Water damage can strike at any time and in any place. You might be at home relaxing when suddenly a downpour hits your house. You might be in the middle of preparing dinner when a leak in the pipe leads to a flood in the kitchen. No matter where you are or what you’re doing, a flood makes you worry. How to Repair Water Damage at Home?
It’s a common fear and an all-too-real scenario. No matter how carefully and prudently you take care of your home, it’s possible that water may find its way inside. When this happens, you’ll want to know how to repair water damage at home as soon as possible. Here’s what you should do.
Table of Contents
Figure out the extent of the damage
The first step is to figure out just how bad the damage is. The extent of the damage will give you an idea of how long the cleanup will take, and may also indicate what other damage may be present. Look for signs of water damage such as water dripping from the ceiling, walls, and floors; discoloration of walls, floors, and ceilings; and water stains on furniture, cabinets, and other surfaces. Pay particular attention to areas where dirt or debris might accumulate, like corners, window and door frames, and areas near pipes, electrical boxes, and the like.
Turn off the water source
If the water damage is limited to the water source and areas immediately surrounding it, then you only need to turn off the main water supply to the property. If the water damage extends beyond the area directly surrounding the water source, then you’ll also need to turn off the water to other areas of the house. This is because water may still be flowing through walls, ceilings, and other areas despite the fact that it has been turned off at the main supply.
Look for signs of mold or structural damage
Once the water source has been shut off, it’s time to check out the extent of the damage and see if you can spot any signs of mold or structural damage. Mold is one of the first things homeowners worry about after a flood, but it’s not always a bad thing. Mold loves warm, wet areas, so if you see it in the walls of your basement or in the corners of your kitchen, it’s a good sign that the water source was nearby. However, it should always be taken care of promptly to avoid health issues. If you don’t see any signs of mold, then it’s time to move on to other concerns.
Find out if you need professional help
If the damage is relatively minor, meaning no major structural damage has occurred, you can probably handle it yourself. However, if the extent of the damage is significant, meaning you’ll need professional help, then you should call in the professionals. The type of professional help you’ll need will depend on the extent of the damage and the type of situation it is.
Protect other areas in your home
Once you’ve determined that professional help is needed, protect other areas of your home. Keep all furniture and valuables at a safe distance from the affected area and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or handkerchief when in the area. This will help to prevent exposure to mold and other contaminants. If possible, move other areas of the house that aren’t directly affected by the water from which to wait for the professionals to arrive. This will also give the professionals a clear path to follow when they arrive.
Make a plan to deal with the water damage
Once you’ve determined that professional help is needed, you’ll need to make a plan to deal with the water damage. The goal here is to minimize further damage, cleanup, and prevent mold and other contaminants from spreading throughout your home. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the main water source and open the main shutoff valve
- Remove all furniture and valuables from the area
- Remove all window and door frames
- Clear out all drawers, cabinets, and other areas where dirt and debris may accumulate
- Remove all appliances and extra furnishings from the room
- Tag all hazardous materials and dispose of them properly
- Secure all doors and windows to prevent further water damage
Conclusion
In many situations, water damage is a relatively minor problem that can be handled by a homeowner at home. However, in other situations, especially if the home was recently painted or has decorative or structural elements made of brick or stone, water damage can be much more extensive and pose a greater risk of structural damage. In these situations, it’s best to call in professional help.