Seeing our house flooded can be devastating. People’s first instinct is to salvage anything they can and start cleaning the house immediately. Only after that will they consider calling an emergency mitigation company.
Although our first impulses make psychological sense, our first response should be to call a reputable and trusted restoration company: they will have the appropriate tools and expertise to mitigate the damage and complete the restoration work.
Throughout our extensive experience, we have spotted the seven most common mistakes people make when tackling flood damage independently. These are honest and understandable mistakes; however, they can worsen flooding and create more significant problems.
1. Waiting Too Long
Water damage isn’t just surface-level—it can penetrate materials, causing lasting issues. The longer water is unchecked, the more it seeps into floors, walls, and even structural components, leading to problems.
Here’s why quick action is essential:
- Water Spreads Quickly: Within minutes, water can seep into carpets, walls, and floors, leading to swelling and discoloration.
- Mold Growth Begins Fast: Mold can develop within 24-48 hours, thriving in damp areas and spreading through spores. Mold can damage property and pose health risks to your family.
- Structural Damage Risks: Over time, water can weaken wooden structures, drywalls, and foundational elements, potentially compromising your home’s safety.
- Health Hazards Increase: Prolonged water exposure can lead to bacterial growth, contributing to unpleasant odors and potential respiratory issues.
Some homeowners attempt initial cleanup themselves or delay professional help, unsure if they need it. However, quick action with a professional restoration team can prevent hidden damage and escalating repair costs.
2. Failing to Address the Root Cause
While it may seem that a burst pipe or overflowing sink caused the flooding, these visible issues are often symptoms rather than the true source of the problem. Addressing only the immediate damage without identifying the underlying cause can lead to recurring problems.
Here’s why identifying the root cause is crucial:
- Avoid Repeated Flooding: If the source issue isn’t fixed, leaks or floods will likely happen again, causing additional damage and more costly repairs.
- Prevent Further Structural Damage: Issues like poor plumbing installation, foundation cracks, or roof leaks can weaken the overall structure of your home if left unaddressed.
- Identify Hidden Risks: Plumbing issues, drainage problems, or groundwater seepage can be underlying contributors to water damage, each requiring a different approach to prevent future incidents.
3. Using the Wrong Equipment
Buckets, brushes, mops, and towels are excellent cleaning tools for everyday cleaning and tidying. Unfortunately, a flood is an exceptional circumstance requiring extraordinary equipment and tools.
Restoration companies have professional tools that pump water, dehumidify, and deodorize large areas. They can do this in a minimal amount of time to limit the water damage. And they know how to reduce the damage.
Sometimes, homeowners make things worse by starting the cleanup with everyday equipment. They end up pushing the water deeper into carpets and floors and onto corners, thus worsening the damage and creating breeding grounds for potentially dangerous mold.
4. Ignoring Hidden Water Damage
A flooded house requires a thorough inspection to estimate the real damage. Sometimes, the damage is hidden and only appears in small stains or mold.
Cleaning up a flood is, in a sense, the easy part. Evaluating the hidden damage, however, requires expert knowledge and equipment. Restoration companies have special tools that show whether there is residual humidity in walls and floors.
Experts will also check the house’s structural foundation to ensure that it hasn’t sustained any permanent damage. They will disinfect to prevent mold from developing in flooded areas.
5. Salvaging or Throwing Away Personal Belongings
In the aftermath of flooding, it’s natural to want to save personal items. However, it’s essential to assess belongings carefully, as floodwater often carries harmful contaminants. Here are some considerations for handling water-damaged items:
- Beware of Contamination: Floodwater may contain bacteria, mold, and other contaminants. Without proper disinfection, salvaged items can pose health risks.
- Handle Items with Care: Attempting to clean or dry items without professional guidance can sometimes cause further damage, especially to delicate materials like wood, fabric, and electronics.
On the other hand, some people discard items too quickly, assuming they are beyond repair. Here’s why consulting a professional can make a difference:
- Professional Assessment: Restoration experts can assess each item’s condition and determine if it can be safely restored.
- Specialized Equipment for Restoration: With access to professional drying, cleaning, and disinfecting tools, a restoration team can often save items that appear unsalvageable.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Restoring valuable or sentimental items, especially if they hold significant meaning, may be more economical than replacing them.
