There are several reasons for water damage to a home. These include a leaking or burst pipe, floodwater, and sewage mixing with water. These can all cause problems that are only sometimes easily recognized. However, if you follow a few simple tips, you can easily prevent them from occurring.
Leaking/Burst pipes
A burst or leaking pipe can do significant damage to your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.
First and foremost, it is best to monitor your plumbing system regularly. This is especially important during the winter, when the temperature can drop to zero. Even a tiny leak can result in a large water bill.
Another good idea is to have an insurance policy in place. Then, if the worst happens and your pipes rip, insurance companies will be there to help. You can usually file a claim within 48 hours. Knowing that some insurers will deny claims for reasons other than the damage caused is essential.
Leaking and burst pipes can cause water damage and mold to spread throughout your home. They can also degrade the flooring and even the sheetrock. To avoid such incidents, have a water restoration Kansas City company number on hand.
Sewage mixing with floodwater
Flooding can cause water damage by mixing with sewage. A flood is a natural event that occurs when a storm creates high water levels. The flooding can result in flooding of homes, vehicles, and flooded buildings. It can also cause the displacement of animals and reptiles.
The CDC recommends that individuals protect themselves from floodwater. They advise that individuals wear gloves and boots and avoid direct contact with floodwater. If it is safe to do so, change into dry clothes. Also, they suggest you wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect all surfaces exposed to sewage.
Floodwater can be contaminated with many different chemicals. Some chemicals may be harmful to your health and should be avoided. You should also be aware of the potential for bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants to be in floodwater.
Furniture
Water damage to furniture is not something to take lightly. But the good news is restoring your damaged possessions is possible. While it may require a little time and money, it is possible to bring your prized possession back to its former glory.
Water can cause a lot of damage, including peeling paint, warping wood, and tarnishing metal surfaces. Unfortunately, water-damaged furniture will not be restored in a single day, and if you are dealing with a flood, the situation can quickly worsen.
The best way to deal with the mess is to enlist the services of a professional water restoration Kansas City company. Several companies specialize in helping clients regain their lost property. They are comprehensively trained and equipped with the latest tools and technologies.
Clothing
Water damage to clothing is something that most people have experienced at least once in their lifetime. If you have, you know it can be a harrowing experience. Luckily, you can do a few things to minimize the damage and keep your clothes in top condition.
The best thing you can do to prevent water damage to clothing is not to avert your eyes from a flood or leaky faucet. However, if you have already been soaked, look for the best way to clean water-damaged clothes. For example, you can wash the affected items in hot water or let them air dry in a well-ventilated area.
If drying wet clothing is daunting, you might hire a professional. Although this will likely cost you a few hundred dollars, the results can be worth it. After all, your clothing is not meant to be submerged for hours.
Electronics
A variety of factors can cause water damage to electronics. One of the biggest culprits is a flood. This type of event can cause the catastrophic failure of your electronics. You should take steps to prevent this from happening.
Electronics should be dry before you turn them on. Water damage can short-circuit the electrical components. Also, moisture can accumulate on the internal surfaces of the appliance, causing mold to grow.
Some types of electronics are more sensitive to water than others. For example, cell phones and computers prefer to be warm enough. It’s also important to remember that water can corrode metal surfaces.
If your home or business is at risk of flooding, you should remove your electronics from the area and put them in airtight, waterproof containers. Also, you should prepare any heirlooms, important documents, and other things that water can ruin.