What to Do After Discovering Water Damage | SERVPRO® of Piscataway

While there are many things that can go wrong as a homeowner, few of them are more devastating than coming home to discover water damage.

Because of the high frequency of water damage emergencies—it is estimated that 14,000 people will experience water damage each day—it is important to know the common causes of water damage and what to do should it occur to you.

Common Causes of Water Damage

Some of the most frequent causes of water damage include:

  • Weather-related flooding
  • Burst pipes/faulty plumbing
  • Sewage backup
  • Roof leaks
  • Foundation leaks
  • Malfunctioning appliances

Step-by-Step Water Damage Guide

Regardless of what has caused your water damage, it can be a devastating thing to endure. Here’s a step-by-step guide for what to do after you have discovered water damage in your home:

1. Prioritize safety. No matter what the cause of the water damage, any standing water in the home can create an unsafe environment. Be sure it is safe before you return home to begin assessing the damage. If there is a dry place to access electricity mains, turn off the power to the home as soon as possible to avoid shock hazards.

2. Remove water. In situations of a burst pipe or faulty roof, stop any more water from entering the home if possible. Begin mopping and blotting if possible to remove excess moisture.

3. Establish airflow. By establishing airflow in the sodden rooms, you will be able to dry out areas that have sustained lesser amounts of damage. If you have a dehumidifier, turning that on can be helpful as well.

4. Check with your insurance company. Depending on your policy, flooding and water damage might only be covered under very specific circumstances, but it does not hurt to check with your insurance company to be certain.

5. Call water restoration professionals. Because of how quickly mold can grow after water damage, it is important to get in touch with certified water restoration professionals right away. There is no way to fully clean up water damage on your own, so it is best to have a professional assessment of the situation.

If you’ve experienced water damage, it is important to contact certified experts to help you during restoration. At SERVPRO® of Piscataway, we are fully certified and here to help you 24⁄7.