Water Damage Cleanup What to Do and What Not to Do

Immediate Actions After Water Damage

Swift action after water damage can minimize the damage and prevent further problems. These steps should be taken promptly:

Call a water damage cleanup professional: They have the equipment and expertise to extract water and dry your property quickly.
Turn off water source: Stop the flow of water to prevent further damage.
Remove standing water: Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum cleaner to remove as much standing water as possible.
Open windows and doors: Allow fresh air to circulate and help dry out the area.
Protect valuables: Move valuable items away from the damaged area and place them in a dry location.

While it’s important to act quickly after water damage, there are certain things that should not be done:

Do not use a household vacuum cleaner: This can damage the motor due to the water.
Do not turn on fans or heat: This can spread the moisture and damage more areas.
Do not remove drywall or flooring yourself: Leave this to professionals who can assess the damage properly.
Do not delay calling a professional: The longer water remains on your property, the greater the damage will be.

By promptly addressing water damage and avoiding these common mistakes, you can help protect your property and reduce the risk of costly repairs.