The first step to repair water damage is to find the source of the damage and stop it from causing any more destruction. A person must then remove any items in the home that were affected, remove the water, and dry the area. Any damaged areas must then undergo individual repair, whether it be by professionals or by the homeowner. If the water damage has caused other problems, such as mold, they must also be taken care of, so household members do not get sick.
There can be many causes of water damage. It may have gotten into a home from a leaky pipe, a hole in the roof, a flood, a broken water heater, or in many other ways. Once the homeowner has determined what is causing the damage, he can then begin to repair it. Identifying the cause of the water may sometimes be difficult, and if that is the case, a professional may need to be called into the home.
The next step that a person may take when he is going to repair water damage is removing any furniture or items that are in the affected area. Each belonging will most likely need to be examined to determine if it is salvageable or if any mold is present. These can then be placed in an area that will allow them to dry thoroughly. Once dry, these items can be cleaned to remove water stains.
Getting rid of the water may be an extensive job, depending on how much is present. Small puddles may only require some mopping, while larger amounts may need to be pumped out. When a person is going to repair water damage, it can sometimes help to try to capture any water before it is able to reach the floor and carpet. For instance, if the leak occurs in the ceiling or roof of a home, the homeowner may simply place a bucket under the leak to capture the water. All of the wet areas may then be dried out with fans.
The last step to repair water damage is the actual repair. This can be done by the homeowner to save money, or by a professional to save time and guarantee the results. Ceilings can be sealed and may be painted over, carpets can be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized, roofs can be repaired, and pipes may be fixed or replaced. If extensive flooding has caused a crack in a home’s foundation, a homeowner may not be able to avoid excavation around a home and the use of professional help.
