Know These 3 Things Before a Water Emergency Occurs
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  • Writer's pictureKelly Ann

Know These 3 Things Before a Water Emergency Occurs

Updated: Aug 10, 2022


 

We all hope for the best, but it’s still important to plan for the worst. This couldn’t be truer than with a water emergency. When flooding or a major leak occurs, time is critical. If you’re wasting time running around, not sure of what to do, who to call, or where to locate important hardware, then the result could be devastating.

 

Know Where Shut-Off Valves are Located

  • When you are experiencing drips, leaks, or burst pipes you will need to know how to turn off the water in your home. Know how to locate the main water valve along with water shutoff valves for all toilets, sinks, faucets, and appliances including washing machines and refrigerators. It is also recommended that a wrench is kept near these shutoffs.




Know Who to Call


  • After damage, many of the home’s porous materials will retain water, running the risk of mold growth, warping, or breakage. Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 hours.

  • If you have standing water, dampness, or other water damage you will need to make a call to professional services to help with drying, cleaning, sanitizing, and mold prevention. Acting promptly in these situations is vital to avoid further damage. For water emergencies, the services available are often referred to as water mitigation, water remediation, flood clean-up, water abatement, water extraction, or water removal.

  • Once a professional water restoration specialist is onsite, they will work through the process of water cleanup, including water removal, decontamination, drying or disposal of items and structures, and moving home items back into place. Professional service providers are knowledgeable and equipped to clean up and dry your home or business quickly and efficiently. They want to limit the damage and get you back to pre-loss condition, and your normal life, as soon as possible. Restoration companies have highly trained technicians that are ready and qualified to tackle your water problems.


Know How to Be Safe


  • Just like any emergency, it is always important to be safe. If the source of your water leak is evident and safely accessible, shut off the main valve or close the window or door from which water is getting into the property. If you are unable to stop the water, call a professional plumber immediately.

  • Once the water is off, assess the situation. If the water is cleaned up easily with no other apparent damage, then you can clean up, wait for drying, and call the necessary professionals for any needed repairs to broken materials.

  • Water is very heavy and can quickly absorb into the materials of your home. Cleanup may include pulling up carpet, tearing down walls, and removing hardwood flooring or baseboards. This type of work can be exhausting and unsafe if not done carefully. Calling in professionals will be the best option for safety, efficiency, proper drying, and cleanup.

  • With some water emergencies it will become necessary to turn off the electrical power for safety purposes. Know where your main electrical fuse/break box is located. Only turn off the power if it is safe to do so. If there are concerns, wait until professionals arrive.

 

The most critical component of any water emergency is time. Even minutes can make a difference when it comes to water damage. Knowing some basics of what to do and knowing who to call for assistance can be a big help. Here at Pro Response Restoration, we are available 24/7 and are ready to take your call. Our trained and caring professionals can answer your questions and will do their best to get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.





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