THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
Disaster can strike at any moment, and for homeowners, water damage is one of the worst situations that could happen. A burst pipe, rain flooding, plumbing malfunctions could all equal major property damage— and the problems don’t end there. Now, you have to worry about your home becoming a breeding ground for mold. Needless to say, knowing how to prevent and stop further water damage can save you a lot of headaches.
Water Damage Types
Category 1 / Clean Water - Water that originated from a potable or sanitary source. This water is safe to ingest or touch and does not contain any harmful microbes. This water damage typically happens when a pipe bursts and it is the easiest to take care of.
Category 2 / Gray Water - Water that contains a significant amount of contamination. This water can potentially harm someone who ingested or touched it. This damage typically happens when a washing machine or dishwasher malfunctions and requires proper sanitation.
Category 3 / Black Water - Water that is severely contaminated and contains dangerous toxins. This is the most threatening kind of water damage, which is commonly the result of a sewer backup. This category of water damage is destructive because it can include pesticides, chemicals, bacteria, and more.
Knowing the different categories of water damage can help you stay safe. Nevertheless, no matter what type of water damage you have, it’s vital that you get it remediated quickly. If the issue goes ignored, you run into the risk of turning an easy-to-clean Category 1 into a hazardous Category 3.
Preventing Water Damage
While it’s impossible to predict exactly when a disaster will happen, there are preventative measures you can take to lower the chances. First, take some time to identify the location of the main water shutoff valve in your home. It is typically located near the perimeter of the ground floor. If a leak is coming from one of your home’s pipes, turning this valve can help stop extensive damage. We also recommend scheduling routine maintenance on your pipes and plumbing. An expert should be able to identify any run-down fixtures and give you a solution before any damage occurs.
File An Insurance Claim
Don’t waste any time and get in touch with a home insurance agent in the event that you experience water damage. They will tell you how to proceed with steps such as taking photos for evidence and other best practices. Here at Cut N Dry Restoration, one way we try to help lift the pain is by sending bills directly to your insurance company.
Tips For Water Damage Cleanup
In order to maintain a healthy living environment and the structural integrity of your home, you must get the water cleaned up immediately. However, remember to stay safe during the cleanup process with these steps:
Unplug electronic devices and/or turn off the electricity to avoid electrocution.
Put on appropriate apparel such as waterproof shoes and protective gloves. Make sure these are 100% rubber and not mixed with other materials.
Once you have taken these cautionary steps, you can begin removing the water by mopping the affected area. If the weather permits, we recommend taking rugs, furniture, and other wet items outside to dry and opening the windows.
For those who are dealing with extensive water damage, contact a professional near you. On top of their technical expertise, these companies have detailed plans and tools to restore your home in a quick manner. To ensure that you are getting the best treatment, look for technicians who have the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IIRC). The accreditation is given to those who follow a set of standards that addresses the water damage restoration process for best practices in remediation and safety.
When dealing with water damage, it’s important to keep these resources in mind to stay safe. At Cut N Dry Restoration, each of our professionals is IIRC-certified and highly trained to mitigate water damage.
Contact Cut N Dry Restoration online or by phone at 844-511-2379, and we’ll help restore your home to its pre-damaged condition.