Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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SERVPRO of Streamwood, Bartlett, West Chicago and Warrenville will offer the best tips for water damage repair.

 

1. Dry Out the Area

This seems obvious, but time is of the essence and you should make sure you have checked the entire house for water.  You should also use fans and dehumidifiers to create as much airflow as possible where the damage occurred.

2. Get Furniture Off the Ground

Use bricks to elevate your couch, desk, and other furniture. 

3. Get Rid of the Dirt

It’s not the water itself that causes mold and mildew to grow—it’s the combination of water and dirt (and other organic matter). 

4. Get a Wet/Dry Shop Vac

If you have wet carpet or rugs, use a wet/dry shop vac to extract the water.

5. Sand Down Your Water Damaged Floor

After your wood floors have been cleaned and dried, they may show signs of cupping, which is when they appear convex or concave. You might be able to sand the floorboards. 

6. Check the Ceilings

Be sure to look up and see if any ceiling panels have been affected by the incident. If they have, you’ll want to remove them immediately and investigate to see if the roof is also damaged.

7. Replace Laminate

Laminate flooring traps moisture and swells up, so if it’s been damaged by water it will need to be replaced.

 

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (630) 562-9212

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.