The Do’s & Don’ts of Clean Water Damage

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Contact us at 706-843-1990 if you have recently encountered an unexpected water loss, SERVPRO® of Augusta South is, "Here to help. ®"

The Potential Risks

Water damage can occur at the most unexpected and is always inconvenient. Apart from fire, nothing is more destructive to homes than water damage. This is because water losses can cause significant issues that may require replacement of destroyed property, repairs to part of the home’s structure, and even potential relocation of occupants for several days. Additionally, if water damage is not properly taken care of and dried out to completion, there could be further extensive damage in the form of microbial growth. Below are some simple things a homeowner can and cannot do to prevent further damage to their home, while keeping themselves safe, if the water is clean.

What You Can Do:

• Turn off the source of the water if possible or contact the proper utility department to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for the wet areas of the building, ONLY if safe to do so.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and using a wet vacuum pump.
• Wipe excess water from wooden furniture AFTER removing electrical lamps and tabletop items.
• Raise furniture from wet carpet by placing wood blocks under the legs or use aluminum foil on the legs.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computer, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to a safe, dry place to prevent moisture.
• Use wooden clothespin to keep furniture skirting off damp floors – it’s best to use wood as metal could potentially rust, further damaging the fabric.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet flooring or carpet.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at a regulated room temperature.

What You Should NOT Do:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water – ALWAYS avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors that may cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet flooring as it could cause staining and harm the rug.
• Use you household, non-wet vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

If you are a new homeowner and have unfortunately experienced a water loss, SERVPRO® of Augusta South Burke & Wilkes Counties employ trained professionals that are well versed in water mitigation. SERVPRO® of Augusta South Burke & Wilkes Counties has the proper equipment, training, and ability to combat any water loss that a new homeowner may experience. Furthermore, SERVPRO® can assist new homeowners on the potential best steps they should take to prevent losses in the future.