Even conscientious homeowners can have a flooding emergency that they didn’t see coming. Sometimes your flood damage might be the result of a river or body of water overflowing, and other times it might be the result of a distracted individual who forgot to turn off the bathtub or pipes backing up. Whatever the source of your flood damage, you will most likely need professional help. Until professionals can arrive, however, here are a few things you can do.
One of the most important things to do after flood damage is find and stop the source of the water flow. This might be turning off the tap or it might be turning off the water main to your property- both are effective. If the water is coming from outside your home due to excessive rain or flash flooding, sandbagging is useful.
Once you’ve stopped the water flow, you will need to start working a “triage” system of your possessions and decide what needs the most attention. Carpeting and rugs can sometimes be saved, but shouldn’t be left inside your property since mold growth occurs within hours. Wet furniture and other possessions will all need to be removed. After that, you can sort items you want to try to salvage versus ones that need to be disposed of.
Finally, work to get rid of as much water as possible. Things like wet-vacs and mops will help, but you will be shocked at how efficiently and completely professional cleaning equipment can remove water from your home!
We here at AdvantaClean of Lake Norman, Hickory and Gastonia are anxious to help if you have flood damage. Please contact us at the first sign of an issue, 24/7.