What To Do After Water Damage In Your Home

9/20/2024 (Permalink)

One of the most devastating things you can experience is water damage in your home. Leaking appliances, broken pipes, or more serious plumbing issues can all cause significant issues. Waiting to deal with the damage can make this much worse. Mold can start growing in as little as 24 hours, even with a small amount of water. Ignoring water damage can also lead to safety hazards and structural problems. 

This is why it's crucial to do some simple steps immediately after finding a water leak in your home, regardless of the severity. Please remember that contacting a professional restoration company is crucial in almost all water damage events to ensure it's effectively dealt with. 

3 Steps To Take After Water Damage 

1. Stop the Water Flow: The first step is to identify the source of the water and try to stop it. If it's a leaky pipe, closing the valve would be the best action. If you can't identify the source, contacting the 24/7 emergency restoration experts at SERVPRO® should be your first step. 
2. Contact Insurance Company: If you're a homeowner, most water damage issues are covered by insurance. Contact your agent immediately to inquire about the policy for your type of water damage. A claim may be possible, and acting fast is the best way to make it happen. 
3. Call 24/7 Emergency Services: At SERVPRO, we offer 24/7 water damage restoration services to help you in a water emergency. We can be onsite to assist with stopping the water flow, removing the standing water, and beginning the restoration process. 

What Are The Types of Water Damage? 

Water damage is one of the most common types in commercial and residential properties. There are many things to look out for regarding water damage, including the category of water, which refers to the source of the water and any other potential contaminants. 

Category 1 Water Damage: Clean Water

This water originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk if exposed. Examples include water supply lines, melting ice, rainwater, and toilet tanks. During category 1 water damage, our restoration team at SERVPRO can save and dry affected materials rather than have to replace them. 

Category 2 Water Damage: Grey Water 

This type of water damage is known as "grey" water and contains significant contaminants. If contact is made, it is more likely to cause sickness or discomfort. It can be caused by a dishwasher or washing machine overflowing, a toilet bowl overflowing after use, or hydrostatic pressure seepage. When this water damage occurs, our restoration process will be more invasive, including removing carpeting and disinfecting materials. 

Category 3 Water Damage: Black Water 

Lastly, "grossly" contaminated water is referred to as black water. This is when the water can contain extremely harmful agents that could cause adverse reactions if contact is made. Examples of this type of water damage include sewage, waste line backflows, seawater, and rain from tropical storms. 

Contact SERVPRO of Newport & Bristol Counties 

If you're located in Newport County or Bristol County and have water damage in your residence or business, we can help. We provide 24/7 emergency water and fire damage cleanup services for properties throughout Southeast Rhode Island. For more information, please visit our website.