How to Manage Water Damage in Your Home

Even just a few inches of water can do serious harm to your home. The plumbing experts at Roto-Rooter specialize in water restoration. We also offer helpful DIY advice on how to deal with a water emergency and protect your home for the future.

Water damage is the second most filed insurance claim in the United States with billions of dollars in property losses spent each year as a result of water damage.

Follow these steps before you begin troubleshooting:

If necessary, turn off the water to your home
Disconnect the power to affected areas
Unplug and remove electronics and electric appliances from the affected area
Remove furniture and other portable items
Document the damage and personal losses
Call a professional water cleanup service like Roto-Rooter, to begin the water cleanup and drying process with professional grade drying and dehumidifying equipment.
Call your insurance company. Remember that Roto-Rooter will work directly with your insurance company to make this difficult time a little bit easier on you.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A FLOOD

Flooding is one of the biggest threats 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 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, as 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. 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.

WHY A WATER LEAK CONSTITUTES AN IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY:

A 1/8 inch crack in a pipe can cause as much as 250 gallons of water released per day!
Mold can grow in an untreated, damp environment within the first 24 to 48 hours

Water damage can be caused by many things: sewer line and toilet backups, sump pump and water heater failures, broken pipes, washing machine and dishwasher leaks, ice maker problems, flooding due to heavy rain, ground water seeping into the basement and natural disasters.

But it doesn’t take a lot of water to cause tremendous damage. Just an inch or two can destroy carpets and dry wall, warp wood floors, damage building components, and trash home furnishings and personal items, including photo albums and family heirlooms.

Even after the water seems to disappear, excess moisture can hide in your floor coverings, foundation, wood structures and walls—causing major damage to your property and creating the perfect environment for mold and other fungi growth.

But if you catch it in time, you can ward off a lot of the damage and save money and headaches down the road. It’s important that water is quickly removed and the property dried, ventilated and disinfected to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew and other microorganisms that are harmful.

The key is having the phone number for a plumbing and water damage cleanup team you trust ahead of time, so you can take care of the problem quickly. Here are a few things to look for before choosing a water cleanup company:

A well-trained and knowledgeable team. Each technician should have received an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and perform water restoration services in compliance with the IICRC S500 standards for professional water damage restoration.
State-of-the-art equipment/techniques. Ask the company if it uses efficient dehumidifying units and air movers to eliminate moisture and prevent secondary damage to furniture, walls and flooring, as well as extraction processes with both suction and compression, which bring water to the surface and suctioning it away, so it cannot be re-absorbed into the carpet or pad.
Vehicles should be fully equipped with state-of-the art extraction, drying and moisture testing equipment for all types of water problems.
Professionals should work directly with your insurance carrier so you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
They should be available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, including holidays.

Most importantly, know who to call before something happens. Researching a local plumber who’s licensed and insured ahead of time, and having their phone number on hand, can save you time and a lot of headaches if you should ever experience a water leak. Call the professionals at Roto-Rooter for plumbing and water cleanup service that will quickly get your home back in working order.

WATER DAMAGE CAN BE PUT INTO THREE CATEGORIES:

Uncontaminated, clean water that does not pose a threat (water from a kitchen sink or tub being an example).
Grey water from sump pump pit water or discharge from a dishwasher could contain contaminants and exposure could result in illness.
Black water from sewer backups or floodwater can cause serious illness or even death from exposure.

Learn more about how you can do your part with Roto-Rooter’s helpful infographic, as well as our extensive list of DIY conservation tips online. Our simple facts about household leaks will be sure to save you money on your utility bill while also helping you to be more environmentally conscious.

CAN I LET MY HOME DRY ON ITS OWN AFTER A FLOOD?

Just a few inches of water can do serious harm to your home. If you experience a flooded home, it is best to take immediate action to make sure things dry properly. Effectively drying out a basement and other parts of your home takes time. And drying is only part of the process. Full water extraction is the first stage. Removal of damaged flooring, furniture and drywall comes next followed by drying and dehumidifying. And of course, decontamination and deodorization is also necessary. The sooner you call in an expert to manage the flood drying process, the better you will be able to minimize long term damage to your property.

You can begin the drying process on your own by removing as much water as possible with wet-dry vacuums and pumps. Then dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

However, this is just the first step. Simple drying techniques are often not enough when removing water after a flood. Your carpet, walls and floor coverings are porous which means a basic cleaning will not suffice and extensive water damage restoration is required.

Surface cleaning only removes visible contamination. Microorganisms are often left behind, which can potentially cause health problems and unpleasant odors. All surfaces affected by water damage must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized in order to properly eliminate mold, bacteria, fungi and other viruses.

Roto-Rooter’s water restoration vehicles are equipped with state-of-the art water extraction, drying and moisture testing equipment. Roto-Rooter’s crews are prepared to handle every part of the water restoration process. Our professionals perform water extraction, remove unsalvageable contents and flooring and drywall, clean the affected areas, apply disinfecting agents, deodorize and thoroughly dry the structure.

IF I TURN UP THE HEAT WILL THIS HELP DRY MY HOME OUT AFTER A FLOOD?

