Water Damage - What To Do

3/8/2016 (Permalink)

A second floor bathroom supply line broke causing water damage to both the second and first floors in this home in Scranton.

Seasonal flooding, burst pipes or other problems can cause extensive water damage to your home or other structure. The longer the water is in contact with materials, the more damage it can do. In order to minimize the damage and prevent further deterioration of home materials, experts recommend following a few important procedures:
1. Turn Off Electricity
Standing water can be a serious hazard if loose wires or other equipment draws electrical current into wet areas. Turn off electricity to the house before doing an assessment of the water damage. Then, remove TVs or other appliances from the affected area to minimize water damage to these items.

2. Call Your Insurance Company
Immediately contact your insurance agent to notify him or her about the damage to your property. The agent can then advise you on the proper procedure for filing your claim and may have approved restoration specialists that can get your property back to normal. 

3. Wear Boots When Entering Flooded Areas
If any water is still standing, wear heavy boots when entering the area. The water may harbor rodents, insects or broken items that can injure your feet. You can then assess what can be saved from the area and what will have to be removed.  

4. Order A Dumpster
Immediately order a dumpster so that you will be able to discard the materials that cannot be saved. In many cases, construction materials, such as drywall and other materials, must be removed and replaced. You will need a dumpster for these materials. In some communities, you will have to deliver certain types of materials to recycling centers. 

5. Sweep Out Remaining Water
After the water recedes, you may have some remainder in your home that will require sweeping to direct it out of interior areas. You will then be able to remove carpeting and other items to allow them to dry out. Many items may require professional cleaning and deodorizing before they can be re-installed. 

6. Dry Out the Area as Quickly as Possible
Set up fans and heaters to dry out affected areas as quickly as possible to minimize damage. Mold growth can be a serious health concern, as well as a cause of damage to construction materials. Professional mold remediation may be necessary. 

7. Call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge (570) 235-1646. If you detect severe water intrusion into construction materials, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton area's leading water restoration company. We have effective techniques and professional equipment that will reduce water damage and restore your home to its previous condition. We are an IICRC certified firm specializing in emergency services serving the Lackawanna and Wyoming Counties, 24 hours a day.