A Leak Caused Water Damage? Important Steps To Follow Next
While water leaks are not the end of the world, they can cause significant damage to your home. Water leaks can lead to many problems that include mold, mildew, water stains, and wet drywall. This is why whether large or small, it is important to deal with a water leak right away. Here are some steps to take after a leak causes damage to your home.
Find the leak
It is important to isolate the leak. If the leak is coming from the roof, try to pinpoint where. If it is from a pipe, temporarily patch the pipe. Move all wet items away from the leak’s origin to prevent further damage. Consider calling a professional to fix the leak, especially if it is a roof leak, or if you cannot determine the leak’s location.
Dry out
Start getting all wet items as dry as possible. The longer the items are wet, the greater chance that mold will start to grow. A wet vac will help with carpets and furniture. A dehumidifier will pull the moisture out of the room. Make sure light fixtures are thoroughly dry before use. Removing the light fixture cover to remove any water may be a good idea. Use a moisture meter to determine the amount of moisture in the ceilings, walls, and ductwork.
Pictures and notes
It is important to document the entire process. Make sure to note the day and the weather conditions, especially for a roof leak. Take pictures of the leak’s place of origin. Also, take pictures of all items that were damaged due to the leak. This includes walls, floors, ceilings, as well as personal property like rugs and furniture. Contact the insurance company and provide all the necessary documentation.
Fix leak
Until the leak is fixed, consider leaving all items in a safe place. If it is a roof leak, try placing buckets or large containers underneath in case it rains before it can be fixed. If it is a pipe leak, call a professional to get it fixed as soon as possible. Turn off the water to prevent future leaks.
You can watch some Youtube videos to maybe get an idea on how to fix it yourself, but ultimately you need a plumber like denver water damage to come in.
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Restoration
Once the leak has been fixed and everything is dry, it is time to take care of the damage. This may be as simple as replacing wallpaper, painting over some dry water stains, or replacing the carpet. Cleaning and sanitizing everything is an important step to not overlook. If there is severe water damage, a professional may be needed to fix a wooden floor or replace other structural damage. Make sure to get estimates, document the work, and report everything to the insurance company.
