In terms of water damage, nothing is new. Flooding has happened in real life numerous times, especially during periods of heavy rain. Regardless of the cause, it is best to clean your house and renovate it as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.

As plumbing has improved over time, even those without a lot of plumbing knowledge can now pretty quickly repair damage caused by water. It is much easier to find a remedy if you know what caused the damage.

Here are some tips on how to fix a water-damaged house.

Identify the source of water

Look for water entry points in your home. Your house usually has three water sources. Water that is clear comes from rainwater or leaking pipes, while gray water is generated by appliances like washing machines or dishwashers, and black water is from sewage. Clear or gray water can usually be cleaned by a homeowner, while black water usually requires a professional.

It is always important to dry the area rapidly and to remain alert to hidden moisture. Mildew can develop if standing water is left for more than 24 hours. When this occurs, you will need to move all the furniture and other items from the house to a safe location and remove as much water as possible. When you have removed most of the items from the house, make sure that you inspect every corner. Check the floorboards, under the carpet, the door frames, the ceiling, and the area near the bathtub. 

Be sure to check for mold

Check for mold in water-damaged areas. Mold-ridden wood and carpet should be treated with bleach or replaced if necessary. Mold remediation professionals should be contacted if there is extensive mold growth.

You should disinfect your house

After removing the damaged materials from your house, you should disinfect the affected areas before renovating. It is important to do this in wet areas of the house to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Inspect and repair the home's most critical areas

Following the disinfection of the house, create a renovation checklist for the house. Prioritize what adds value to the home. When a house has been flooded, the roof and floor may need to be repaired first. The second step involves repairing the house's doors and windows, as well as the bathroom and laundry room.

Immediately conduct a plumbing inspection

As soon as the water has subsided after a leak, a plumbing inspection should be performed. This will prevent further damage to the house caused by leaks.

If you have critical damage, contact your insurance agent

Floods and heavy rains are common causes of water leaks. As a result, a home can suffer thousands of dollars of damage. Speak with your insurance agent to find out if you are covered under homeowner's insurance. The homeowner's insurance can protect you from having to pay for needed repairs out of pocket.

Water damage is sometimes too difficult to handle alone. An expert water damage restoration company can remove standing water, dry out damaged materials, check for mold, and clean and restore damaged areas. If your home has been damaged by water, you should contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible.

Give H2O Restoration a call today if your home has suffered from leaking pipes or has been flooded!