The Dos and Don’ts of Water Damage Cleanup

When water damage occurs, homeowners typically have one of two different reactions. Some panic and freeze up. Others want to jump right into cleanup so that they can get back to their normal life. Unfortunately, both of these reactions can pose different challenges. 

How should one react? What can homeowners do to help with water damage cleanup?

There are a few key things that should ALWAYS be done when dealing with water damage restoration, and there are a few things that should NEVER be done. Keep reading to learn more about the critical dos and don’ts of water damage cleanup. 

DO Stop the Source of Water

It’s vital that homeowners act quickly to stop the flow of water. Instead of panicking and letting more water enter the home, they need to locate the source. If the leak was caused by a pipe, appliance, or faucet, a homeowner can simply shut off their main water supply. While this culprit might be harder to spot, it is easier to stop.

When dealing with flooding and storm damage, the opposite is true. While it might be easier to identify exactly what the problem is, it might also take more effort and even professional help to keep more water from entering the home. This is especially true if there is major structural damage.

DON’T Put Yourself in Danger

Many homeowners might be tempted to jump right into the water to start making repairs or removing their belongings. However, they should proceed with extreme caution. Any standing water that has come in contact with electrical outlets, cords, or appliances, can create an electrocution risk. 

If they are dealing with flood water or sewage water in their home, homeowners need to stay out of the area. There could be dangerous debris or contaminants that are both harmful to their health. As a general rule, families should always prioritize safety over their home and personal belongings. 

DO Contact a Water Damage Restoration Contractor

There’s no reason to wait a day or two before contacting a water damage restoration contractor. The faster a person acts, the less damage they’ll have to restore. Most restoration companies are available 24/7, so they can be called any time, day or night, to start the process. 

A team of professionals can help to mitigate further damage by addressing the source of the water. Homeowners can even count on them to pack out belongings that haven’t been exposed to water yet. 

DON’T Use Your Household Vacuum to Remove Water

When people see standing water inside their homes, they want to remove it as quickly as possible, but there’s a right and a wrong way to do it. Instead of using a regular household vacuum to extract the water, homeowners need to let the professionals use the proper equipment.

A water damage specialist has the tools to extract moisture safely. While your vacuum should create an electrical shock, their heavy-duty wet/dry vacuums can get the job done. They also have industrial-grade pumps to remove large amounts of water faster than the average homeowner could ever do on their own.

Get in Touch with Water Damage Cleanup Experts to Learn More 

Homeowners who want to learn more about how to prepare for a water damage emergency shouldn’t hesitate to contact The Restoration Group. They can provide more information on how to keep families safe when dealing with water damage cleanup. 

For more urgent matters, their highly-trained experts are available 24/7 to help homeowners get their life back on track after suffering from water damage. Call (732) 334-3620 to get started.