Water Damage Tips

From faulty dishwashers to broken pipes, water damage varies in origin and severity. No matter where it starts, it can result in serious harm to the infrastructure and stability inside. Porous surfaces like floors and walls are especially vulnerable to mold and mildew growth after taking on water. If your property experiences water damage, get the specialists from Paul Davis.

Preparing for the Professionals

Before a Paul Davis professional appears, there are several things you can do to help make the job faster. From the floors, walls, ceiling, and your prized things, it's important to act quickly to postpone water damage in your home. First you need to evaluate the condition of your property. It's no secret that water and electricity are hazardous together, so search for electrical hazards around your home before you start cleanup. Bare wires or wet electronics can present a hazard, even when they have been shut off. Cut power to all breakers and circuits to avoid electrocution and ensure total safety.

Getting Started

Water can get into everything. Move all your small things to prevent more water damage. Paper and inked things like magazines need a level, dry surface. Lamps, collectibles and any other display items should also be removed. The cleaning can begin as soon as you've relocated books, small items and other wet materials. Fans or air conditioning move air around your home and start drying the area. Wipe or mop wet surfaces like countertops to ensure minor puddles of sitting water have been absorbed. Though you may want to try, you should never use a regular home vacuum cleaner to clean water. Incorrect use of these tools can be hazardous to you and harm the vacuum. Once the room is clear of smaller items, use wooden or cement props to raise large furniture above the floor. Fabrics and carpet become heavier when wet. All that extra weight makes rugs, leather goods and fur hard to dry. This means when you have to remove a carpet, proceed with caution. Hang draperies, clothing and other fabrics away from the flooded area to dry thoroughly. Remember that water damage can affect these items permanently, so you might not be able to salvage them. The same water weight that damages rugs and carpets can damage your home's foundation. Because of this, do not go near sinking ceilings or bowed floors. Areas like these have likely absorbed the most water and could crumble under weight.

Paul Davis Restoration

Water damage is no match for the Paul Davis team. But with a little prep work from homeowners, the water damage can be removed more quickly. We will restore your property back to normal safely and quickly. Our technicians have restored a variety of flood conditions in a range of home and business spaces. Additionally, Paul Davis will work with your insurance company to settle your claims quickly, so you can return to normal.