When a home sustains water damage
from a leak or broken pipe, it can be a distressing and costly
situation. The home-owner may be left with stained, soggy furniture,
ruined carpets, irreplaceable valuables, and a hefty water damage
repair bill. Such incidents can render a dwelling susceptible
to potentially harmful molds and mildew, and possibly permanent
structural damage. It is therefore crucial, at the first sign
of water infiltration, to isolate the leak or broken pipe in
order to prevent water damage to your home.
Spotting Water Damage
You are not always ankle-deep in water when you notice that
you have a leak somewhere in the house. Determining the source
of the leak can at times be a tedious task, so here are a
few tips:
- Listen for a hissing sound from within the floor or walls.
- Look for warped floor boards, discoloured floor-coverings
or sub-floorings.
- Inspect the ceiling for swollen, sagging areas, condensation,
and rust around ceiling fixtures.
The key to avoid water damage repair is to employ effective
prevention exercises which include replacing leaky faucets
and fixtures, yearly inspection of water heaters and washing
machines, and regular thorough examination of the basement.
It is also a good idea to inspect your home’s exterior
foundation for poor or damaged insulation which may cause
pipes to freeze and burst.
Emergency Measures
In the event of a major water leakage problem in your home,
prompt action must be taken in order to save precious items
and furniture, and to avoid costly water damage repairs. The
following steps should be immediately executed:
- Locate your water source and turn it off.
- Move wet items to a dry part of the house and cover them
with plastic.
- Remove all floor rugs and carpets.
- Pick up items such as books and magazines from wall-to-wall
carpeting to prevent dye stains.
- Wipe down wooden furniture pieces that are wet, leaving
cabinets and drawers open to facilitate drying.
- Puncture small holes in sagging ceilings to drain trapped
water.
- Do not use ceiling light fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
- Turn on fans and open windows (weather permitting) to
aid in the drying process.
- Mop up or wet-vac any standing water to curtail damage
to the floor.
Clean-Up Precautions
A flood or leak in your home requires a cautious clean-up.
Keep in mind the following guideline:
- Do not use any electrical appliances such as the household
vacuum while standing in water.
- Replace all water-damaged plasterboard from the walls,
and wipe down affected areas with a bleach solution to eliminate
the growth of harmful molds and mildew.
- Have the carpets professionally cleaned, or rent a commercial
machine.
- Replace the padding under your carpets.
- Allow everything to completely dry before beginning any
repairs.
You may be able to do some basic
water damage repair yourself; however,
it is advisable to obtain help from
a professional service which will
inspect your home to ensure that
all damage is identified and meticulous
measures in clean-up and repair
are effected.
