Water damage can happen without warning and can leave you with a mess that you are unsure of what to do with. From a broken water line or tub overflow to a busted water heater or A/C overflow, it can be overwhelming to figure out what steps you need to take to clean up your property and prevent further damage. We have created a quick guide for you of the steps you can take when a water loss happens in your home or business.
Locate the Water Source
Identify where the water is coming from. A faulty water hose that is connected to an appliance? A water line inside of a wall? A roof leak? Maybe a clogged drain line that caused an overflow of a toilet, sink or tub? Knowing the water source will help you with what next steps you need to take. Are you able to turn the water off at the source? What kind of professional will you need to call? Knowing the water source will also help the restoration professional know what needs to be done at the time of arrival to ensure your water loss is handled properly.
Stop the Water Source
Once you have identified where the water is coming from, you need to stop the flow of water to prevent even further damage to your home or business. If the water source is isolated inside of the home, you may be able to stop the flow by turning off the shut off valve near the water source. Otherwise, you may need to shut the water off to the house completely at the main shut-off valve located on the outside of your home. When it comes to clogged drain lines, refrain from using the drain system in your home until a professional can come and get the lines flowing again. If your A/C drain line is clogged causing an overflow, shut the A/C system off until a plumber or A/C company can get it unclogged. Roof leaks can be caused by many different factors, so it is best to contact a roofer to come out to evaluate the cause of the leak and if a temporary tarp is needed.
Contact a Professional to Fix the Water Source
Once you have identified and stopped the water source, you need to contact a professional to fix the problem. Water damage cleanup efforts can be set back if the water source is not repaired and additional water continues to flow from the source. Making the repairs quickly ensures that the cleanup can happen quickly, preventing additional damage. If you are unsure of who to call, our team can help you find the right repair person for the job.
Contact a Restoration Professional
Now that you have stopped the water flow and have someone on their way to make any repairs, it’s time to get things cleaned up and dried out. Contact a water mitigation company like Disaster Masterz for your water damage cleanup. Our team will perform a full moisture assessment of your property to determine the extent of the damage. We will then develop a full scope of work to discuss with you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Depending on the extent of the damage that the water has caused, you may want to file an insurance claim to cover the expenses for mitigation and repairs. Times like these are what insurance is for.
Things you may want to consider when deciding whether you want to file an insurance claim are:
- What is your deductible? You want to weight the costs for repairs vs. your deductible.
- What type of coverage do you have? If you are unsure, reach out to your insurance agent for help.
Our team can help you determine what the potential costs will be so that you can make a decision on whether you should move forward with filing a claim or not. We will work with your insurance company and adjuster to help make the claims process go as smoothly as possible.
Take Action Quickly
Taking care of water damage quickly can prevent additional damage to your home or business and help prevent mold growth. Contact the team at Disaster Masterz at the first sign of water damage. We are “Here When You Need Us Most!”
📞 Call Us Today: (504) 229-2727