How to Handle Water Damage

From faulty dishwashers to leaky pipes, water damage changes in source and scale. If left unchecked, water damage can harm the structure of your property. Floors, walls and other surfaces are prone to mold and mildew growth after taking on water. The Paul Davis specialists are the ones to call when your property takes on water damage.

Getting Ready for the Experts

Before a Paul Davis pro appears, there are a few easy measures you can do to make the job speed up. You need to act quickly to salvage everything in your home from water damage. Before cleaning, evaluate the safety of your property. It's no secret that water and electricity are a hazardous combination, so inspect the area for electrical hazards on the premises before you act. Uncovered wires or damp electronics can pose a danger, even when appliances have been powered down. Cut power to all breakers and circuits to avoid electrocution and ensure total safety.

Saving Items & your Home

Water is a persistent substance that can leak into every corner of your house. Relocate all your smaller things to deter more water damage. Use a dry, level area to put books, magazines and other paper things. Magazines and paper or inked items should be lie on a dry, level area. This also includes small tabletop things, such as lamps and knickknacks. Once you've moved handheld items, paper items and other damp materials, the cleaning can begin. Move air around your property with air conditioning to dry the wet area in your home. Wipe or mop damp surfaces like tables to make sure minor puddles of standing water have been cleaned. Though you may want to try, don't use a regular home vacuum cleaner to clean water. This can damage the appliance or hurt you if incorrectly used. Once the room is clear of smaller items, use wooden or cement props to lift furniture away from the floor. Carpet and fabrics become heavier when soaked. All that extra weight makes rugs, leather goods and fur difficult to move. This means when you must remove a large fabric item, proceed with caution. Hang clothing, draperies and other fabrics away from the soaked area to dry thoroughly. Depending on how much water damage your home takes on, you might not be able to keep every item of fabric you own. The same water weight that affects carpets and rugs can hurt your home's structure. Because of this, avoid sagging ceilings or warped floors. These areas have likely absorbed the most water and could crumble under weight.

Why Paul Davis?

Professionals from Paul Davis are experienced with flooding. And with a little prep work from homeowners, the water damage will be removed more quickly. We know how to get your house back to normal safely and quickly. Our experts are knowledgeable and have worked with severe, moderate and small amounts of water damage in a range of home and commercial spaces. Furthermore, Paul Davis negotiates with your insurance company to settle your claims quickly, so you can return to normal.