7 Steps for Water Damage Clean Up

It can be discouraging and overwhelming to face the mess left by a flood, broken pipes, or the aftermath of water used to put out a fire. Professional restoration companies can take care of the mess, but if you want to tackle water damage clean up yourself, follow these 7 steps to get a home or business back to normal.

Turn Off the Power

Before getting started on water damage clean up, be sure to turn off the power to the flooded area and then unplug all appliances or electrical devices. Water and electricity don’t mix! Another advisable precaution to take is protective clothing such as heavy-soled boots to prevent sharp objects from going through your shoes and a pair of heavy-duty gloves.

Remove All Water

The next thing on the water damage clean up list is to remove all water from the area. If there is standing water, pump it out. Use a heavy-duty, wet-and-dry vacuum to get as much water out of carpets and off of floors as possible.

Move Everything Out

After the water is removed, the area will still be damp and the next step is to remove anything that can be moved. Pick up anything that is lying on the floor and take it outside. Don’t throw anything away, however, because the adjuster from your insurance company will want to inspect everything to determine its value. At this point in water damage clean up, it is very important to get air circulating throughout the area to continue the drying process.

Get It Up in the Air

Lift large, bulky furniture like sofas, bookcases, and large tables up on blocks of wood or styrofoam to allow air to move underneath. You’ll also want to remove any rugs or carpeting in the area. Lift the carpeting carefully, because it may be able to be professionally cleaned and reinstalled. Be very careful during this step. The tacks used to install carpeting are very sharp and may be rusty at this point. After removing the carpeting, pull up the padding. This won’t be able to be saved. It behaves like a giant sponge and it will never become dry enough to reuse.

Heavy Equipment

After the carpeting and padding are removed and furniture is raised, it is time to bring in the heavy equipment. Professionals who deal with water damage clean up routinely use powerful fans and industrial dehumidifiers to complete the drying process. If tackling the project on your own, it may be possible to rent the right equipment. Keep in mind that the average box fan or home dehumidifier will not cut it here.

Spray for Mold

It will take at least three days to dry the area, and it could take up to a week. It is a good idea to spray the floor and lower walls with an antimicrobial agent to slow down the growth of mold. After the area is completely dry, any mold can be removed; but, where there is moisture, there will be some amount of mold.

Use a Moisture Detector

It’s a good idea to rent a moisture detector when deciding to take on water damage clean-up. Walls and ceilings can feel dry to the touch but still be wet inside, and a moisture detector will tell you when the area is completely dry.

The trained and certified professionals at Vital Restoration have the equipment and knowhow to handle any water damage situation. We are available for emergencies 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Give Vital Restoration a call at 217-679-0254 if you are in over your head!