Steps To Take After Water Damage In Your House

Water damage may begin from various sources, such as floods, leaks, burst pipes, or humidity build-up. Each of these can result in extensive destruction, often without warning. Immediate consequences involve more than sopping wet carpets or warped floors. They can also be visible through structural weakening and mold growth risks in your home's walls or foundation.

Quick action is vital. As water sits over time, its damage becomes widespread - costly and time-consuming. Understanding its causes and immediate effects is the first step. 

Experienced homeowners know water damage can be disconcerting. Immediately taking decisive action can make an enormous difference in the outcome.

Understanding the water damage restoration process establishes the basis for successful recovery. A comprehensive assessment provides for success when seeking restoration services.

Safety First: Verify the area is safe before entering. Inspect for electrical hazards and structural damage. 

Locate The Water Source: Locate source of moisture and, if possible, shut it off to prevent further damage. Locating its source(s) is necessary to avert further catastrophe.

Category of Water Damage: When dealing with water damage, determine its severity. This helps establish the urgency and nature of water damage cleanup requirements.

Scan for Visible Damage: Search for visible damage on walls, floors, and ceilings. Be sure to check unseen spaces such as basements and crawl spaces. 

Document the Damage: Take photos and videos as evidence for insurance claims. These will also assist professional water damage removal technicians in the initial assessment of the situation, before they arrive on site. 

Finding the source of water entry requires more than stopping the immediate flow. It requires understanding its cause. Sources such as broken pipes can be clean or more harmful, like sewer backup. The source will determine your cleanup approach. Meaning, water mitigation might require a different strategy, depending on the source.

Taking immediate steps is crucial to mitigating further damage. Initial actions are vital in making recovery safe and successful for everyone involved.

1.  Shut Off Utilities

Water Supply: Shut off your main water source to stop further flow immediately.

Switch Off Electricity and Gas Lines: If the water has reached outlets, appliances, or meters — shut down electricity and gas lines, if it is safe to do so.

2.  Begin Removing Water

Once electricity and gas lines are off, drain any remaining standing water. Pumping, draining, or vacuuming techniques should prevent electrical hazards. 

Pumping and Vacuuming: Use a wet/dry vacuum or water pump to extract standing water quickly. Do this as soon as possible to reduce property damage. It also saves time and effort for further cleanup efforts.

Mopping and Blotting: For areas with less water accumulation, mopping and blotting may work to remove excess moisture. Remember, every bit you remove now helps prevent more serious damage later.

3.  Addressing Mold Risks

Quick Drying: Mold can begin to form in 24-48 hours in wet environments. Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows (when weather permits) to dry the environment quickly and speed the drying process. Fans should blow across the wet area towards the open windows. 

Assess the Mold: Be wary of signs of mold growth. Should any be detected, seek professional removal immediately, particularly during emergency water damage cleanup efforts.

4.  Protect Your Property

Temporary Fixes: Repair windows and roof damage using plastic sheeting to prevent water ingress. This should reduce further water ingress into your property.

Protect Valuables and Important Documents: Transfer valuables and important documents to dry locations. If the items have already become wet, gently blot dry them or hang them up to air dry them.

5.  Contact a Professional

Consult Expert Assistance: Seek assistance from a professional water damage repair company, such as Best Option Restoration, for comprehensive recovery efforts. Our experienced personnel can handle everything from removal of damage through restoration.

Note: Water damage restoration costs can be affected by the severity of the water damage. Insurance policies may cover, or at least partially pay, for the damages in many instances. Restoration of water damage removes water, cleans and dries it, then restores the damaged area to its original condition. This process is usually carried out by technicians certified and using specialized tools.

Documenting water damage is essential when filing insurance claims, providing a firm foundation and streamlining the claims process.

Proof for Insurance: Documenting the damage provides unmistakable proof for insurance claims purposes, and is required for your claim.

Restoration Aids: Pictures also help your water restoration experts assess the damage. This allows us to understand and plan to address the full scope, expediting the restoration process. 

How To Properly Document The Damage

Pictures: Take photographs and videos of all the damaged areas. Include wide shots that illustrate their extent and close-up shots showing detail.

Written Descriptions: Supplement photographs and videos with written descriptions. These should detail each damaged item or area - date, time, and a brief explanation.

List Damaged Property: Create a list and include images of damaged furniture, electronics, and personal items. List the condition and estimated value of each item as accurately as possible. Supporting documentation, such as appraisals, are helpful.

Receipts and Records: Receipts or other similar records will support the value of damaged pieces.

Estimates: If you have already gotten estimates from restoration companies, include them when you file your claim. Your insurance company will probably give you a list of preferred restoration companies, but you are not required to use any of them. Preferred providers are usually companies that have pre-negotiated pricing with the insurance company for their services at the lowest rates, not necessarily because they do the best work. You may choose any company that you want. You can get an estimate from your local Best Option Restoration, and they will assist you with your claim, if needed. 

For best results, begin the property restoration process as soon as possible. If any areas appear dangerous, contact a professional to help you. The experts at Best Option Restoration will secure any dangers. Your safety should be your first priority. 

Best Option Restoration water damage repair technicians are certified, experienced and trained in water damage restoration in Littleton, CO, and can accurately assess the damage and what will be required to remediate the area. Our techs are well versed in looking for signs of mold, structural damage and locating the source. When it comes to protecting one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, having an experienced professional in water damage situations is essential. 

