Water damage in your home caused by floods, leaking pipes, overflown toilets, flooded basement, sewer breakage, etc., is one of the most devastating problems you can experience. Water overflow in your home can lead to more severe problems like electricity risk, damage to your household items, not to mention the inconvenience it causes to your routine.

When you encounter a water problem in your home, first identify the source of the problem and stop it if you can to prevent it from causing more havoc in your home. Professional water damage restoration Atlanta helps you identify the problem fast, prevent more water damage, and restore your home to its former glory. Here is what to do after water damage to your home.

Inform your homeowner’s insurance company

Depending on the terms of the agreement on your homeowner’s insurance company, they may send over a representative to assess the situation and the damage to determine if it is a covered loss. Be keen on taking photos of the damage before, during, and after cleaning. If your insurance will cover the damage or not depends on the cause of the problem. Note that not all home insurance covers flood damage.

Ensure your family is safe.

Before anything else, ensure you and your family are safe from water damage. First, switch off the power from the main source. However, if it requires you to stand in a wet area, call an electrician. Do not walk around in a flooded house with the electricity on. Secondly, ensure you wear protective gear such as gloves and boots to protect you from water injuries.

Thirdly, protect your valuables if you can. For example, remove the rug from the floor and any appliances on the floor. If the water damage is severe, you may have to leave home for your safety.

Start water damage restoration.

You ought to start water damage repair and restoration immediately after you are cleared to re-enter your home. The damage might be too much for you to manage alone, so water damage restoration professionals come in handy. A professional water restoration service ensures you are safe while removing all the damage.

Note that you might need to replace the flooring and insulate your walls afresh to prevent mold growth and mildew. Depending n the extent of the damage, you may lose some valuables like severely damaged rugs and furniture. Dehumidifiers and floor fans can help dry the damp areas in your home to fasten the process.

Test for mold growth

Mold growth is prone to occur from at least the first 24hours after water damage. Have the professionals check your home for mold signs. That is why it is necessary to start the drying process after water damage immediately. If there are severe moldy parts, you may have to eliminate them to prevent spreading. But the best thing is to have a professional assist with the drying process while checking mold damage.

Restore your home

Restoring your home after water damage might be expensive and demanding. You may have to replace the flooring, paint walls, repair or replace broken and damaged possessions, etc. If major constructions are necessary, it is best to hire experts.

The takeaway

Before you begin the cleanup and restoration process, document the extent of the damage for the sake of any future claims you make.