Water Damage Doesn't Necessarily Mean the End for Your Home

Water damage can be your worst nightmare if you don't learn how to handle the situation correctly. Don't assume that just because you have homeowner's insurance that you have nothing to worry about. One of the biggest problems about this situation is the destruction and chaos it leaves behind. It can destroy some of your most prized possessions. It is often something that happens when it is least expected. In order to minimize the amount of things you will have to replace and the amount of inconvenience you have to deal with, learn how to effectively handle this type of situation.

If possible, try to determine where the source of water damage is. If it is because of a busted pipe or a backed up sewer, you need to put an end to problem right away. In cases of a broken pipe, you need to turn off the water supply to the pipe. You can usually locate the shutoff valve by tracing the pipe until you see the valve. If your problem is because of a backed up sewer or drain, you need to get a wet vacuum and start trying to eliminate as much of the excess moisture as possible. You may need to contact a professional plumbing company to fix the problem and help with proper drainage. The sooner you can put an end to where the moisture is entering your property, the less damage you have to worry about.

Contact your homeowner's insurance. It doesn't matter what time of day or night you have problems that result in water damage. As soon as you recognize there is a problem, you need to let your insurer know so they can open up a claim and start the process to get things taken care of as soon as possible. Ask them what you should do and make sure you follow their directions or you can end up inadvertently voiding your claim. Ask them which water damage companies you can contact to help get the ball rolling. Don't take chances by choosing a company that your insurer may not provide reimbursement too. Each insurer has different rules; so make sure you understand your policy. After you get off of the phone, assess the situation and try to save as many of your possessions as possible.

Since you are dealing with this type of issue, you need to make sure that anything you are able to salvage has been properly dried and stored out of the way. Once all of the excess moisture has been removed, you need to disinfect and check for mold. Depending on how severe the damage is, you may to continue checking for the presence of mold every few weeks to protect the health of your family. Your water damage and restoration company can help you get things back together after a disaster like this. They can also help you learn how to protect your home and valuables from a situation similar to this in the future.