What to Do After a Flood
Flooding is one of the biggest threats that Mother Nature has that can truly damage households and leave people stranded for a significant amount of time. It's not like a fire where it can be put out and the home can start to be fixed; people have to wait for flood waters to recede and drain in order to make any measurable progress.
Determine the cause
Not all floods are the result of excessive rainfall. Assess the situation and take emergency steps if need be before help arrives. Some may stem from a burst pipe or another internal source. If this seems to be the case, it's important to turn off the water right away. By acting quickly, you can minimize the damage and begin the process of identifying where the water is coming from. For help with replacing pipes and restoring your home, call a plumbing expert. This will give you peace of mind that the issue is taken care of the first time rather than having to do it yourself.
Begin the cleanup
In some cases, the flooding may be small enough that you can take the helm, but other instances that involve considerable water damage should be handled by the professionals.The cleanup process is one that requires patience as it may take some time to rid the location all the water and restore the home. Mops, rags and bleach solution should be used to minimize contamination from sewage backup or floodwaters. Vacuums should under no circumstances be utilized to remove water, for it could result in equipment damage and electrical shock. A professional will help determine the extent of the water damage and can properly clean the affected areas.
Get professional clearance
After a flood, you should NOT take it upon yourself to determine when it's safe to turn the water and electricity back on, as there may something that was overlooked. Consulting an electrician and a plumber can ensure that pumps and other necessities will work appropriately. By contacting a professional can also help to disinfect your water and test it for bacteria to greenlight it for cooking, washing and drinking. Because some flooding events can disrupt water supplies, dirty water can come back into plumbing systems in homes and buildings. Having an expert check these levels will be integral to keeping safe and avoiding possible diseases.
In coastal areas flooding and heavy water flow is a very real possibility, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. By following these tips and having an expert plumber on hand, you can start the recovery process and restore your home to working order.