Water damage is like a nightmare. It created a situation of mess and panic all around us. The first 24 hours are crucial concerning water damage as this will identify the extent of damage that can occur.

Water damage can happen due to several reasons.

It is essential to identify the source of water to restore your property. But the big question which arises is how. Follow these steps to fix your house after water damage!

1) Safety Precautions are of utmost importance

Water damage has three categories: clean water damage, grey water damage, and black water damage. The first one does not pose any threat to health, but the latter one does. It contains sewage, biohazardous waste like urine and feces, overflowing water from dishwater, and washing machines.

If you move in this water, then there are chances that you can expose yourself to a gastrointestinal disorder, skin infections, skin rashes, respiratory infection, etc. Safety precautions are crucial.

Follow the following precautions:
Wear an N-95 mask, face shield, and gloves in hand.
It would help if you preferred to wear long boots, full sleeves shirt, and trousers.

You should also know that water is a good conductor of electricity and thus you should not touch electrical appliances as you may get electrocuted. You should avoid going in water even after following the above precautions until the main power supply is off. 

   
2) Locating the source and close it 

The first step of water restoration is locating the water source; otherwise, water will keep on flooding the place. In case of water damage, the water can originate from overflowing bathtubs, dishwashers, washing machines, toilet pots, leakage in a pipe, bursting of an internal line, etc.

If there is flood water, you need to wait for the level to go down and let the condition stabilize. With the advancement of technology, you can now install automatic shutoff valves, which shut down the area where the water starts to accumulate. It reduces the spread of damage to several folds. 

3) Extracting the water

 
After locating and closing the water source, you need to remove the water there on the site. There are several ways of water removal. You can remove the water with the help of a bucket if the water level is low and if your body allows such a type of physical excursion.

Otherwise, you can use a wet, electric, or gas pump to extract the water out. This method reduces physical activity and also increases the pace of the process.

Keep in mind that if the standing water is there for more than 24-48 hours, then there are chances of mold growth; thus, remove the water as quickly as possible. Several restoration services can resolve your issue quickly. 

4) Dry out the place immediately

Once you have extracted the water, you need to dry the place completely. Moisture and Dampness are the factors that contribute to the growth of the mold. Mold can grow on any surface such as glass, wood, marbles, cemented walls.  

To fasten up this process, ensure proper ventilation of the property. Keep the windows open so that fresh air can circulate and proper ventilation enter the house. Sunlight helps in killing microbes.

You should also open all the fans and install extra ones if need. Dehumidifiers are of great help too. You can rent them, and in case you have hired a restoration company, they will do the needful.

5) Segregating the waste and disposing of it 

Water damages several things in our house. Throw away all the damaged stuff. All the electrical items in the water for more than a few hours are unfit for any further use, and you should throw them. 

Anything in the water for more than 24 hours has higher chances of mold growth over it, and they are not salvageable any further. Never consume any food item, whether open or close, after water damage as they have high chances of causing infection. Clean and disinfect all the other items. If they are wet, wash them and let them dry out until they are scorched. 

6) Restoring and Moving Back

The last step of this process is restoration. It would help if you rebuilt the place. Depending on the damage, the extent of repair is required. You can hire one of the best restoration services in your area.

Hiring a restoration company is the best way to deal with this situation as they can tackle multiple adversities for you. They are an all-in-one solution to the replacement of carpeting, flooring, and many such damages.