A drip here and a drip there—this shouldn’t matter too much in the long run, right? However, you’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg, and you’ve probably got a much bigger leak at hand. The heavy rainfall caused significant water damage to several homes in the neighborhood.
If you don’t address the issue promptly, not only can it lead to health issues, but it can cause serious damage to your property too.
So if you think there might be a leak, take care of it now. Read on to see how to stop and repair water damage in your house.
Locate the Leak and Water Source
If you see signs of water damage, the first thing you should do is locate the source. Otherwise, all other steps you take will be mitigated, as the water will keep leaking out.
There are three possible types of leaking water: clean (rain and pipes), gray (appliances and toilets), and black (sewage). The only type you can handle yourself is clean water; the other two have contaminants and bacteria, so they’re hazardous to your health.
If it’s a bad leak, then turn off the water, as well as the electricity, if needed.
Dry the Area
For a small leak, dry the area ASAP, as mold and mildew can grow within a day. You might have to remove the furniture and other items so you can soak up the water and then run a fan. For bigger leaks, rent industrial-strength fans that are more suited for the job.
If your home’s flooded, then you’ll need water remediation services. This homepage has more information.
Check for Hidden Moisture
Everything might seem dry at this point, but water and moisture can easily hide from you.
Check your entire house, including under the floorboards and carpet. If you find hidden moisture, focus your fans on these areas.
Look for Mold and Mildew
You can handle small areas of mold and mildew, so put on some nitrile gloves and a mask, then clean these spots with a mixture of water and bleach.
Otherwise, contact an emergency plumber or mold removal company to take care of larger issues.
Remove and Replace Porous Materials
Wet porous materials definitely need to be replaced; don’t try to salvage them. They can harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew, and their integrity’s compromised after they’re soaked.
The exception is your carpet or wood that you’ve dried out immediately. Just make sure to properly disinfect these things.
Don’t Let Water Damage Ruin Your Property
Water damage can be a pain to deal with, as it can harm both your property and your health. Be proactive and find the leak, dry everything off, and eliminate mold and mildew.
Of course, if it’s a large issue, get water damage services. That way, you can resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. If you found this article on how to stop water damage beneficial, then keep browsing our blog page.
