Considering DIY Water Damage Cleanup?

Did you just walk into a wet mess at home? If you have found water damage, you need to quickly clean it up. Once you’ve shut down the water source and electricity, you may be staring at puddles and wondering, “What now?” It’s time to assess and 1) do the water damage repair or 2) get professional help. Either way, you need to decide and get to work immediately. Wet materials can develop very serious problems like mold in 24-48 hours. You don’t have time to wait.

Before deciding to clean up the area yourself or hire water damage restoration experts, assess the situation and take into account the following important factors:

Water Volume

If your home has a small or moderate amount of water, a handy person with the right tools can typically handle it. However, in cases of significant flooding, uncontrolled water, or time constraints, it's advisable to contact a professional like Crossroads Property Rescue.

If your home has serious damage after a natural disaster or flood, don’t try to fix it yourself. Follow advice from local disaster relief officials and let the professionals handle the repairs.

Source of Damage

Before starting water damage restoration, it's important to identify the source of the water. There are three types of water to be aware of when dealing with flooding in your home. Such as:

• Clean water: This type comes from sources like rain or leaky pipes and is free of harmful chemicals, making it safe for you to manage on your own.
• Gray water: This water leaks from appliances such as dishwashers, toilets, or washing machines and may be mildly contaminated. With the right precautions, you can clean it up yourself.
• Blackwater: The most dangerous type, black water originates from sewage or flooding from sources like rivers. It often poses health risks and should not be handled without professional help.

Damage Level

Lastly, it’s important to evaluate the extent of the damage. Minor damage is typically manageable by the homeowner, but serious damage can be risky and difficult to fix without professional assistance. For instance, if flooding from an upper floor has leaked through the floor and affected the ceiling below, the damage is too extensive for you to safely handle on your own.

Possibility of Serious Mold Issues

Professional water cleanup teams are familiar with identifying areas of potential mold problems. Mold can begin to grow within just 24 hours under the right conditions. For ongoing problems, such as mold from attic condensation, it may have been present for a longer time. If you discover mold or mildew, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, as some mold types can be toxic to humans, and all molds can damage the materials they infest.

For minor mold issues, remove the affected material, and dispose of it immediately. For more severe issues, leave the area, turn off any airflow to stop the spread of spores, and call a professional. Also, keep in mind that mold can grow in hidden areas, such as inside walls or under floors, so you may need ongoing inspections and water damage repairs.

Water Damage Cleanup in Prairieville

Water spills are a common occurrence. If you have a small (12x 12 inch) area or water damage, you can attempt to clean it yourself. If the area is larger, or if you can’t complete cleanup in 48 hours, get a professional repair team in now. Every day that you delay increases the amount of damage and the potential for mold. Crossroads Property Rescue provides emergency property restoration and decontamination services to Bridgeport and throughout the tri-state area.