Flooding Dos and Don'ts

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Leave the cleanup process to water damage specialists.

Coming home to a broken pipe is never a fun experience in Santa Fe Springs, CA. After finding water all over your floor and furniture, you might be ready to throw in the towel. However, if you find yourself in this predicament, you should know there are several things that you should and should not do to increase your chances of salvaging your belongings and preventing additional damage.

What You Should Do

• Find and fix the pipe to stop the flooding.
  
• Pick up loose items on the floor and move them to a dry, safe place.
  
• Remove any excess water from the floor.
  
• Dry your floors and furniture.
  
• Clean and disinfect the affected area.
  
  

A broken pipe can cause water to seep into the fibers of your wood floor, carpet or furniture. If left untreated, the water damage could cause the wood to swell and crack, and it could potentially lead to mold and mildew. It is best to leave the cleanup process to water damage specialists who will ensure your home is completely dried and disinfected and the risk of additional damage has been removed.

What You Should Not Do

• Do not leave paper items, including books and magazines, on your floor.
  
• Do not turn on any electronic appliances.
  
• Do not leave clothes and fabrics soaking wet.
  
• Do not attempt repair and restoration on your own.
  
• Do not waste time!
  
  

Time is not your friend during a flood. If you find water in home furnishings, do not turn a blind eye. Water damage can escalate within just a few hours, so the sooner you call for help, the better the chance you have of mitigating damage and loss.
A broken pipe can be a huge drag, but it does not have to be a lost cause. If you take action quickly enough, call for help and follow the steps above, there is a good chance you could salvage the damage.