Emergency Water Damage? Here’s What to Do Next

August 1, 2024 | Steamy Concepts | Water Damage

TL;DR: Water damage can disrupt your life and be costly to repair. Causes include burst pipes, roof leaks, flooding, and appliance malfunctions. There are three types of water damage: clean, gray, and black, each requiring different approaches. Immediately ensure safety, turn off electricity, stop the water source, and begin removing excess water. Dry affected areas using fans and dehumidifiers, and check for mold. If damage is extensive or persists, seek professional help. Steamy Concepts in Tucson offers expert water damage restoration with a 30-day service guarantee. Call them for reliable restoration services.

Water damage is a real nightmare for numerous renters and homeowners. It can instantly disrupt your life and leave you wondering how to get everything back on track. In the US, nearly 14,000 people experience water damage every day. It’s often due to unexpected events like burst pipes or severe rainstorms, but it can also be damage that happens over time when we neglect to take care of the problem on time.

These situations can lead to significant destruction which takes a lot of time and funds to repair. Knowing what to do next and how to stop the damage from spreading will help you recover faster. This guide will provide practical, actionable steps you must take immediately following a water damage incident.

From assessing the situation to starting repairs, you will learn how to tackle each phase efficiently. So, if you’re experiencing emergency water damage, here’s what to do next.

Causes of Water Damage

There isn’t one definitive cause of water damage. It can be due to faulty plumbing and old pipes. External damage happens due to inclement weather and natural disasters. It can even happen if the upstairs neighbor forgets to turn off the faucet and floods you. Other common causes of water damage include:

Burst pipes and plumbing failures: Aging plumbing systems often lead to leaks or breaks, causing water to escape and damage your home.
Roof leaks and storm damage: Heavy rains, high winds, and hail can compromise your roof’s integrity. If your roof has cracks or needs other repairs, water can drip into your home every time it rains.
Flooding from natural disasters: Arizona can experience up to 100 floods annually. The aftermath of a flood often includes widespread water damage throughout your property.
Appliance malfunctions: Common household appliances that use water when they operate can malfunction, resulting in water discharge that damages your property.

Different Water Damage Types

Different kinds of water damage exist as well. Some water damage is easier to repair, while others are more dangerous and require immediate action. These are the various kinds of water damage:

Clean water damage originates from a source that carries clean water, like a leaky faucet or a burst pipe. It’s the least complicated to handle.
Gray water damage arises from household appliances like dishwashers and may contain cleaning solutions or other contaminants, requiring careful cleanup.
Black water damage happens due to sewage backups or floodwaters and poses serious health risks.

Each of these types of water damage must be addressed promptly to ensure your home remains a safe and healthy place for you and your family.

Initial Steps to Take

If you experience extensive water damage, check to see if you and the others who use the property are safe. Assess the situation and determine if entering the affected area is safe. If the water is deep or the structure appears unstable, don’t risk injury by entering the premises. Once safety is confirmed, take a moment to assess how bad the damage is.

Ensure Safety First

Start by turning off the electricity in flooded areas. This step minimizes the risk of electrocution and electrical fires. Always check for electrical hazards before proceeding, and wear a respiratory mask to protect your lungs from contaminants and mold.

These areas can pose health risks, so take precautions seriously. If you’re worried that your home is no longer structurally sound, evacuate immediately. Look for sagging ceilings, cracks in walls, or other signs of damage that may indicate a collapse or other dangers.

Stop the Source of Water

If you identify internal water damage, locate the source of the leak. If the leak is from a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply. Remember that water can travel along pathways, so check nearby areas that may not appear affected at first glance. If the source of the water damage is external, such as heavy rain or flooding, wait until conditions improve before you proceed.

Mitigating Further Damage

Once you identify and address the source of the water damage, your next step is to contain the moisture and minimize additional harm. You can save your property and belongings from further destruction if you react fast in this situation.

See how bad the water intrusion in your space is. If it’s manageable, you can stop the situation from getting worse. If the area affected by water damage is too large, call a professional to help handle the problem effectively.

Removing Excess Water

If you have a significant amount of water, a wet/dry vacuum will be your best bet, as it can quickly suck up large volumes of water. The key here is to act swiftly. Mold can grow within the day in excessively moist areas, so every minute counts.

If the water is contaminated, protect yourself with the right gear. After removing the bulk of the water, check for hidden pockets of water in less visible areas, such as behind appliances or under furniture, and address them accordingly.

Drying the Affected Areas

After removing excess water, focus on drying the damaged rooms. Open all the doors and windows to increase airflow, which helps speed up the drying process. Using fans and dehumidifiers can significantly speed up evaporation rates. Place fans to circulate air throughout the space. Dehumidifiers will pull moisture from the air, preventing it from settling back into surfaces.

Remember to remove wet carpets and other fabric items. These materials can trap moisture and cause mold and mildew to spread. If possible, take them outside to dry or somewhere with adequate ventilation. Keep an eye on the drying process. Monitor humidity levels and ensure that everything dries thoroughly to avoid future mold problems.

Call For Professional Help

Recognizing the signs of extensive water damage is crucial in determining when to call for professional help. Look for persistent moisture, mold growth, or warped floors and walls. If water has been sitting for more than 24 hours, or if the damage affects electrical systems, it’s time to contact a pro.

Hiring water damage restoration experts brings several advantages. They possess the right tools and expertise to assess the damage and mitigate further issues. Professionals can:

Remove water quickly.
Dry out affected areas.
Treat for mold.

By working with experts, you can avoid the potential for long-term damage and expensive repairs that can arise from trying to manage the situation on your own.

Say Goodbye to Water Damage

When water damages your property, you must act quickly and methodically to minimize the problem. The most important step in that situation is to call in the experts who know how to handle it. If you want to fix the water damage on your Tucson property, Steamy Concepts has you covered.

We specialize in water damage restoration and know how to handle any extent of water and humidity damage. Our skilled professionals employ cutting-edge methods to extract standing water, restore moisture-damaged areas, and complete necessary repairs. With a 30-day guarantee on our services, you can leave the restoration of your property in our capable hands.

To get reliable assistance with water damage restoration, call us today!