Handling Water Loss in Your Home

Water loss can strike unexpectedly, causing significant disruption and potential long-term damage to your home. Knowing how to handle a water damage emergency is essential to minimize the impact and restore your property promptly. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the general steps involved in addressing a water loss, enabling you to move through each stage with confidence and a better understanding of what to expect.

Step 1: Limit the Damage

The first step in handling a water loss is to limit the damage as much as possible. Acting swiftly and decisively during this critical stage can significantly reduce the impact of water intrusion and protect your property from further harm.

If water is actively leaking, turn off the main water supply:

The moment you discover an active water leak, it is crucial to locate and shut off the main water supply to your home. The main water valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main water line enters your property. If accessible, turn the valve clockwise until it is fully closed. By shutting off the water supply, you effectively cut off the source of the damage and minimize the potential for further water spread.

Take necessary precautions for electrical safety:

Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. In the event of a water damage emergency, prioritize your safety by turning off the power supply to the affected areas. Locate your electrical panel or circuit breaker and switch off the breakers corresponding to the affected areas. If you are unsure or uncomfortable handling electrical components, it is recommended to consult a professional electrician to ensure the electricity is safely disconnected in the affected areas.

Remove any valuable items from wet areas:

Once you have addressed the water source, the next step is to protect your valuable possessions by removing them from the affected areas. Swiftly gather and relocate items such as furniture, electronics, documents, and sentimental belongings to a safe and dry location. This prevents water damage to precious belongings and ensures the impact of damage is minimized.

Step 2: Contact PuroClean, Your Trusted Water Loss Restoration Experts

Contacting a restoration company is a crucial step when dealing with a water loss in your home. Once you’ve taken immediate actions to stop the water source and ensure your safety, it’s time to reach out to the professionals. PuroClean has the expertise and resources to handle the situation effectively and keep you informed each step of the way.

We Quantify and Qualify the Loss

When faced with a water loss in your home, accurately determining the cause and extent of the damage is crucial for effective restoration. Our team of experts will meticulously inspect the affected areas, utilizing advanced tools and techniques to identify the source of the water damage. Additionally, we assess the extent of the damage, both visible and hidden, using moisture meters, hygrometers and infrared cameras. Using this we can then provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Time Sensitive Emergency Services

Promptly beginning Emergency Services in the event of a water loss is crucial for mitigating further damage. Although it will vary depending on the loss, common steps could include things like tearing out damaged drywall, extracting water from floors, as well as blocking furniture to protect it from standing water. Drying equipment such as dehumidifiers and air movers will then be set up.

Monitor Equipment

After completing emergency services, we closely monitor the drying environment and regularly assess moisture levels in materials to ensure effective restoration. Using advanced tools, our technicians adjust drying equipment as needed to maintain optimal conditions. This helps to ensure that your property restoration is progressing as expected and can prevent mould growth from occurring.

Repair Work

Once the estimates for repair work have been submitted and approved by your insurance company, the process of putting your home back to its pre-loss condition is initiated. We contact trades specific to each type of loss, whether it’s plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or any other specialized service required. Our team collaborates with these professionals, coordinating their efforts to efficiently complete the necessary repairs. Throughout the entire process, we communicate with you, keeping you informed of the progress and addressing any concerns you may have.