How Quickly Should You Call a Water Damage Restoration Pro After a Leak or Flood?

So, you have a leak or flood in your home- now what? To minimize damage, a restoration professional should ideally be called within 24 hours! Here are the steps you need to take and why!

Step 1: Identify The Source of The Water

Before you contact anyone, try to identify the source of the water. This is easier in some cases than others. However, it is imperative that you identify the source so that you can stop the water from continuing to damage your home.

Water can come from many sources including:

• Flood, other weather-related incidents, or basement seepage

• Pipe burst or leak due to corroded or rusted pipes, high water pressure, extreme temperatures, etc.

• Leaks from the roof, siding, old windows, clogged gutters, or chimney

• Sewage back ups (NOTE: do not touch this water! Call a pro!)

• Leaks from appliances (washer, dishwasher, air conditioner), sinks, tubs, or showers

Step 2: Call The Professionals

If the source is a pipe that you are unable to shut off on your own, your first call will be a plumber to stop the leak and then a restoration expert to assess the damages. If the source is a flood or a leak that you are able to stop yourself, your first call should be a water damage restoration expert.

At this point, the goal will be to stop the water at its source, remove any water that is currently still in the home, remove any personal items, remove any materials that are non-salvageable such as wet drywall, and set up drying equipment to thoroughly dry out the space. This part should begin as quickly as possible, ideally within the first 24-48 hours, for many reasons:

1. Mold grows extremely quickly in moist areas. Even a small amount of water can cause big mold issues. If you decide to delay your restoration, the chance of microbial growth is very high. Not only is the hazardous to your health, it is a much more expensive issue to resolve.

2. Water damage can cause damage to flooring, walls, personal property, electrical, appliances, etc. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that much of the area will be non-salvageable.

3. Depending on the source, the water itself could be filled with bacteria. There could also be hazardous building materials, such as asbestos, that can become airborne if not identified. Attempting to handle it without the proper precautions could make you very sick.

4. If you wait too long, your insurance might not cover the damage.

Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company

If you want to proceed with making a claim, now is the time to call your insurance company and get the ball rolling. They will open a claim and start collecting the necessary information to see if it is a covered loss.

Step 4: Begin Repairs!

At this point, a plan will be in place as to how to best restore your home to its original condition. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months. However, by taking the above steps, you are ensuring that the restoration process is being done correctly so that your home is as safe for you and your family as possible.

If you suspect water damage in your home, feel free to call us for a free in-home estimate. We would be happy to help you!

Tomahawk Professional Services LLC, 862-703-0873