Yes and no. Furnace heat is not the most effective or efficient way of drying out flood affected rooms, but turning up the heat is one method people use to dry out home after a flood. However, it has to be monitored very closely and used in conjunction with your central air conditioning system. Here are the steps you can take to use your heat and central air conditioning for flood dry out.

Close all windows and doors.
Turn on the central air conditioning.
Once the air is dry, turn the air conditioning off.
Turn the heat on.
Let the temperature reach 80 degrees.
Turn the heat off.
Turn the air conditioning back on until the warm air is eliminated.

The method Roto-Rooter’s water damage restoration professionals recommends is to use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out a structure. The specialized drying equipment used by professionals is not like your household fan. Typically, high-speed industrial fans and dehumidifiers used are arranged to facilitate the most effective drying process, as well as to control the humidity and moisture levels. Until the air is back to normal, mold growth is a possibility. The drying equipment we use is built to run continually for hours or days at a time and should not be moved or turned off by the homeowner.

In addition, every water-damaged site is unique and should be treated as such. Because certain areas of the home are more difficult to dry than others, each job should have a customized monitoring plan to ensure that all areas are dried thoroughly.

With Roto-Rooter, the actual cleaning and drying time of your home and contents will be determined by the scope of the water damage, as well as the time it takes to meet the drying standard. Our drying equipment and air sanitizers are left onsite at your home to complete the water clean-up process. Our advanced equipment is removed only when our certified temperature, humidity and moisture testing confirms that affected areas have been dried to approved standards.

WATER EMERGENCY? WHAT TO DO UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

Whether it’s a burst pipe, a water heater mishap, storm water or sewage backflowing into your basement, few situations are more unnerving than watching a massive amount of water pour into your home. Even a small leak is nothing to snort at.

So, you have flooding inside your home, you’ve made the call and the plumbing and water damage restoration team is on the way, but what do you do until help arrives? Here are some tips from Roto-Rooter’s plumbing and water cleanup experts:

Safety first. If you don’t feel safe in the house, get out! There could be a danger of slipping and falling, not to mention electrical hazards.
Shut off the main water supply valve immediately. Obviously, it’s good to know ahead of time exactly where the shutoff valve is located.
If it’s safe to do so, turn off the electricity to flooded rooms. Do not walk or wade through water to reach the breaker box. You could be shocked or worse.
If you can safely get to your sump pump, and the electricity is still on, check your sump pump to see if you can get it operating. Pull up on the float switch and check to see if the electrical cord or a foreign object has prevented the float switch from turning on. If your basement is flooded, a working sump pump is the fastest way to get the water out.
If it’s safe inside, start removing excess water by mopping and blotting the floors. Be sure to wipe water from wood furniture to keep it from getting damaged – and prop up wet upholstery and cushions for drying.
Create a barrier between soaked carpet and furniture legs (use a margarine container or lid, aluminum foil, wood blocks, etc.). Make sure there are no books, magazines, rugs or other colored items that can “bleed” on the carpet.
Don't use the TV or household appliances and don’t use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. If a room’s ceiling is sagging, don’t go in!
Do NOT use your household vacuum to remove water. Only use an approved wet/dry vacuum to extract water.
Get the air circulating. Use ceiling fans (but not if the ceiling is wet) or A/C in the summer to begin the drying process.
Put family heirlooms, art and other pricey objects in a safe, dry place.
Hang wet fabrics and leather items out to dry.

Of course, it’s best to research plumbers/water restoration experts ahead of time – that way, you’ll have a phone number on hand before an emergency ever strikes!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR BASEMENT FLOODS?

Basements often take the brunt of any flood, as they are a perfect area for water to collect. However, a massive deluge doesn't have to ruin your life. There are some basement flood recovery steps you can follow to mitigate the extent of the damage if you can act fast.

The following are quick recommendations from Roto-Rooter so that you stay safe while conducting flooded basement cleanup:

Shut off the electricity to the basement.
Make sure that you don’t have any broken or burst pipes. Turn off the water supply to the house if a pipe is causing the water problem. - If you have a sump pump, make sure that it’s working properly.
Protect yourself before dealing with the water as it could be unsanitary and contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms. Wear gloves, boots and other protective gear.
Remove water from the basement as soon as possible. Call a professional such as Roto-Rooter to provide equipment and services for proper water removal, deodorizing and drying.

Here are is some more detailed advice on what to do when your basement has flooded:

GET THE WATER OUT

Before doing anything else, you're obviously going to need to get as much water out of your basement as possible. This of course means you're going to have to pump it out, but you need to be careful here. The Red Cross stated that taking out too much water too quickly can also cause serious damage.

If you move too fast here, the pressure outside your home is going to be more than the pressure of your basement, which can cause the walls to buckle and even worse collapse. You should pump out roughly two to three feet of water every single day to ensure this doesn't happen to you.

STEP 1. REMOVE THE FLOOD WATER

If there is only a relatively small amount of water, you may be able to mitigate some of the flood damage by beginning the drying process on your own. Remove as much flood water as possible with wet-dry vacuums and pumps. Squeegee water into floor drains. If floor drains are clogged, try plunging or use a drain snake to remove the clogs. If you don’t own water removal equipment, you can typically rent a pump from a tool rental store. (Remember, diesel and gasoline engines create deadly carbon monoxide exhaust fumes. Never use gasoline-powered pumps indoors).

