Preventing Water Damage

Water is an essential element for human life, but the damage it can do to a house can be quite dangerous and harmful. Water damage can have some immediate as well as long term consequences on a house. Water damage has its own categories and that depends of the level of pollution in the water. Category 1 is water that has an absolutely clean source like water line that has come ut of a dishwasher. Category 2 is water that contains bacteria. Category 3 is water that is highly contaminated like water from toilet / sewage.

The following guide can put a halt to water damage or probably fix an existing damage and prevent from further impact:

1) Time is less : Once a damage is done, it is advisable not to waste much time to start the cleanup. Stored water can lead to growth of mold, which is quite harmful for the health. Mold spores are generally all around and they grow with the help of nutrient and moisture, which they get from drywall / wet carpet. Mold grows rapidly post 48 hours after something gets wet, so most of the cleanup should be done within the 2 day window: https://smrpros.com/water-damage-restoration-repair/

2) Power should be turned off : If one's house is flooded (either due to a natural calamity or due to a water pipe burst), first and foremost the house owner should turn off the gas and electricity from main power source. No electrical appliances should be handled unless one is completely insulated and then immediately an electrician should be consulted.

3) Damage Assessment : Before the cleanup, the house owner should be able to assess the damage and if required, certain portions might require re-building.

4) Valuable possessions should be rescued : Any kind of jewelry, money or heirlooms should be removed if they are within the vicinity. Much time should not be spent on cleaning single items as there are other parts of the house that need attention; the stagnant water is causing the same.

5) Insurance : Flood damage is generally not covered under any insurance policy. However one can opt for NFIP (National-Flood-Insurance-Policy): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8XptcRCxD8