Watching water spread throughout and fill your home is devastating. Even if this water is only a few inches deep, it can have some serious consequences over the next few months. Thoughts of insurance coverage, the costs of repairs, how to replace sentimental items, and what to do next are running a marathon in your mind.
As long as your family is safe, the items in your home can be replaced, and plumbing damages repaired. We have listed a few tips to make the water damage clean up just a little easier. Keep reading for more information!
THE NATURAL & UNNATURAL CAUSES OF WATER DAMAGE
Living in Florida, you probably hear the word flooding and think, ‘hurricane.’ Of course, hurricanes cause flooding, but so do heavy rains.
Other natural disasters like tsunamis or fast-melting snow may not be prevalent here but certainly can cause problems in other areas of the world. Chances are, you don’t hear the word flooding and think, ‘plumbing.’
However, your plumbing can be a huge cause of flooding–things like leaky pipes and water heaters, faulty washing machine hoses, clogged drains and sewer lines, and even burst pipes. Luckily, the flooding caused by plumbing can usually be prevented easily if you call Service Plumbing when you notice a problem.
CLEANUP: THE SOONER THE BETTER
If you are taken by complete surprise with a plumbing emergency, have your home inspected before using electrical outlets. Once this has been taken care of, consider using a pump to remove water, or if there isn’t much, dry it with towels.
Next, survey the damage that the water has caused. This will include furniture, floors, drywall, cabinets, toilets, and bathtubs. Chances are, you will have to replace the floors and parts of the drywall, however, your furniture may be okay.
Cabinets, tubs, and toilets are often ignored, but shouldn’t be. These are prime places for mold to grow and because you can’t see under them, you won’t know it until it’s too late.
SCRUBBING THE AIR
Air scrubbers are a great addition to any home that is cleaning up after water damage. These machines actually ‘scrub’ the air, removing mold, mildew, fumes, and dust particles, all of which you will encounter during repairs.
Using an air scrubber is especially important in keeping mold at bay while things are still drying out. It eliminates mold spores from spreading through the air which can impede its growth.
In addition, these devices will keep your family breathing safe, clean air. It is worth noting though, that air scrubbers are meant as a short-term solution. After your home has been repaired, it should be completely dry with no mold. If, after a few months you begin to notice a musty smell, there may be a problem that requires remediation.
This isn’t an uncommon issue as it is extremely difficult to remove all traces of water from a home, especially in a humid environment like Florida. While the chances of this happening are slim, it is something to be aware of.