So, you’ve got a situation. If you’re noticing dampness near the tub, at the wall cracks or near the kitchen appliances, you need to act quickly. Flood water removal isn’t impossible as a solo effort, but you should take care in knowing the scope of your project. If your home has busted a pipe, is suffering from flood water or is seemingly leaking from somewhere, fear not!
Follow the steps below to help you remedy the situation before calling a professional.
Flood Water Immediacy: Shut Off the Water
Stop.
Before you do anything, you need to turn off your home’s water source.
If your bathroom or kitchen is flooded, they’ll keep being flooded until you do so. If your kitchen or bathroom sink is leaking, turn off the knob located on its pipework. As for your home’s water supply, it can typically be found outside in your yard’s water maintenance line. If you’re having trouble locating it, contact a professional immediately. In all cases, you should make sure every appliance is completely restricted by tightening the knobs.
Flood Water Safety: Kill the Electricity
Next, you need to make sure the area is safe from electrical currents. Turn off any and all exposed electronics in the area. If you see sparks, turn off your main breaker. Your breaker box powers electrical sources in every room, so you needn’t power down the entire house if only a bathroom or living room is affected. If you smell gas, leave your household immediately and contact a professional. Do not reenter the household until an official clears its safety.
Flood Water Damage Prevention: Move the Furniture
Next, you should move your furniture away from any spilled water. Upholstery can become damaged when exposed to water, and you don’t want your cushions, drapes, loveseat or couch to get moldy, do you? Pin up the area’s skirts, and make sure any furnishing legs are protected. If possible, set down garbage bags beneath chair and table legs to block moisture. Then, prop up any wet cushions to be dried. Don’t use the washer or dryer just yet. You need to keep these appliances turned off, for now.
Flood Water Removal: Mopping
In all likelihood, you’ll need to remove standing water with a mop. Take up as much water as possible, wring it into a bucket, and channel it outside. If you have a shop vac, make sure it’s plugged into a safe wall socket before use. Do not use your normal vacuum, as standing water will quickly damage its interior. It’s important to check hard-to-reach places, too, as standing water can quickly infiltrate low-hanging bookshelves, television stands, closets and bed areas. Wipe down any wooden furniture with paper towels and regular towels, and take care in, again, securing any area with electrical currents.
Flood Water Drying: Open Cabinets, Windows and Doors
Finally, you should open up any and all cabinets, doors, and windows—assuming your home’s exterior isn’t experiencing rainfall. It’s important to dry your home, as constant air flow will reduce stagnant water likely to create mold. You’ll almost definitely need to contact a professional, so make sure the household is clear of debris before you do.
Contact a flood water removal team at Zona Restoration, and standby for their arrival. Your experienced providers will arrive quickly, and they’ll likely be able to restore your household to full functionality and safety. That said, you should still take great care in clearing out any standing water as soon as it appears. In time, your home will be fully restored. Inform your providers of any “problem areas,” and let them know of any hazards before they arrive. While your provider can certainly fix hard to reach areas, it’s still important to reduce exposure to hazards.
