Tips for Repairing Water Damage Effectively

Most homeowners know that water inside the home is destructive. But many are unaware of just how harmful this damage can be. From mold growth to structural deterioration, untreated water damage can wreak havoc on your home—which is why you need a game plan. Whether you're dealing with damage caused by a drip or a full-fledged water disaster, here are some essential tips for repairing water damage.

Safety First

Before diving into the water damage restoration process, take the appropriate safety precautions. Turn off power to the affected area—unless doing so requires you to enter water. If you have them, consider wearing gloves and rubber boots. And be aware of slippery floors!

If the damage is so severe that you are concerned about safety, please reach out. Our experienced team is on call 24/7 and ready to help.

Assess Damage

If the area is safe to enter, document any damage with photos and videos. This will be useful when you file an insurance claim. It is important that you do this before you begin the water damage cleanup.

Begin by checking the walls, floors, and ceilings for obvious damage. And look for subtle indicators like warped wood, peeling paint, or discoloration. Finally, assess hidden areas like attics and crawlspaces to reveal the full scope of damage and determine if you need professional water cleanup services.

Remove Water & Dry

It’s critical to remove standing water as quickly as possible to minimize damage and prevent mold growth. While mops and towels are often sufficient for minor drips or spills, deep water may require a wet vacuum or even a pump.

Once visible water is removed, use fans to dry the space and a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture and prevent mold growth. If possible, open windows to circulate air.

Clean & Disinfect

The cleaning and disinfection process varies depending on the nature of the water mishap. If you catch the water damage within 24-48 hours of the incident and are dealing with potable water, cleaning with regular household disinfectants is typically sufficient.

However, bacterial and mold growth risk exponentially increases if water has been sitting longer than 24-48 hours or is gray (from a washing machine, dishwasher, or sewage). In such cases, we recommend using an EPA-registered disinfectant or calling in a professional water damage repair company like RenewPro.

Repair & Restore

You can begin the water damage repair process once the space is clean, dry, and disinfected. Start by removing all damaged materials that cannot be salvaged. If necessary, repair or replace the flooring and check the subfloor for additional damage.

Valuable and sentimental items can frequently be salvaged. However, this typically requires the expertise of a water damage restoration specialist. Our team has over two decades of experience and can help you restore a wide range of items.

Don’t Let Water Damage Sink Your Dream Home

Feeling overwhelmed by unexpected water damage and don't know where to turn? We're here to help. With over 20 years of experience, our team of certified water damage restoration experts has seen it all and fixed it all. From the initial inspection and cleanup to working with insurance companies on your behalf, we're with you every step of the way. Contact us today!