The Do's & Don'ts of Dealing With Water Damage

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

if you need water damage restoration services in the Westmoreland, NH, area, turn to the experts at SERVPRO of Cheshire County today.

During the winter, the freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather can put your home in a vulnerable position. Pipes can burst, flooding your living space, or melted snow could leak in through your roof. If you’ve never handled a situation like this, learn more about what to do and not do, and when it’s time to work with a water damage restoration crew.

Do:

Shut off the water if possible.

If a frozen pipe bursts and is spewing water into your home, first, try to cut off the water at its source. This would be the water main shut-off valve, which is often located in the basement or along an exterior wall. Turn off all the water flowing into your house by rotating this valve clockwise. This will minimize the amount of water damage restoration required.

Remove wet area rugs.

Carpeting that has been water damaged can be difficult to dry out when stapled to the floor. However, area rugs are easy to lift and hang up for adequate ventilation. Even if you don’t plan on keeping the rugs, removing them allows the flooring underneath to dry.

Don’t:

Vacuum excess water.

You might have heard that water damage professionals use “vacuums” to quickly collect the water. However, these aren’t ordinary vacuums—they’re designed to pick up liquids. If you use your household vacuum, you could be at risk of electric shock when the water makes contact with the electrical current powering the machine.

Wait to call professionals.

While shutting off the water main will help mitigate the damage, you can’t fully restore your home alone. Only a professional water damage restoration crew will have the tools and techniques to remove all the moisture and sanitize the space to prevent mold and mildew growth. If drywall or other structural elements are affected, technicians can also conduct the repairs necessary to make your home safe again.

If you need water damage restoration services in the Westmoreland, NH, area, turn to the experts at SERVPRO of Cheshire County today. Since 1978, we have been restoring properties ravaged by water, fire, and mold to pristine condition. We’re also available 24/7, so you can rest easy knowing help is only a call away. Call us anytime at (603) 352-7251 for immediate assistance.