Key Takeaways:
- Water disasters can be a huge hassle and pain, causing damage to your home and belongings and severe health risks if not dealt with properly.
- There is no foolproof way to prevent water damage 100% of the time, but there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk and keep your home as safe as possible.
- Regularly inspect water lines for signs of leakage, corrosion, or other damage. Ensure your water pipes are adequately insulated and located in areas away from direct sunlight; install sump pumps; check toilets regularly for leaks or pressure issues, etc.
- When a water disaster occurs, acting quickly by shutting off the primary water source entering your home and removing any excess water using a wet-dry vacuum or other extraction tools is essential.
- Throw out any damaged items you can’t salvage; remove the remaining water from carpets/furniture; ventilate your home by opening doors & windows to encourage air circulation throughout the house to help dry it out quicker.
Water disasters, small or large, can be a hassle and difficult to manage. Beyond the damage, water emergencies can also cause serious health risks if not dealt with properly. It can happen in any home, regardless of how well it’s constructed or how cautious its residents are. Though there is no foolproof way to prevent water damage 100% of the time, there are some steps you can take to minimize your risk and keep your home as safe as possible.
In this blog post, G2 Restoration will outline some easy tips for preventing water disasters from happening in your residence. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be on your way to averting a potentially costly and damaging event!
Water Disaster & Your Humble Abode
A broken pipe, faulty plumbing, or natural flooding could cause water damage. Whatever the source, water disasters can cause significant destruction to your belongings, destroy parts of your home’s structural integrity (including drywall and wood floors), and even lead to potential health risks if not dealt with properly. The cost of repairing water damage depends on the severity of the damage, the type of water damage (e.g., from a sewage backup or clean water), and where it occurred. Water damage costs can range from as little as $1,304 to as much as $5,515.
Preventing Water Disasters in Your Home
Fortunately, you can keep water disasters from happening in your residence. Here are some detailed tips for minimizing water damage risk:
- Regularly inspect water lines for signs of leakage, corrosion, or other damage.
- Ensure your water pipes are adequately insulated and located in areas away from direct sunlight.
- Install sump pumps to help reduce water accumulation and overflows in basements and crawl spaces.
- Check your toilets regularly for signs of water leakage or water pressure issues.
- Inspect the roof, gutters, downspouts, window wells, and foundation cracks for any potential water buildup or water ingress points.
- Invest in water alarms to detect water buildup in hard-to-reach places inside your home (such as behind walls).
- In case of heavy rains or flooding, periodically check your home’s foundation and walls to ensure water is not leaking.
Act Quick – You May Save Your Drowning Residence
When a water disaster strikes, it’s essential to act quickly. Water damage can cause extensive structural damage and lead to mold growth. It can also ruin personal items such as furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, etc. Therefore, it’s important to start water damage cleanup immediately after a water disaster occurs:
- Shut off the primary water source so no more water enters your home.
- Remove any excess water with a wet-dry vacuum or other water extraction tool as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours of the water entering your home.
- Throw out any water-damaged items that you can’t salvage. This will help prevent the development of mold and mildew.
- Remove water from carpets, rugs, and furniture using a water extraction tool or wet-dry vacuum. Be sure to move slowly to avoid damaging the material as much as it already is.
- Ventilate your home—open doors and windows to encourage air circulation to help dry out your dwelling as quickly as possible.
- Clean all surfaces with water and detergent, then use an antiviral cleaner to thoroughly sanitize everything possible before it dries completely (this includes walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, etc.).
- Check your water lines and water heater for leaks and other damages—water damage can cause water lines to corrode or rupture, leading to further water damage in the future.
- Inspect all electrical wiring and appliances for water damage. Suppose you find any water-soaked outlets or damaged circuitry. In that case, you may need to call an electrician before using any of these items again.
- Contact a trusted water restoration company that can help dry out your home correctly, repair any damaged areas, and test for mold growth throughout the affected home area.
By following these steps after a residential water disaster takes place, you can help prevent long-term damage from occurring in your home. Not only will this help protect your home and belongings, but it will also save you serious bucks in the long run by preventing water damage from becoming a more serious issue.
All water disasters are different—whether a plumbing issue or natural flooding causes them—so keep this guide handy in an emergency. If you ever need water restoration services, don’t hesitate to call the experts! With the right team, you can rest assured that your water disaster is handled with care and expertise.
Also Read: 6 Signs Mold Is Growing in Your New Home
Why Should I Call the Pros?
The most important reason to call water restoration professionals is safety. They have the knowledge and experience to address water damage appropriately. They are equipped with the right tools, such as industrial-grade water pumps and extractors. These tools help remove water quickly and efficiently without risking your home or family. Professional water restoration experts are also up-to-date on building codes and regulations, which can be especially helpful if you file an insurance claim after a water disaster occurs in your home.
Looking For Water Restoration Experts in Allen? We Can Help!
G2 Restoration has experienced professionals and high-quality equipment to dry your property quickly and prevent any additional damage. Plus, we’ll be able to tell you exactly what repairs need.
If you have any standing water on your property, we are here to mitigate it. Our experts use sophisticated equipment to remove all traces of water and then document the drying process to ensure your property has been properly dried. We understand that time is of the essence in these situations, so we are available 24/7 to help you recover from water damage as quickly as possible. Get a free evaluation today!