Flooding that occurs on a property can be expensive and problematic to rectify. Many homeowners will experience some form of flooding during their time in a house. Often it can be caused by a faulty household appliance, such as a dishwasher or washing machine malfunction, resulting in large quantities of water ejecting from the appliance onto the floor. However, flooding can also occur in the home as a direct result of extreme storms or rain that results in localized flooding. This can often be severe in nature, especially if you live in a low-lying area or near a river. In all situations, acting fast to minimize any long-term damage to your property or possessions is important. Acting quickly with the help of a Water Damage Restoration service will help reduce long-term damage. In this article, three key points to consider when dealing with flooding and in your property will be explored in detail.
Turn off the water supply
Firstly, you need to be able to ascertain what caused the flooding. If it was a direct result of a household appliance malfunction or a burst pipe and water is still coming into your home, it is vital that you turn off the main water supply to the property. This is commonly known as the “stop cock” valve. In many cases, it can be found under the main sink in your kitchen or directly outside your property near your gas and electricity boxes. Turn it fully off, which will result in no further water damage entering your property. Every homeowner must be aware of the location of their stop cock valve, as this will save time searching for it in the event of a flood. This action will not be required if the flooding is because of severe weather or storms.
Consider carpet blowers
If water damage occurs in carpeted areas of your home, it will require swift action to rectify and to ensure that the carpets do not become moldy and subsequently need to be replaced. Wet carpets can quickly result in permanent damage if timely steps are not taken. First, it is important to mop and clear as much water from the affected areas as possible. After all the visible water has been cleared from the carpet, it is important to start drying. Hire or buy a carpet blower, such as those that are available from All Imports, and use this device to dry the affected areas quickly. Carpet blowers are designed to dry these areas efficiently. They can minimize the risk of long-term damage to your carpets that would lead to the need to replace them.
Use disinfectant
If the flood damage has reached significant areas of flooring and the lower walls of the property, it is vital that you use a range of disinfectant products to make these surfaces safe again. This is especially true if the flooding was because of extreme rainfall or a burst river, as the water that has entered your property will be dirty and potentially full of bacteria. It is vital to mop the affected surfaces with a strong antibacterial or detergent cleaning product such as bleach. You can find more information here on how to approach this task. This will ensure that once the affected area is clean and dry there will be no build-up of mold or bacteria, which could pose a health risk.