Emergency Tips After Suffering a Water Disaster | SERVPRO of Renton

3/22/2024 (Permalink)

When a water disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Renton is Here to Help®! Don’t hesitate to call us today.

Small water leaks are frustrating, but they can often be remedied with a quick clean up and maybe the tightening of a water line or replaced seal. Larger water leaks can be much harder to overcome just because of the sheer amount of water and the damage done to your home. 

Knowing what to do if you discover a large water disaster or if you come home to water raining down from your ceiling can help you stay calm and in control of the chaos. 

Safety First

One of the most important aspects of recovering after a water disaster is your safety. Depending on how large the flood or water leak is, your home’s structure could be compromised. 

As water sits on wood floors or seeps into your drywall, it can make these building materials soft or warp them out of their normal structure. Over time, that can make your floor unstable or supporting walls unreliable.

Electrical hazards also come into play when suffering a significant water disaster. Water can disrupt your electrical circuits and can actually cause a malfunction that charges the water itself. 

Walking through electrically charged water can be dangerous or even deadly. Try to stay in a dry location and observe from a safe spot. Slip-and-fall accidents can also end in painful injuries!

What to Do After Discovering the Leak 

The first thing you should do is focus on finding the source of the leak and getting that situation under control. If it was a burst water line or an issue with your plumbing, start turning off water valves until the flow of water stops. If the leak is happening because of roof damage during a storm, set out buckets to catch the water until the storm ends and you can investigate further.

Remove any fragile possessions at this time as well to protect them from suffering damage while we are in there working. You can also start pulling out your couches, chairs, upholstery and rugs to a dry location where they can begin to dry out themselves. 

What Not to Do After Discovering the Leak 

Don’t ignore it! Even small water disasters can lead to some pretty serious consequences the longer the water lingers on your floors. Taking action right away can help you avoid costly repairs and stubborn mold infestations. 

You should also never use electronics in the room while the water is still present. TVs or household appliances can create those electrical problems that we mentioned and can create a dangerous environment for all involved.

Instead, pick up the phone and call us! Our team will arrive quickly, and we will get started on securing your home and tackling the water extraction. Once your home is dry, we will get right to work repairing floors, walls and ceilings, and we will sanitize your space to make sure mold can’t grow. 

Discovered a water leak or disaster in your home? SERVPRO of Renton is Here to Help®.