4 things to avoid doing after water damage

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

Homeowners may be unsure of what to do after water damage due to a burst pipe or any other cause, at SERVPRO, we can help.

After water Damage, There Are Four Things You Should Avoid Doing.

Homeowners may be unsure what to do after a residence suffers water damage from a broken pipe or any other cause. The most important measures include eliminating standing water, cleaning and disinfecting the area if necessary, and promoting drying. There are four things homeowners should avoid doing to limit damage and personal risk.

1. Allowing Water To Stand

Standing water can severely damage any structure. Water left standing will also become more contaminated. Clean Category One water emitted from a broken pipe can degrade to contaminated Category Two gray water within 48 hours. Contaminated water in home requires disinfection, whereas Category One damage can simply be dried.

2. Encountering Electrical Hazards

The risk of electrocution increases if a leak takes place near electrical fixtures, plugged-in appliances, or electrical wiring. The best way to limit this risk is to shut off the power at a breaker box. If water damage is present near this panel, contact the power company or an electrician.

3. Exposure To Contaminated Water

Heavily contaminated Category Three black water from a sewer backup or flooding may contain solid waste and other potentially dangerous substances. Even Category Two water may contain microbes or chemicals. It is advisable to wear personal protective equipment or hire water damage cleanup professionals.

4. Maintaining High Moisture Levels

High moisture levels that persist after any category of water damage will increase the risk of mold growth. Fungi require nutriment and moisture in order to thrive. Run a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels in the air and dry out porous materials.

It is important to avoid doing these things after discovering a broken pipe or another source of water damage in a home in Washington, UT. Each of these factors contributes to property damage or personal risk. The best way to avoid these factors is to contact a water damage mitigation and restoration service.