Best Option Restoration uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure that water is thoroughly removed from your property, including hidden areas where moisture can cause long-term problems. We provide expert guidance on preventing future water damage and can help develop a comprehensive plan for restoration and repair. By hiring a professional, you not only safeguard your property but also ensure a faster, more efficient recovery process, minimizing disruptions to your daily life and reducing the risk of further damage or costly repairs in the future.

Surface Level Analysis:

Water damage tends to extend beyond the surface. Most homeowners aren’t trained to handle water damage. Any damaged areas that are not properly remediated can cause tremendous issues down the road. Furthermore, the water may not be what is considered “clean”, therefore may pose health risks that most people are not aware of. A professional can easily determine what type of water is present and take the appropriate steps to minimize risks. 

Lack of Specialized Tools: Homeowners typically do not have the specialized equipment needed to fully assess and remediate the damage, especially damage that is hidden.  

Detection Tools: Experts use advanced detection tools. These tools include moisture meters and infrared cameras that can spot hidden moisture or damage to ensure an in-depth assessment.

Expert Knowledge: Best Option Restoration professionals have vast expertise in water damage restoration. We understand local challenges that may arise and follow best practices for restoration services.

Comprehensive Reporting: Having a professional assessment from Best Option Restoration will make the claim process much smoother with the insurance company. Our reports contain the full scope of work needed for your claim.    

Restoration Plans: Our technicians will present a restoration plan so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect. This is key for emergency water damage cleanup.

Water Extraction and Removal: Best Option Restoration utilizes industrial-grade water extraction equipment. This equipment drains away standing water, protecting against future damages and mold growth. In situations with wide-spread flooding and water damage, water pumps can be difficult or impossible to find. Since we own all of our own equipment, you won’t have to worry about the availability of pump equipment.  

Drying and Dehumidifying: Best Option Restoration uses Thermal Technology drying equipment that dries out the area up to 10X faster than traditional drying equipment used by most restoration companies. 

Cleaning and Sanitizing: When non-clean water damage occurs, the affected areas will be disinfected and sanitized to ensure a safe environment. 

Mold Remediation: Fast action after water damage has occurred will prevent mold from forming, in a lot of cases. In the event that mold does occur because the water damage was left too long, wasn’t properly cleaned up or was not discovered early on, Best Option Restoration is prepared to remove the mold and mold damage. 

Restoration and Repair: Many locations offer both restoration and repair services. These range from minor fixes to full renovation. 

Comprehensive Recovery: Best Option Restoration specializes in complete solutions. These range from initial assessment through final restoration. The result is to address every aspect of water damage and make repairs accordingly.

Techniques and Equipment: As professional water damage remediation specialists, Best Option Restoration uses professional tools and the latest techniques that allow us to manage even the most complex situations.

Fast Recovery Processes: Knowledge, expertise and the right equipment means faster recovery after a water damage emergency. Best Option Restoration will get you back to normal up to 3X faster than other restoration companies. 

Expert Guidance: Best Option Restoration technicians will take time with you to talk about avoiding water damage in the future, and will give you tips to help you maintain your property post-restoration.

Effective and Efficient: Recovery services ensure timely successful recoveries, while mitigating long-term issues and additional costs associated with recovery projects.

Peace of Mind: Best Option Restoration are industry leaders in water damage restoration. Our technicians are trained and certified in water damage remediation and know what to do to fix the issue and restore the damage. You can rest easy knowing that we know what we’re doing and arrive more than prepared to get started. 

Selecting an experienced water damage restoration provider is key for an effective recovery. Here are a few essential tips for making an informed decision:

Professional Credentials: Look for water damage restoration companies with industry certifications. This shows their experience and training to provide water damage removal correctly. 

Licensing: Before selecting a local company, be sure they hold a permit from local regulators. This demonstrates legitimacy and compliance with local regulations. 

Online Reviews: Getting more insight from reviews can give a truer picture. This is what some customers had to say about Best Option Restoration

“I could not be more pleased with the quality of workmanship & expertise that this company provided.”

“Outstanding company to work with. One call and they were here getting started within the hour. Not only did they get all the water out they also did the rebuild, to get us back to normal.”

“Very knowledgeable and easy to work with.  Handled large commercial water damage/ mold remediation project with ease. Would highly recommend!!”

Reviews & Ratings: Search online reviews and ratings such as Google or Yelp. This provides insight into a company's reliability and quality of service delivery. These are important clues on performance.

Time Is of the Essence: Water damage emergencies need quick and immediate action. To reduce damage as quickly as possible, it is an absolute must for recovery processes to cut losses. With every Best Option Restoration location being locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quickly when you call, with most locations offering a guaranteed response time.

Excellent communication and customer service will make the process so much easier for you and everyone involved. Best Option Restoration prides itself on our communication and 100% transparency. We provide a detailed plan before work begins and keep you informed every step of the way. We will gladly answer your questions and even assist you with your insurance claim, if needed. 

Dealing with water damage in your home or business might seem overwhelming. You might not know where to begin. Start by calling your local Best Option Restoration. The quicker you take action, the better off you will be. We will guide you through the whole process and answer all of your questions to make it as easy as we can for you. Here is what you can expect after you call us for water damage repair services:

1. Assessment and documentation of the damage

2. Outline the scope of work and provide a quote 

3. Assist you with your insurance claim, if needed

4. Begin the restoration process 

If you are dealing with water damage and/or flooding from leaky or burst pipes, faulty water heater, damaged irrigation system, sewage back up, or any other source, contact Best Option Restoration for immediate repair services. Each of our locations are locally owned and operated and will respond quickly when you call. If you are looking for the best water damage repair company, call Best Option Restoration. 

Learn more about our services