Water damage - just hearing that phrase can illicit a feeling of dread. Water can damage flooring, walls, furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, plumbing and the list goes on and on. Water damage can also increase the risk of mold growth and be greatly detrimental to indoor air quality. Depending on the extent of the damage, your circumstances may require the services of a water restoration company that specializes in mitigating the effects of water. In the case of minor damage, you may be able to handle it with the following tips:
REMOVE EVERYTHING
Step one is to remove everything from the affected area. Quickly remove all furniture, personal items, electronics, area rugs, carpeting and wet dry wall. Removing these items as quickly as possible after water damage is detected will give you a greater chance of saving them.
EXTRACT THE WATER
The water removal method you choose will greatly depend on the severity of your incident. You may be able to remove the water with towels, buckets and mops. If more effort is needed, you can reach for a wet/dry vac or a sump pump.
DRY THE AREA
Drying the area as soon as possible will also help to lessen the damage. You can use fans and dehumidifiers for this job along with opening up windows and doors to move air through the area.
CLEAN & DISINFECT
Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious health problems. When you start cleaning, you should have two goals: to clean and to disinfect. Household cleaners help clean and remove dirt. Disinfectants help stop the growth of bacteria and mold. You will need to clean and disinfect all areas touched by the water and all the items you removed in step one.
If you have questions or concerns about your indoor air quality following water damage, call the experts at Anchor Heating & Air – 770-942-2873.