Swift action is required when it comes to water damage removal. Find the source of the water and stop it from further damaging the home. After analyzing the damage, allow air to get into the affected rooms immediately with a dehumidifier to prevent mold from appearing. Dispose of any unessential possessions that have been damaged and freeze valuables. Dry out all surfaces individually using a wet/dry vacuum and remove drywall if it shows signs of swelling.
The first step in water damage removal is to find the source of the leak. The cause of the problem is usually something obvious like a faucet that has been left on or heavy rain that has leaked into a basement. A burst pipe is another obvious reason for a leak. Should a pipe be at fault, switch off the water supply. Likewise, attend to the source of the leak as soon as possible.
The next step in water damage removal is to analyze the amount of damage that has been caused. If a floor or drywall has been completely destroyed, it is best to allow a professional to deal with it. Otherwise, a homeowner should be able to do the majority of the repairs.
Open all windows and turn on a dehumidifier as soon as possible to allow air to get into the water damaged room. This is a key element of water damage removal as it prevents mold and mildew from forming. Empty the dehumidifier tank regularly because the machine will have to be kept running until the home is dry.
Throw away any water damaged items that are not important. Any paperwork that survives should be photocopied before being disposed of. Valuable possessions that have been severely water damaged should be frozen. A water damage professional should then be consulted to see if it is possible to claim insurance for these possessions.
A wet/dry vacuum cleaner is essential for water damage removal as it can drain liquid from tiles, furniture, and carpets. Wooden surfaces should be attended to with the dehumidifier, and a mild detergent can be used on wood that has been treated. Use a small scrub brush on other areas that have suffered water damage.
All drywall needs to be checked out to see if it can be repaired. If it has not swelled and the seams are still in place, it is possible to dry it with a fan. Paint the newly dried area after priming the surface first. If the drywall has any swelling, it needs to be replaced.