Posted September 30, 2022

Depending on the severity of the damage, you would need to do one of two things:

Scenario 1

If you come home to find that it had been raining while you were out and you left a window open, then you'd have a soaked carpet localized to that area near the window, likely some paint starting to soften and peel off the drywall, and perhaps some moisture that has affected the surrounding furniture.

Then you would call a water damage technician, preferably from an IICRC-certified firm, like ResCon Restore, who would guide you through the process of restoration: extracting the water, drying and dehumidifying the space, checking for hidden damages and signs that the moisture has spread to other areas, and handling and remnant odors and, in some case, mitigating mold. At ResCon Restore, we also offer small-scale drywall repair and paint services, to ensure your space returns to its former state.

Scenario 2

Say you return in the evening from work only to discover that the load of laundry you threw in the washer that morning caused a detached washer hose that continually leaked for the 8 or 9 hours that you were away.

You walk into several inches of water that has soaked through the floors, crept up your walls, and caused a huge pool of water to leak through to the floor below. Your grandma's chaise longue is sitting in a 1-inch pool of water (Thank GOODNESS it is clean water and not sewage - We'll get to that in another post!) , but with its antique oak legs absorbing water, and leaking streams of paint stains onto your carpets, your heart breaks to see something priceless get damaged.

Immediate steps you should take:

TURN OFF THE POWER

Water conducts electricity. A naked wire or fallen lamp in one room will project electric currents in all directions onto any wet surfaces. If access to the main electricity switch requires you to step into water, it's best to call an electrician and stay clear of moisture.

Call a plumber if the source of the leak is still releasing water. Restoration companies are not the same as plumbers. Guys like us come in to fix the damage caused by water, but plumbers will stop the leak.

Protective Gear

Rainboots, rubber gloves, anything to protect yourself from contact with water that is possibly contaminated or from slipping and hurting yourself and possibly contaminating your injuries with unclean water.

Save Valuable Items

Though you should not attempt to move heavy items on your own, you can try to lift the legs of the furniture and slide a plastic or metal plate underneath to protect that carpets and floors from possible paint bleeds.

Remove rugs, baskets, expensive artwork, and anything of value off the ground and out of reach of the moisture. The technicians will help you move them to a safer place when they arrive.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Depending on your homeowner's insurance policy, your coverage may vary. The insurance company will typically send an adjuster who will come and assess the damages and and determine if it is a loss that the insurance company will cover.

If your insurance agency doesn't agree to cover some costs or doesn't deem some repairs necessary, your restoration company will negotiate your coverage to ensure that we do everything that needed to return your home to its previous state, AND that your insurance will pay for it. 

Document the Damage

A simple notepad and phone camera will do. You should take still pictures of each room, every damaged item or piece of furniture, and even record some video footage. You should take multiple images and keep track of the time. Water damage gets worse with time, so what may not look like severe damage to begin with, may be irreparable within a few hours. This documentation will help you with insurance claims. 

It's also a good idea to check out if the damage has spread to other floors. Water typically leaks downwards due to gravity, but it also can spread upwards as it is absorbed into walls and can even go as high up as ceiling spaces. 

The technicians will also point out additional damaged areas when they arrive, but be sure to document the initial damages as well as the source of the water leak if you know where it's coming from.

Start the Mitigation Process ASAP

Ideally within the first few hours water should be extracted, otherwise do not delay past 24-48 hours. The longer water sits, the more damage the invasive moisture WILL cause.

A water restoration company will help you get through this difficult time. Depending on the extent of the damage, it's always best to get a professional to assess the damage. You may need to replace flooring, drywall and insulation, all of which may be damaged beyond repair.

Any moisture that cannot be extracted and dried poses a risk for mold and mildew growth, leading to more serious and hazardous problems down the line. It's best to get it taken care of by a professional who understands the mitigation process.