Drenched and Damaged: The Do's and Don'ts of Water Damage

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can be a serious problem, give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of a water loss.

Water damage is one of the most common causes of home damage. It can happen to anyone, and it can be devastating, but it's important to remember that there are steps you can take to minimize damage and speed up recovery time. In this post, we'll cover what to do after water damage occurs and what not to do in order for you to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Water damage can wreak havoc on your home and possessions

Water damage can cause a lot of damage to your home and possessions. Water can cause mold, mildew, corrosion, and structural damage. It can also lead to fire hazards or electrical hazards. If the water gets into your walls or ceiling it could also cause serious property damage, not to mention all the damage that can occur to your personal belongings.

Turn off the water and electricity in the affected area

The first thing you should do after a water damage incident is turn off the water and electricity. If you don't know how to do this yourself, call a professional who can help you with it.

If you leave either one on, it can cause more damage to your property than just leaving them off would have done. Also, if there were any electrical appliances plugged into an outlet that was underwater (like a washing machine or dishwasher), they pose a serious risk and could cause extensive damage.

File an insurance claim

It can be difficult to think about filing an insurance claim when you're still in the midst of dealing with the aftermath of water damage. However, it's important to do so as soon as possible. A professional will come out and assess the damage, then give you an estimate on how much it will cost to fix and replace everything affected by the damage. The sooner this happens, the better: often times people wait too long before filing their claims (or don't file them at all), which can result in lower payouts from their insurance companies or even denial altogether.

This isn't just true for homeowners; renters should also keep these tips in mind when they experience similar problems!

Call SERVPRO

If you find yourself in a situation where water damage has occurred, SERVPRO of Northern Queens can help. They have the equipment, experience, and training to deal with all types of water damage, from burst pipes to hurricanes. In addition to their expertise, they are available 24/7 so that they can respond immediately after any disaster strikes your home or business.

Don't delay calling a professional mitigation company

If you are dealing with a water damage situation, it's important to understand that the longer you wait to call a professional mitigation company, the more damage can occur.

There are two main reasons why people delay calling in a professional: they don't want to be charged for something that could potentially be fixed on their own, or they don't believe there is any damage done.

Doing anything yourself when dealing with water damage can be dangerous and should never be attempted unless you have experience doing so! If not done correctly, it could lead to additional problems down the line such as mold growth or structural instability.

Don't use a vacuum to clean up water damage.

If you've ever had a leaky roof or burst pipe, then you know how frustrating and expensive it can be to deal with water damage. The last thing you want is for the cleanup process itself to cause further damage.

Vacuums are great at removing dust and dirt from carpets and floors, but they're not designed for use on wet surfaces--and in fact, may make matters worse if used improperly. For example:

• Vacuums don't have an airtight seal around their filters; this means that any moisture sucked up by them will seep back out into your home as soon as you turn off the machine.
• Most vacuums aren't designed for use with liquids either; some models may leak through their hoses or even short-circuit due to electrical components being exposed.

Don't attempt to repair electrical devices that have been damaged by water.

Don't attempt to repair electrical devices that have been damaged by water.

Electrical devices can be dangerous, and if you don't know what you're doing, it's best not to try. You might end up causing more harm than good. In addition to being at risk of electrocution or shock, there are other risks associated with repairing electrical equipment yourself:

• You may damage the device further by working on it yourself. This could lead your insurance company (if applicable) refusing coverage for any future repairs needed on your property.
• Trying to repair an electrical device on your own will likely void any warranties that might exist on the device.

Water damage is a serious problem, but it doesn't have to be the end of your home or possessions. By following these tips and calling SERVPRO of Northern Queens immediately after water damage occurs, you can minimize damage and speed up recovery time.