8 To-Dos After Experiencing Water Damage in Your Home

Cleaning up a minor spill on the kitchen tiles is a quick task. When a bit of water overflows from the bathtub, a few towels can easily handle it. Such methods are effective for trivial accidents.

However, when you’re confronted with extensive water damage throughout your home, it’s essential to have a strategy in place. It’s crucial to know the immediate steps to take, to mitigate further damage.

Being Montreal’s foremost water damage restoration company, we assist homeowners daily in managing water-related issues. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to act promptly. Proactive measures are equally vital. This comprehensive guide provides insights into addressing residential water damage.

Let’s get started.

HOME WATER DAMAGE: 8 IMMEDIATE ACTIONS TO CONSIDER

Thankfully, severe water damage isn’t as typical as the occasional kitchen or bathroom spill. But the magnitude can be daunting when it does occur, leaving homeowners wondering where to begin.

When you’re dealing with water issues in your residence, having a clear plan is essential. Here are 8 steps to help you restore your home and possessions, with minimal delay.

1. Determine and Address the Issue

First, identify the water’s origin. Do you recognize the source? If it’s due to a ruptured pipe, shut off the related water valve to halt the flow. Is water entering through foundation gaps? Determining its point of entry can help judge the water’s cleanliness. For instance, while water from a burst kitchen pipe might be unsanitary, it’s still preferable to water from a sewage overflow.

Pro Tip: If the source remains elusive, shut down the primary water supply for your home, and consult a professional plumber.

2. Prioritize Safety

For minor water issues, electricity might not be a concern. However, in cases like a significant basement flooding, your electrical outlets could be underwater, making it crucial to disconnect the power for safety reasons.

If the electrical panel is located in the flooded area, especially the basement, refrain from trying to access it. Instead, get in touch with your utility service to disconnect the power. Once the water is cleared, and the drying process begins, enlist an electrician to assess your electrical systems, and any devices that might’ve been affected by the water. Ensure everything is deemed safe, before reconnecting any appliances.

3. Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider

While dealing with significant water damage, initiating an insurance claim might not be your immediate concern. However, it’s crucial to eventually get in touch with your homeowner’s insurance provider.

Typically, homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage incidents. Engaging with your insurance provider promptly, can be beneficial, as they can often suggest local contractors, including experts in mold remediation, and water damage restoration.

Capturing immediate images of the damage can aid both you and your insurance provider, during the claims process. If feasible, photograph the origin of the water, all impacted regions, including walls and ceilings, electronics, and any other possessions you wish to include in your insurance claim (when relevant).

4. Clear Out Easily Movable Objects

Begin by clearing out any items or furniture that can simplify the cleaning process for you or the water damage specialists. CAUTION! Waterlogged items can become unexpectedly heavy. If you find yourself struggling with certain heavy furnishings, like sofas or armchairs, let the professionals deal with them. Always prioritize your safety!

Afterwards, evaluate the state of your personal possessions. Some items with minimal damage might be salvageable with a thorough cleaning. If you’re uncertain about an item’s condition, it’s wise to consult a restoration specialist. Our team at KBS Maintenance is skilled in restoring various items, affected by flooding or water damage.

5. Recognize When to Seek Professional Help

Restoring a home post-water damage can be an extensive endeavor, and can also present safety concerns. Tasks such as repairing a waterlogged ceiling, require strenuous work on ladders, while sewage cleanups can expose you to harmful contaminants. If you’re unsure or hesitant about handling it on your own, it’s best to engage a water damage restoration specialist.

Pro Tip: At KBS Maintenance, our accredited experts possess the necessary tools and knowledge to tackle major tasks promptly and effectively.

6. Be Mindful of Mold Risks

Addressing mold is an essential step in water damage restoration for homes. Ensure all impacted areas are treated with an antimicrobial solution, designed to combat mold growth. While a mixture of bleach and water can be effective on many non-porous surfaces, using specialized anti-fungal agents, is often a safer bet.

If the water damage was minor and you managed to clear the moisture swiftly, using simple tools like mops or shop vacuums, you might not need the expertise of a mold remediation expert. However, if the water lingered for an extended period, and drying took several days, it’s prudent to enlist a professional for a thorough mold assessment, to safeguard your home’s health environment.

7. Sanitize the Area

Equip yourself with a variety of sanitizing cleaning agents. Scrutinize product labels to determine which ones are suitable, for porous surfaces. Thoroughly clean all areas, encompassing walls, ceilings, and floors.

8. Renovate and Reinforce

For DIY enthusiasts, post-flooding restoration might present an exciting chance to revamp your space. This could range from a new paint application, to baseboards, to renewing flooring and drywall. For more intensive tasks, especially the latter, considering professional assistance is advisable. Even if the flood occurred in a space you intend to leave as is, such as an unfinished basement, it’s essential to seek expert guidance on preventive measures for the future.

Facing Home Water Damage in Montreal? Let Us Assist!

Certain circumstances can transform home water damage restoration, into a colossal task. For instance, structural components, soaked for over 24 hours, typically need replacement. Hidden mold growth within walls, demands unique mitigation approaches.

When the challenge feels overwhelming, we’re here for you. Trust in KBS Maintenance to deliver top-notch residential water damage restoration services throughout Montreal, and its neighbouring areas.