What to Do When You've Got Water Damage
A pipe burst in the basement. It's an unpleasant surprise to find after a cold night or when you return home from a winter vacation. Water has been leaking all over. Or, after a heavy rain, water is leaking through the roof into your living room. If you've got water damage, we're here to help.
Be Safe and Stop the Leak or Drip
Make Safety Your First Priority
• Do not use electrical equipment or appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• Never use electrical equipment that has been water damaged, even if you are using it in any dry area.
• Use safety precautions when dealing with any water damage issue.
Prevent Future Damage
• If the water is coming from a burst or leaking pipe, try to find the closes shut-off valve and turn it off.
• If water is coming in through the roof or broken windows, try to cover as best as you can with tarps or plastic sheeting.
• Do not use electrical equipment or appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• Never use electrical equipment that has been water damaged, even if you are using it in any dry area.
• Use safety precautions when dealing with any water damage issue.
Prevent Future Damage
• If the water is coming from a burst or leaking pipe, try to find the closes shut-off valve and turn it off.
• If water is coming in through the roof or broken windows, try to cover as best as you can with tarps or plastic sheeting.
Document the Damage and Get it Fixed
• Take photos and videos. Save all damaged items, Your claims representative may want to inspect them.
• Keep a list of temporary repairs you make and save all claim-related bills and receipts .
• Move wet items to drier areas. Place aluminum foil, coasters or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove area rugs from the floor. Dyes in carpets can stain flooring, carpeting and wood floors.
• Clean up as much water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels.
• Take photos and videos. Save all damaged items, Your claims representative may want to inspect them.
• Keep a list of temporary repairs you make and save all claim-related bills and receipts .
• Move wet items to drier areas. Place aluminum foil, coasters or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove area rugs from the floor. Dyes in carpets can stain flooring, carpeting and wood floors.
• Clean up as much water as possible by mopping or blotting with towels.
Tips For Preventing Water Losses
Don't be fooled into thinking a minor leak is a minor problem. Even the smallest leaks can turn into costly water bills and result in major damage. Here are some tips to help prevent major losses.
Don't be fooled into thinking a minor leak is a minor problem. Even the smallest leaks can turn into costly water bills and result in major damage. Here are some tips to help prevent major losses.
Turn off the Water and See What Happens
Turn off the main water valve and then check the water meter outside your home. Is it still moving? If so, water is flowing somewhere and it's time to investigate.
Turn off the main water valve and then check the water meter outside your home. Is it still moving? If so, water is flowing somewhere and it's time to investigate.
Look at Your Water Bill
A sudden or large fluctuation in your water bill for unknown reasons could be a tip off to one or more water leaks. Even if you don't see obvious evidence of water damage, a bigger water bill probably means water is leaking somewhere.
Use Water Detection Devices
Water detection gadgets and devices can detect water leaks or failures of appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, water heaters and sump pumps.
Most water sensors are inexpensive and battery-powered with an alarm that sounds when water is detected. They're easy to install yourself.
More sophisticated devices can automatically shut off water to an appliance or even to your entire house. Plumbers and electricians are usually needed to install this type of sensor.
Most water sensors are inexpensive and battery-powered with an alarm that sounds when water is detected. They're easy to install yourself.
More sophisticated devices can automatically shut off water to an appliance or even to your entire house. Plumbers and electricians are usually needed to install this type of sensor.
Check All Around the House
Just because there is no plumbing in a room doesn't mean there is no chance for water to find its way in. Water gets in from damaged roofs, seeps in through wet foundations, and can appear where you least expect it.
Understand Where Water Damage Begins
Leaks,burst hoses and pipes are the leading cause of water damage in the home, The most common reasons for leaks and bursts are wear and tear over time, water pressure that is set too high, which puts stress on household plumbing.
If you have a concern, give us a call,let us guide you through this process for smooth sailing.