Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

Flood Damage Cleanup: DIY vs. Professional

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

Unless you live on a mountaintop somewhere, your home is at risk for flooding. And even if you are on that mountaintop, while you may escape the wrath of an overflowing river or severe storm, all it takes is one burst pipe in the right location to fill your home with water. It doesn't take a lot to cause damage either. Just take a look at your living room and then imagine about an inch of water covering it. You'll be surprised at just how much can be affected.

So the water has come and you're looking at what is left in its wake. Is this something that you want to handle yourself? Are you qualified? Can you successfully remove the water, dry everything out, and then clean and repair all of the items that were damaged? Do you know where to look for hidden water damage, damage that may not be readily apparent? Are you familiar with the steps to take to repair damaged flooring? Drywall? Sheetrock? What about that ceiling, sagging under the weight of water from a pipe upstairs?

Obviously, there is a lot to consider. Suffice it to say, it is more than most of us are capable of handling on our own. There are certain steps to this process, and if any one of them is performed improperly or incompetently, than there may be serious repercussions down the road.

If your home is the target of water damage, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage. First, locate the source of the water and shut it off. This not only prevents more water from flowing in, but determining the source should also give you a clue as to whether or not the water is contaminated, and to what degree. If the spill was the result of a malfunctioning washer or burst water pipe, the water is most likely safe. On the other hand, if it is the result of a flash flood or some kind of sewer malfunction, then you can pretty much conclude you have contamination to a serious degree.

Also, shut off all utilities at the source and avoid walking in water while the utilities are still on. If you cannot reach the electrical box to shut off the electricity, don’t take chances; call a qualified electrician to do the job.

Remove as many loose items, furniture, appliances, etc., from the damaged area. These may be dried out and repaired elsewhere and won't present an impediment to repair efforts.

To make sure your home receives the best possible care, contact your local water damage restoration professionals. These companies exist for the sole purpose of getting the water out and returning your home or business to its original condition. They will also know where to look for damage that the rest of us would most likely overlook, effectively preventing long-term subsequent problems such as mold from occurring.

Recommended Reading:
Flood Insurance 101: An Introduction
Flood Readiness

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