Do you live in an area that experiences frequent floods or heavy rains? If so, knowing how to clear up flood damage in your home is crucial to keeping your property safe all year round. The last thing you want is to ignore water damage repair after a severe flood, or water intrusion in your home. Whether you are dealing with broken pipes, sewer backups, leaking appliances, or a flooded basement, early intervention is crucial to prevent further damage and costly restorations. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we can dispatch a licensed plumber to your location to inspect, diagnose, and repair the problem in no time. Here are helpful tips to clean up flood damage in your home safely and efficiently.
Turn Off the Utilities
Before dealing with standing water after a flood, turn off the utilities like electricity and gas. If you can access the main electrical panel in the basement without stepping in the water, turn off the power to the entire building. However, a flooded basement poses significant safety risks; hence the need to call a professional electrical or plumbing repair service. In addition, flooding near gas-powered appliances like water heaters and furnaces should be left to professional technicians to turn off the gas.
Wear Protective Gear
When it is time to clean up your home, wear protective gear for safety. This usually entails a well-ventilated mask, rubber boots, long pants, sleeves, and gloves. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, protective equipment is vital to prevent electrocutions, mold exposure, and other flood-related hazards. If you have asthma or other respiratory complications, it is important to consult your doctor for a tailored cleaning plan that protects your overall well-being.
Remove the Water
After a flood, removing as much water as possible is crucial to prevent further damage and safety hazards. You can use a container or bucket to carry water out if you are dealing with several inches of flood water indoors. When dealing with small amounts of water, use a wet/dry vacuum to eliminate all the moisture from your spaces. Additionally, you may be forced to tear down wet plaster and drywall, allowing your home to dry from the inside.
Toss and Sanitize
If something has sat in flood water for a long time and cannot be cleaned, get rid of it quickly. Flood water can contain contaminated sewer water, which is a serious threat to your health and well-being. In addition, items that have been exposed to flood water for over 48 hours can grow mold, affecting the quality of your living and working spaces. Once you toss damaged items, clean and sanitize hard surfaces to kill harmful micro-organisms. If you prefer a more professional approach, hire a plumbing repair service to restore your home to pre-damage condition.
Use Fans
Another crucial tip when cleaning up flood damage is to run fans and ventilators to enhance air circulation and discourage mold growth. Depending on the severity of the flood, you may need to mount box fans in the windows to blow air out, extracting dust, dirt, and mold spores. In the case of severe water damage following a flood, it is advisable to call a professional plumber in Bridgeton, NJ to handle the cleanup and repairs.
Get Professional Help
Clearing up flood damage in your home demands quick action, patience, and thorough attention to detail. From removing standing water to drying, disinfecting, and repairing the aftermath, each step plays a vital role in restoring both your space and your peace of mind. While the process may feel overwhelming at first, taking it one task at a time can make it manageable. Contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing and schedule a consultation to prevent costly mistakes and ensure your home is safe and sound.
