs of discoloration.

Clean the Damage

When faced with a flooded company or home, having your investments sorted will allow for a better understanding of the actual damage. Along with cleaning some things yourself, remember that dry cleaning is not just for clothes. Furniture, upholstery and draperies can likely be good as new after the services of dry cleaners. When it comes to the rest, considering the following tips to make the process easier:

• Organize items based on cleaning methods, such as hand or machine washing.
• Use a disinfectant on furniture, walls and floors to prevent mold growth.
• Wash items in the hottest water possible to remove potential contaminants.
• Use a professional water damage restoration service to ensure there is no interior damage to specialized items such as electronics.

Flooded property is a hassle, but it doesn’t have to result in a long-lasting impact on your home or business. Quick action, proper cleaning and the help of specialists can make it seem “Like it never even happened."

If your home or business experiences a water loss, know that SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton not only handles the restoration of your structure, but we also store and restore your belongings as well.

SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
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We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.