Serious problems can occur if your home has flooded. It can ruin carpeting, wood floors, wallboards, and furniture. It can lead to mold and mildew growth, harmful pathogens that can cause respiratory problems. Water damage results from floods in the basement, garage or main floor from heavy rains, broken pipes, backed-up storm drains, or a broken sump pump.
There are several recommended steps to take to remove water damage before mold and other pathogens move into your walls and floors.
1. Safety First
You may have to leave your home if severe weather is predicted and you are in a possible flood zone. Do not ignore tornado warnings or flood advisories. Turn off electricity and your water system. Return home only when it is safe.
2. Stop leaks and remove water in your flooded home
Turn off the water in your home if the leakage is due to a burst pipe. Repair or replace a broken sump pump as soon as possible.
Water can be removed with a special wet vacuum or with a hose pump through a drain. You may have to bail the water or sweep water into a drain. Mop up the kitchen and bathroom floors after a broken pipe or flooding immediately. Inspect laminate immediately to determine if water seeped under the surface.
3. Call a water restoration service
A professional water restoration service has the equipment necessary to dry out areas damaged by flooding and remove debris. Spotless Carpet Cleaners serve Johnson City, Bristol, and Kingsport with professional water restoration service. We have two certified water restoration technicians on staff that work with insurance companies to give you the highest standards of service. Not only will we clean your home, but we can help you contact the insurance company. We have the ability to provide the specific information you may not know about flood damage, that can help with your claim.
4. Contact your insurance company with information on water damage.
Your homeowners’ policy should cover water damage from flooding, broken pipes, backed-up storm drains, and roof leaks. An insurance adjuster may inspect the damage and evaluate the cost of restoration based on your policy.
5. Dry out your rooms where the flooding occurred.
It is very important to dry out all wet areas in your flooded home as soon as possible. You may have to rip up your carpet and underlying pad if it is soaked. The air conditioner and a dehumidifier can be used to dry the room to prevent mold and mildew. A portable fan will also help.
Floorboards and lower portions of walls may have to be removed in some homes that have experienced flooding due to severe weather conditions. Wet debris should be removed immediately.
For more information on how to manage possible flood damage, call Spotless Carpet. Our job is to clean up the mess, so you don’t have to! To speak to a professional or schedule an appointment, contact us online here!
