How To Clean Up Water Damage

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Drying remaining water in a Prospect Heights, IL home

Water Restoration Process

Water damage to your Prospect Heights, IL, home can be a major hassle. The sooner you begin cleanup, the less likely you are to have secondary problems, such as mold growth. The following steps will guide you through the restoration process.

Address the Water Source

The flooding may be due to broken pipes, a leaky roof or any number of other causes. You have to stop the flow of water before beginning cleanup. Although a temporary solution may allow you to get started on the restoration process, it is important to fully repair the problem to prevent future flooding.

Assess the Water Damage

Consider the size of the affected area and the amount of water present. Check for signs of mold growth. Decide if you will be able to handle the restoration process yourself.

Remove Standing Water

The amount of water present determines the best way to remove standing water. You may be able to scoop the water out with buckets, or you may need to use special pumps or vacuums.

Dry Remaining Water

After the standing water has been removed, you will still have to contend with wet furnishings, carpet, etc. You can use fans and dehumidifiers to help with this step of the water cleanup process. If the outside humidity is low enough, you can open windows and doors.

Sanitize Affected Areas

Depending on the level of contamination in the water, it may be necessary to clean the surfaces that came into contact with the floodwater. In many cases, a store-bought antibacterial cleaner will be sufficient. More severe cases may call for harsher detergents.

Repair and Replace Damaged Items

Throw out any items that you are unable to fully dry and sanitize. Other items may be too damaged to repair, but some may only need a new coat of paint.
Don’t worry if the above steps seem overwhelming. A professional restoration service can repair water damage and get your home back to normal quickly and safely.