Has your home recently been affected by a water damage issue? If so, there are repairs that you want to get started with quickly. Before you can begin these repairs, you are going to need to deal with the water that has gotten in. Cleaning up the water is the first step in beginning the restorations. The following guide will help deal with cleaning up the water before starting the repairs to your home:
Deal with the Hazards Before Water Removal
There may be several hazards that have to be dealt with before beginning water damage restorations. Some of the hazards that you want to check for before you begin cleaning up include:
- Gas leaks
- Electrical wire damage
- Contamination from chemicals or raw sewage
The hazards that are present with water damage can cause injuries and health issues.
Find the Equipment Needed for Water Removal
You will need equipment to begin removing the water and cleaning up your home. This can be anything you have available or rented tools. The equipment that can be used for water removal and cleanup work includes:
- Submersible pumps (can be sump pumps used for foundations)
- Hoses to use for siphoning water
- Squeegees, mops, brooms, and buckets
The equipment that you need to remove the water should be adequate for the size of the problem you are dealing with.
Start Pumping the Water Out
Once you have gathered all the equipment you need, you can begin removing the water. This is more than just pumping the water out of your home. Work that needs to be done for the water removal includes:
- Starting the submersible pumps
- Ventilating the affected areas
- Sweeping out access moisture
Removing the water will start with removing the largest volumes and then drying out the residual moisture. You may want to continue with ventilation using fans throughout the restoration process until the repairs have been completed.
Clean Up Debris and Damaged Materials
The debris and materials that are left behind will also need to be cleaned up. This may include cleaning contamination and debris that has come in with the water. The debris and damaged materials that need to be removed includes:
- Contamination due to flooding or plumbing backflow
- Water-logged drywall and wall finishes
- Flooring like carpet, wood floors, and other absorbent materials
The cleanup of the debris will be the beginning of demolition and repairs. Once all the most damaged materials have been removed, you want to get the area clean to prepare for the repairs.
Issues with water damage can be controlled if you begin cleaning up quickly. Call a water damage restoration service for help repairing your home after water and moisture cause problems.
Having your home damaged by flooding, a fire, mold growth, or termites can be incredibly stressful. You rely on professionals to repair the damage and restore your home to its former glory. Yet, even though the work is being done by contractors, you want to understand what is happening and what changes are being made to your home throughout the restoration process.
You can learn all of that right here on this website. We've written these articles with homeowners in mind, focusing on the repair and renovation issues that are most relevant these days. Find guides to quick DIY projects, tips for hiring a renovation contractor, and even advice for selecting new materials when your home is being transformed.