Immediate Steps for Water Damage in the Home
You wake to find a pipe has burst. There is water on the floor, your possessions are getting soaked, and you are left wondering what to do first as panic sets in.
We at J Brian Day know how overwhelming that can be. For more than 35 years, we have helped homeowners across Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut put their homes back together after every type of water damage. Should you require water damage assistance, you can reach us at (866) 621-2102. We are on the line 24/7 because water emergencies don’t wait for business hours.
Time is of the essence with water damage. What you do in the first hour could be the difference between an easy fix and an expensive, protracted restoration. Here is our advice on how to handle the situation.
Make Safety Your Priority
Your first concern should be your own safety. A mix of water and electricity is no joke, and there may be unseen dangers in the standing water.
Do the following without delay:
- If you can get to your breaker box safely, cut the power to the rooms in question.
- Do not wade through water if it has reached any appliances or outlets.
- Put on some rubber boots and gloves before going into a wet space.
- Be on the lookout for sagging ceilings; they have a way of caving in without warning.
- Make sure pets and children are kept clear of the area.
When in doubt, leave the area and call the professionals.
Cut Off the Water Source
After you have made sure you are safe, stop any additional water from entering if you can. The sooner you do, the better off you will be.
A plumbing failure or broken pipe means you need to turn off the main valve, which in most houses, is located in the basement or utility room where the line comes in. With a roof leak or flood, there is not much you can do until the weather improves, so a restoration team becomes even more important.
Put It on Record for Insurance Purposes
It is easy to overlook this when you are under pressure, but make sure to document the scene with photos and video before you clean up. You will be glad you did when filing a claim later on.
Take wide-angle photos of the room, as well as close-ups of the walls, flooring, and any furniture that has been ruined. Show the water lines and the source of the problem if you can see it. Also keep hold of any damaged items and the receipts for emergency purchases until the adjuster says otherwise.
Start Drying Out the Area
While you are waiting for us to arrive, you can begin to mop up and dry things off, provided it is safe. Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours, so every minute matters.
Use a mop or towels to remove standing water, prop up wet cushions, and wipe down wood to avoid stains. Open a window and set a fan to some circulation. Move rugs and valuables somewhere dry.
But understand that a shop vac and a few fans have their limits. Water has a habit of seeping into insulation and under floors where you cannot get to it.
Let the Professionals Handle It
What you see on the surface is seldom the whole story of the water damage. Moisture in building materials can lead to structural issues and mold, which is why enlisting a restoration team is a wise move.
Our team at J Brian Day has the moisture-detection tools and drying equipment to track down and eliminate hidden water. We are fully licensed and insured and stand behind our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. With a 4.8-star rating from over 183 Google reviews, we are the ones homeowners in the region rely on. We also provide free estimates so there are no surprises.
Do not put it off and hope the water dries out on its own. Give J Brian Day a ring at (866) 621-2102 day or night. We are here around the clock to take some of the stress off and protect your home.
