Water damage in Minneapolis is all too common, but knowing what to do if it happens to you can drastically change your outcome. Whether your home is damaged by a frozen or burst pipe, faulty appliances, a leaking water heater or sewage backup, the steps that you take immediately after discovering the water damage are crucial.
The first and most important step after you discover water damage is to shut off the water supply whenever possible and as soon as possible. This may mean just shutting off the valve at the appliance or plumbing fixture, but if you have significant water damage, cannot shutoff the water locally or cannot safely access the local shutoff valve you should shut off the main water to your home. It’s a good idea to know where your main water shutoff valve is located before disaster strikes.
Shutting of the water source will reduce the volume of water that is affecting your home which means less water will need to be removed, and the lower the chance that the water will travel to other areas of your home, causing even more damage. In the event that shutting off the water does not help, do your best to contain the water to the affected area to prevent additional damage.
Whenever you experience water damage, big or small, it is a good idea to contact a water damage professional who can respond immediately and assess the damage. At 24Restore, we provide 24-hour emergency water damage response to Minneapolis, so you know that we are available any time, day or night, regardless of the day of the week.
The sooner a water damage professional can get to your home, the greatest the probability that we will be able to restore your home to pre-loss condition. The longer water damage is left unaddressed, the more damage will occur, the greater the possibility for mold growth to occur, and the greater the loss.
Before you enter an area that has been affected by water damage, you want to be sure it is safe. Check for any electrical hazards that may be present, and turn off the electricity if necessary. Once the area is safe for you to enter, proceed with caution. You can wipe up or mop up excess water before the water damage company arrives. Wipe down any damp surfaces, and move wet items to another safe area to dry. Do not try to move heavy furniture. You can place aluminum foil beneath the feet of furniture to prevent wicking. Remove items that can cause staining on your furniture or carpets including drapes, pillows and other items that contain inks or dyes.
You can do as much as as possible, but don’t overdo it. At 24Restore we are here to help. When you call us we will respond quickly and ready for any water damage emergency in Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.