Water damage? It always happens at the worst time, right before your family is visiting, or during a relaxing weekend, or when you have just finished cleaning your home.
One second you’re minding your own business, and the next, your basement looks like something out of “Finding Nemo.” Water damage always finds its way to you like that one relative who never calls first and just shows up.
In this blog, we’ll go into detail on what you need to do immediately after the water damage, before the mayhem goes from bad to worse, by calling an experienced water damage restoration company in Des Moines.
How to Handle Water Damage in Des Moines?
If you take the right steps, you will be able to simplify the mayhem, protect property, and avoid turning a soggy disaster into a financial catastrophe.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Source — Now
First things first, determine the source of the water and stop it if you can! If it’s a pipe break, an overflowing washing machine, or a leaky roof that is sneaking, the quicker you are able to turn off the flow, the less water you have to deal with.
If it’s a leak where plumbing is the source, shut off the main water valve. If the water is flooding your home due to a natural flow, your safety is a priority. Stay out of areas where water is rapidly rising. This may sound simple, but by shutting off the source, you may be able to prevent thousands of dollars of water damage repairs in Des Moines.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power (Safety First!)
Water and electricity do not mix. Before entering any areas that are submerged in water, cut the power at the breaker box in your house, if you can safely access it. If it is flooded, call an electrician or the fire department for assistance.
Just a few inches of standing water can shock you. It is better to be without power for a few hours than to get yourself seriously hurt.
Step 3: Save What You Can
After stopping the water event, and when you have assessed the safety of moving around, you should move what you can to dry locations, especially furniture, electronics, and valuables. If you have wooden furniture, we recommend that you place aluminum foil or blocks under the legs to avoid any additional soaking and staining.
And remember, time is your biggest enemy here. The sooner you act, the more you can save from eventual loss. When professionals from residential water damage services in Des Moines arrive, they will be utilizing special equipment that can dry items faster, but if you can assist in their preparations, it will help get you back to normal faster, and you might even save money.
Step 4: Take Inventory for Insurance
Before you exert all of your energy “cleaning,” grab your phone. You will want to take pictures and videos of everything that is visibly damaged, including wet floors, soaking drywall, warped furniture, and maybe even your wet cat (don’t forget to photograph your cat unless it’s too sad).
Insurance loves documentation, and if all you provide them with is proof, it will make the claim process easier for you. And remember to create a list of the damage, along with the approximate value of the items. Keeping an accurate record can be ideal for being reimbursed for Des Moines water damage restoration.
Step 5: Don't Attempt the Cleanup If It’s a Huge Water Damage Issue
It might be tempting at the moment to take care of everything yourself; after all, how bad can it be? Unfortunately, like an iceberg, with water damage, you only see part of it above the water, and the rest of the stem can be behind walls, under floors, or inside insulation.
The problem with water damage cleanup if you attempt it yourself is that the obvious problems will lead to mold, structural issues, and smells will remain. This is the reason to call the experts of a trusted Des Moines water damage restoration company instead to complete the cleanup for you using inducted dryers, moisture detectors, and disinfectants to fully restore all items and help protect homes after a water issue.
Step 6: Start Procedure to Dry Out
If it is a minor issue and not a large area, begin the dry out right away. If you can, open windows, use fans, and/or dehumidifiers to assist with drying out to remove the excessive moisture level. If you are to remove wet rugs and carpets, do so if it is plausible.
For larger incidents, residential water damage restoration in Des Moines professionals run drying equipment to suck the moisture from mammoth wall and floor levels. They will continue to monitor the water levels until the area is completely dry and before repairs are attempted.
Step 7: Mold Growth
Mold can begin to form as quickly as within 24–48 hours of exposure to water. It prefers the wet, dark spaces of a basement, under the crawl areas of your home, or behind the drywall. If you notice a musty smell or see black or green discoloration, it’s time to call in a professional mold remediation company immediately.
Even a small amount of mold that’s never treated can spread rapidly throughout your home and negatively impact your health, which is one of the top reasons homeowners contact professionals to handle their moisture control and sanitization efforts to make sure it’s thorough.
Step 8: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have documented the damage, contact your insurance company to begin a claim. Explain to them what caused the damage, along with your documentation. Some agencies require you to use restoration companies they approve of, while others let you decide.
If you have already established a relationship with a respected water damage restoration company in Des Moines, inform your agency so they can work directly with them, too.
Step 9: Sanitize and Deodorize
Even after the drying process, floodwaters or sewage backups can leave behind bacteria and unwanted odors. Sanitizing your home is essential to making sure it is safe for your family.
Professionals offering water damage services in Des Moines use antimicrobial treatments and air scrubbers to remove harmful bacteria and lingering odors from your home. They are not simply drying out your home; they are restoring your home to a clean and healthy environment.
Step 10: Repair and Restore
After your home has been dried and sanitized, it is time to repair. Depending on the level of the damage, this may involve replacing drywall, flooring, baseboards, or insulation. This is the point where technicians trained in water damage restoration will perform their finest work.
They will not only repair the visible damage but will also inspect structural areas to make certain your home is safe and sound before you move back in.
Step 11: Prevent Future Water Damage
Now that your home has survived its experience with water, it is time to ensure it does not happen again. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Check pipes, faucets, and water heaters regularly for leaks.
- Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure water does not accumulate around your foundation.
- Consider installing a sump pump or water leak detection system.
- Consider having a professional plumber check your system annually.
When you’re proactive, you can fulfill the search for water damage restoration near me and minimize the chances of a small leak becoming another water damage situation.
The Importance of Being Proactive
Here is the truth: water damage does not wait. Every minute that passes is added time for structural damage, mold growth, and increased repair costs. If you act quickly and call the best Des Moines water damage restoration service, you can modify damage from relatively simple to a complicated (and expensive) experience. There are professional restoration companies that are on call 24/7 and can be on site in a matter of hours. The goal is not just to dry the house, but to restore your peace of mind, as well as to ensure the home is safe for years to come.
The Main Takeaway?
Don’t wait, don’t panic, and absolutely don’t attempt to soak it up with a mop by yourself. The certified restoration professionals have the ability and resources to take your home from soaking to sparkling. The next time your basement takes an opportunity to audition for the movie “Waterworld,” remember help is a phone call away from Rainbow Restoration of Des Moines.
We are a trusted leader in professional water damage cleanup, restoration, and remediation of mold or mildew. Serving homeowners across the Des Moines area, Rainbow Restoration provides 24/7 emergency response, advanced drying equipment, and certified restoration specialists who address things from small leaks to large flooding.
Contact us when the disaster strikes for fast, reliable, and compassionate restoration service.