After water removal, dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew from forming. If possible, open doors and windows to help maximize air circulation.

Remember, water removal is just the first step. Simple drying techniques are often not enough when removing water after a flood. The approach you take to water damage restoration will depend heavily on the types of rooms and belongings affected.

MUD WILL HAVE ACCUMULATED

A factor a lot of people don't consider when cleaning up after a flood is the damage mud can do. Mud accumulated from a flood can pose health problems, and we advise that you get rid of it as soon as possible. This means going down into the basement and shoveling out as much as you possibly can. Check with the local officials to see if you can disconnect the wiring to the outlets to ensure you aren't electrocuted.

On top of this, you're going to want to check the nooks and crannies of your house, such as in air conditioning ducts. These areas are going to have mud in them as well, and allowing this to sit and fester is only going to make the smell and health concerns worse. Getting mud out is a lot easier when it's wet, so you'll want to work fast to ensure the safety of your house.

STEP 2. CLEAN UP

Upholstery, carpets, walls and floor coverings are porous which means a basic cleaning will not suffice and more extensive disinfection, deodorizing and flood restoration is required. Surface cleaning only removes visible contamination. Microorganisms are often left behind, which can potentially cause health problems and unpleasant odors. All surfaces affected by water damage must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized in order to properly eliminate mold, bacteria, fungi and other viruses.

Everything that came into contact with the floodwater must be cleaned. You don’t need to purchase anything special. Most household cleaners will be effective for flood cleanup. After cleaning walls and nonporous surfaces with a household cleaner or detergent, follow up with a disinfectant to prevent future mold or mildew growth. A diluted bleach solution (½ cup liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water) can work for this as well. For large areas, you can use a garden spray pump or similar tool. Let everything air dry.

Fabric and paper items may or may not be salvageable, depending on the length of exposure and any sentimental or financial value. Best practice is "if in doubt, throw it out." Old toys, books, cardboard boxes, blankets, throw pillows, clothes, and the like should not be kept unless they can be safely bleached. Important papers, books, and photographs can actually be frozen and dealt with later, once the water is removed and the area is drying out. Place a sheet of wax paper in between pages and store safely in a frost-free freezer to address later.

In many cases, carpet and padding often cannot be cleaned well enough to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The same goes for subflooring made of plywood or particle board. If your basement is finished, you may need to cut out and throw away the affected drywall and remove any affected insulation. You may also need to remove baseboard trim. (Pressboard will likely be ruined, but solid wood trim may be saved.)

If flood water inside your home is pumped out promptly, your walls, as well as your carpet, flooring, ceiling and personal property can quickly become damaged, creating an unsafe environment of breeding bacteria, mold growth and rotting wood. The flood restoration process consists of two major phases: flood water removal and flood cleanup, which includes the drying process.

STEP 3. DISINFECT THE FLOODED AREA

Many homeowners are tempted to quickly move past the flood damage and jump straight into rebuilding, but rushing through the flood cleanup process before everything fully dries usually leads to problems. Though time consuming, it is imperative that you disinfect every surface in order to prevent mold and mildew. In moderate to severe flood situations, allow a week or more for visible moisture to disappear. It can take as long as two weeks or more for unseen moisture (such as behind walls or inside air ducts) to fully evaporate.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the water floodwater restoration process, call a professional water cleanup service like Roto-Rooter, to begin the water cleanup and drying process with professional grade drying and dehumidifying equipment.

Call your insurance company. Remember that Roto-Rooter will work directly with your insurance company to make this difficult time as easy on you as possible.

Roto-Rooter’s water restoration technicians are IICRC certified. They will perform water extraction; remove unsalvageable contents, such as carpet and other flooring, drywall, paneling, shelving, cabinets; and clean the affected areas before apply disinfecting and deodorizing agents. Roto-Rooter will thoroughly dry the structure and haul away harmful and water-damaged debris.

The water damage restoration professionals at Roto-Rooter are experienced at getting your home or business back to normal as quickly as possible and Roto-Rooter is available when you need service most, 24/7/365.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE - DO IT YOURSELF FLOOD PREVENTION

Keeping your home safe and dry can be an easy process if you follow these simple steps:

Frequently inspect your water lines and seals on washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers and ice-makers. Replace if needed.
Drain water heaters every six months to prevent sediment buildup.
Prevent frozen pipes by maintaining the heat in your home.
Inspect the water shut-off valve regularly and replace if needed.
Test your sump-pump at least once a year.
Replace your sump pump every five years. Roto-Rooter provides this service.
Install a battery backup sump pump or have one installed by Roto-Rooter. These units will continue to pump water out of your sump pit if your primary sump pump fails or if there is a power failure.
Move valuable personal belongings off the floor and onto high shelves if you use your basement for storage.
Schedule a preventative maintenance cleaning of your sewer pipe, especially if it is old or has a history of clogging.