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Water Damage Checklist for Idaho Homeowners
Nobody wants to think about the worst-case scenario. A pipe bursts, an appliance leaks, or a flood takes you by surprise, and you are left with standing water in your home. These are impossible to plan for, but you can always be prepared by following water damage restoration protocol. We have compiled a checklist for you so you can get answers when you need them most.
Steps to Take After a Flood
Here are six steps you should take immediately after water seeps into your home.
1. Identify the Source
The first thing you want to do is identify where the water is coming from if at all possible. The source of the water could be obvious, like a pipe burst or an overflowing toilet. Turn the water off if you can safely.
Identifying the source of the flood can help you protect as many of your belongings as possible. If you are unable to find the source, leave it to the professionals to determine where the water is coming from.
2. Follow Safety Best Practices
Take every precaution to ensure you and your family’s well-being. Here are some best practices to keep you safe:
- Turn the power off before reentering a flood-damaged area. If you are not able to turn off the power due to the water, wait for help to arrive.
- Wear protective gear like gloves and rubber boots to protect against bacteria and injury.
- Protect your belongings. Tinfoil under the feet of wooden furniture can prevent carpet stains.
Read More: 6 Signs of a Bursted Water Pipe
3. Alert the Insurance Company
Before any restoration work can begin, your insurance company needs to know of the flood. Not all homeowners’ insurances are the same but in most cases, they will send an adjuster to determine if the damage is a covered loss.
4. Document the Damage
You want to document the items affected and their value, as well as take pictures of the damage. If you have any pictures of the pre-loss condition that will be helpful for your insurance adjuster.
5. Call a Professional Water Restoration Company
Next, you want to get a professional water restoration company to your property to begin the restoration process. But how do you find the best company? Follow these tips to find the best water restoration company.
- Read online reviews
- Ask for references
- Request licenses and proof of insurance
- Find the quickest response times
Do your homework because even in a time-sensitive situation like this, you want the job done right the first time. Restoration companies such as CTR will even handle the entire process of your insurance claim.
6. Identify Mold
Mold thrives in warm, wet environments, and once it grows it can be challenging to remove. Help prevent mold growth by removing items and drying them as soon as possible. If you identify mold growth, contact a professional mold remediation company that can assist in the remediation process.
The Water Damage Restoration Checklist & Timeline
You have done your homework and called on an experienced and reputable water damage restoration company. Here is what you can expect from the restoration process.
Step 1: Assessment
Your water damage restoration team will begin with an assessment that covers the following items.
- Identify the source of the water and stop it if necessary.
- Identify the type of water and determine if it is contaminated.
- Assess the damage to the property.
- Provide a detailed plan of action for the restoration.
Step 2: Dry and Dehumidify
The team will work tirelessly to dry and dehumidify your property. The entire process of drying takes time and can last up to 5 days for a property to be fully dry.
Step 3: Mitigation
Once the property has been dried, it is time to mitigate the damage. Work needs to be done to ensure that no further damage occurs to the structure of the property, as well as mold and mildew spread.
Read more: Water Mitigation Plan For Idaho Property Owners
When Does Water Damage Start to Occur?
So how long does water damage take to set in? Damage can occur within the first 24 hours. Drywall, furniture, and metal surfaces all start displaying the effects of water damage.
Problems From Water Damage
If left unattended, water damage can cause a handful of problems, such as:
- Structural damage to frames and foundations
- Mold, bacteria, and mildew growth
- Respiratory problems stemming from bacteria and mold
- Damage to property and belongings
How to Mitigate Water Damage
The best way to mitigate water damage is to plan ahead. While it might not be possible to predict or plan for an unexpected water damage event, you can always have a plan in place if an emergency strikes. Know where your important documents and medications are, or better yet — have them all in one easy-to-grab place in case of emergencies.
Read more: How to Dry Your House After a Flood
Why Trust CTR for Emergency Property and Water Damage Restoration in Southern Idaho
You cannot schedule an emergency like water damage, but you can contact water damage restoration professionals to restore balance to your life. For over 25 years, we have been serving the Southern Idaho community by providing exceptional water damage restoration services.
At CTR, we serve people with compassion and integrity. In your time of need, we provide thorough communication and 60-minute response times. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your property back to its pre-loss condition. We use the latest in cutting-edge technology and offer upfront quotes so you always know what to expect.
Contact us today for licensed and certified water damage restoration services, or call 208-907-3830 to restore your home and peace of mind.