Water damage can occur at any time, and there’s never a good time for a flood. You could waken in the middle of the night to discover that a supply line to the commode has broken. The water has flooded the hallway and is dropping into the lower levels through the floor. It could come in through a leak in the roof, a defective piece of window trim or general flooding outside. Whether the water is from a sewer line or fresh water line, there are ways to minimize the damage and get your house back in order fast.
Stop the Flooding
The first order of business is to stop the flood of water coming in. If it is a supply line, then you will have to shut the water off at the closest valve. This may be the individual valve near the commode or sink, or you may have to shut down the supply to the entire house. If the water is coming in through a structural leak, then you can try to use large basins to catch the water for disposal.
If the water is coming in through the sewer lines, general flooding or an area that is damaged structurally, then you may not be able to stem the tide. You may be forced to wait until the storm subsides. However, there are steps you can take while you are waiting for the rain to stop. Call an appropriate contractor to see about structural repairs, and contact the utility company if you are dealing with a sewer backup. Finally, call a professional carpet cleaning and water restoration company to help you with the clean-up.
Surveying the Damage and Protecting Yourself
If the water coming in was a freshwater leak from supply lines, then you can immediately get to work in the area. However, if the waters are from general flooding or the sewer, then you should don protective equipment like boots and gloves to protect yourself from bacteria and floating debris. Never wade into sewage waters or high flood waters without protective equipment.
Limit the Damage with Fast Response
While the professionals will come out quickly, you can start taking steps even before they arrive. Furniture that is in the flooded area should be removed to dry areas. This will aid the clean-up and help the process along. Try to get everything out of the area. Paper items will probably have to be disposed of. Pictures may be saved with the help of a professional restoration companies. Furniture might be cleanable, but it should still be moved to a dry area.
If the flood involves sewage water, then you will probably lose your carpet and upholstered items. This is because dangerous bacteria can seep into the fabric, and even the professionals may not be able to save them. Items with hard surfaces may be rescued by cleaning them with a solution of bleach and water.
How the Professionals Help
With the area cleaned out and the help of professionals, you may be able to save the carpeting. Experienced teams will use high-power equipment to extract as much as water as possible. Once they have pulled as much moisture out as possible, they will put powerful dehumidifiers and fans into place. Over the course of several days, this equipment will pull the remaining moisture out of the air and carpet.
The professionals can also save your upholstered items using the same methods. The entire process can take a week or more, but it will save you thousands of dollars over buying new furnishings and carpet. However, fast response is vital when you find standing water on your carpet. This is why you should call for emergency services as quickly as possible.
High Quality Carpet Cleaning offers emergency services for flood and water damage. They know that fast response is a critical step in saving your belongings and preserve the structural integrity of your home. The professionals can advise you on what can be saved and what should be disposed of for health reasons. They will remove the water and restore your home. Visit http://www.highqualitycarpet.com/ to learn more about their services and how they can help you recover from water damage.