What Are Some Dos & Don’ts Of Water Damage Restoration?

Key Takeaways:

1. Safety is the top priority during water damage – shut off the water and electricity if needed.
2. Call your insurance provider and document the damage for a successful claim.
3. Save your valuables, furniture, and carpets to prevent further damage.
4. Hire a water restoration specialist to assess the damage and offer solutions.
5. Don’t try to remediate the damage yourself; make sure to call a professional for help.

Living in Georgia, we know the damage storms cause during July. Last year, flash flooding hit Northwest Georgia, causing a state-wide emergency. One danger that heavy rain and severe storms bring is the torrent of water spells that can wreak havoc on our homes, leaving us to deal with the aftermath of water damage.

Although we can’t control the weather, there are still ways to mitigate water damage. J & E Restoration Pros will highlight the dos and Don’ts of water damage restoration. Whether a flood hits your property or you have some plumbing problems, we’ll discuss everything to keep your property water-damage-free. From identifying the problem source to knowing when to call in a professional, we’ll instruct you along the way as you deal with water damage restoration. So, let’s dive in and learn about tackling water restoration like a pro!

What To Do During Water Damage To Your Property?

1. Do Ensure Safety

Whether a flood hits your property or you’re just dealing with an unexpected plumbing emergency, safety is first and foremost. According to National Fire Protection Association, electricity and water are extremely dangerous mix that causes about two in every five fatal injuries. Shut off the central water and turn off electricity if needed to avoid hazardous situations. In addition, also disconnect any electrical appliance near the water source to prevent the risk of electrocution.

2. Do Call Your Insurance Provider

The next step in water damage restoration is to call your insurance provider. Homeowners’ insurance may cover water damage, and almost one in fifty homeowners file for a water damage claim each year. However, your insurance policy will determine whether you’re eligible for coverage and what services you’ll receive. Although the homeowner insurance may not cover flooding damage, don’t hesitate to immediately contact your insurance agent for advice and assistance on water damage restoration.

3. Do Secure Valuables

Chemistry refers to water as a “universal solvent.” It means that it can dissolve the most substances than any other liquid. That also spells trouble for the items in your home. Water can cause irreparable damage to them, so it’s best to safeguard any valuables you have on hand. It may include important documents or pieces of art. You should move or store these items away from affected areas as soon as possible and ensure they are safe and dry until the restoration is finished. However, document everything before moving them to ensure that your insurance company is aware of the full scope of the damage.

4. Do Keep Evidence

After you file for a water damage claim, your insurance provider will send an adjuster to assess the damage. The adjuster’s report will make or break your insurance claim. So, you must take pictures and videos of the damage before and during the restoration process to provide solid evidence in the report. Extensive evidence can help in getting a higher amount of coverage from your insurance company.

5. Do Save The Furniture

You must act quickly to save your furniture, carpets, curtains, and other items from water damage. Keep these items away from water to ensure their safety. If you need help, hire a professional restoration service. The professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to save as much of your belongings as possible.

6. Do Contact a Water Restoration Specialist

Contact a reliable water restoration specialist if you need help determining the damage’s extent. These specialists have extensive knowledge and experience in this field to help assess the level of damage and offer suitable solutions.

What Not to Do During Water Damage to Your Property?

1. Don’t Remediate By Yourself

Whether it’s a minor or a major flooding problem, never try to remediate it yourself. Hiring professionals with expertise in water damage restoration and adequate knowledge of the process is wise. Safety is the most significant reason. Water is a major factor in accidents to occur. In addition, attempting DIY water remediation may lead to the forfeiture of your insurance claim because it renders home insurance policies invalid.

2. Don’t Delay Professional Help

As Benjamin Franklin’s once said.” Don’t put off until tomorrow what you SHOULD do today.” When it comes to water damage, this is especially true. The longer you wait for a professional water remediation service, the more severe and extensive the damage can become. If you notice any water damage signs, call an experienced water restoration specialist immediately for better results in restoring your property quickly and efficiently.

3. Don’t Discard Damaged Items

If any items in your home get damaged by water, it is tempting to discard them immediately. However, that can be a costly mistake. Before you throw away any item, contact your insurance adjuster to find out if the item is covered under your policy and what the reimbursement amount for replacing the item would be. It will help you decide whether to restore or replace them properly.

4. Don’t Use Space Heaters for Drying

It is a common misconception that space heaters effectively dry wet surfaces after a flood. But the truth is that long exposure to excessive heat can cause further damage to your home and belongings. Instead, use air movers and dehumidifiers for proper and safe drying. However, consult with a restoration specialist first before going DIY.

Related: 4 Phases Of Rebuilding A Home After Flood Damage

Conclusion

Water damage restoration is necessary immediately after a flood, no matter how small. And it requires careful planning and proper execution of the processes involved. Follow these dos and don’ts for adequate water restoration to keep your home safe during such an event.

Ensure Property Safety From Water Damage with Water Restoration Specialist in Duluth, GA

At J & E Restoration Pros, we are the water damage experts in Duluth, GA. Our skilled and certified technicians have a wide range of experience dealing with small-scale water repairs to large flood disasters. We also assist with filing claims if needed. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any concerns or questions regarding water restoration services!

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