6. Neglecting Safety Precautions
Water damage can create a hazardous environment with risks that aren’t always visible. Without proper precautions, homeowners attempting to salvage belongings or inspect damage can put themselves at serious risk.
Critical safety hazards to be aware of include:
- Contaminated Water: Floodwater can carry bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants that can cause infections or illness.
- Electrical Hazards: Water can come into contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring, increasing the risk of electric shocks.
- Structural Instability: Flooring, walls, and ceilings can become weakened and unstable, posing a collapse risk.
- Sharp Objects and Debris: Broken glass, nails, and other debris may be hidden in the water, leading to potential cuts and injuries.
- Gas Leaks: Damaged gas lines can lead to leaks, creating an explosion or fire hazard.
Many homeowners, eager to assess and fix the damage, overlook the importance of protective gear. However, helmets, gloves, rubber boots, and goggles can protect against cuts, slips, and contact with contaminants. This also reduces the risk of long-term health impacts of water damage restoration.
7. Improperly Documenting the Damage
Accurate and thorough documentation of water damage is essential, especially when filing an insurance claim. Restoration professionals have the tools and expertise needed to capture every aspect of the damage, which helps ensure you receive full compensation.
You need this documentation for two reasons:
- Comprehensive Records for Insurance: Insurance companies require detailed evidence of all damage to assess claims. Missing any areas can result in partial or denied compensation.
- Identification of Hidden Damage: Without specialized tools, homeowners might overlook damage behind walls, under floors, or within insulation, potentially voiding coverage for these areas.
With a thorough report, your insurance is more likely to cover all necessary repairs, saving you from unexpected costs. Comprehensive documentation also reduces the chance of delays or disputes with your insurer, allowing repairs to proceed without financial setbacks.
Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Restoration Company
Water damage can be overwhelming, with hidden dangers and costly consequences if not adequately addressed.
Here’s how partnering with a professional restoration company makes a difference:
- Rapid Response and Mitigation: Restoration companies understand the urgency of water damage and are equipped to respond quickly, helping to prevent further spread and minimize damage.
- Expert Assessment and Root-Cause Identification: Professionals don’t just address surface issues; they dig deeper to identify the root cause of the damage, ensuring that the problem won’t recur.
- Thorough Cleanup and Disinfection: Trained teams use industrial-grade equipment to thoroughly clean, dry, and disinfect affected areas, reducing health risks associated with contaminated water.
- Safe and Secure Handling of Your Property: Restoration experts assess which items are salvageable and which aren’t, using specialized techniques to save valuable belongings while ensuring safety.
- Comprehensive Documentation for Insurance Claims: Restoration companies provide detailed documentation of the damage, which is essential for maximizing insurance claims and avoiding out-of-pocket costs.
- Stress-Free Claim Assistance: Restoration teams often work directly with insurance companies, providing necessary documentation and helping guide you through the claims process, easing the burden during a challenging time.
- Restoration Expertise and Advanced Equipment: From moisture detection to structural drying, professional teams use the latest technology to address damage efficiently and effectively, restoring your home as quickly as possible.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that experienced professionals are handling the cleanup and restoration allows you to focus on your family and well-being, confident that your home is in capable hands.
In summary, a professional restoration company helps prevent further damage, saves you time, reduces health risks, and helps maximize your insurance claim. Partnering with experts ensures that your home is restored thoroughly and safely, giving you a secure and comfortable living space.
Get Help Fast—Contact Valley Restoration Today
When water damage strikes, every second counts. Don’t let the damage worsen or risk the safety of your home—Valley Restoration’s expert team is here to provide swift, professional assistance to protect your property and peace of mind.
- 24/7 Emergency Service: Our team is available around the clock to respond to your water damage needs, day or night.
- Licensed & Experienced Technicians: With extensive training and top-of-the-line equipment, we’re ready to tackle any size of water damage, restoring your home quickly and effectively.
- Insurance-Friendly Solutions: We work directly with your insurance provider, handling documentation and simplifying the claims process so you can focus on what matters most.
Don’t wait—contact Valley Restoration today to schedule an immediate assessment and let our team restore your home to safety and comfort.