What You Should Do When You Notice Water Damage in Your Home
From the sound of leaking water to discoloration of walls, water damage signs are usually glaring. On some occasions, however, you’ll need to do some extra detective work like checking tiles, basement, water bills, or even using a water sensor to detect potential water damage.
As soon as you notice signs of water damage in your home, treat it as an emergency. That’s because the longer you wait, the faster water eats away at your home, resulting in significant property damage. Let’s walk through some steps that you can take immediately you suspect water damage in your home.
Contents
Identify the Source
The first thing you should do once you notice signs of water damage is to locate the source of the problem. And there are many ways to do that. Start by observing any sign of water damage. These signs range from discoloration of walls to vulnerable building parts. Damp and moist places in the home would have a musty smell, especially if mold is present.
Following the smell can lead you to where the water leak is occurring. Pay special attention to roofs, tiles, windows, doors, bathrooms, and basements. You can also listen for any consistent sound of water. Leaking or burst pipes and faucets would have the sound of rushing or dripping water. If you have to check the attic, basement, or places you haven’t visited in a while, make sure you wear protective gear and be careful.
Shutoff the Main Valve
If the water leak is due to flooding or a burst pipe, you may be better off turning off the main water valve. Even if some professionals are on their way, turning off your water supply can stop the water damage from worsening.
That’s why you should know where the main shutoff valve is and how to turn it off. Some homeowners turn off their main when they are on vacation or out of the house for long periods. And you may need to turn off your electrical power because the presence of water in your electrical circuits can be fatal. Read this article to find out how to locate your main water shutoff valve and turn it off.
Call a Professional
Do-it-yourself (DIY) has become popular in today’s world. However, when it comes to water damage, there’s only so much you can do. Thankfully, there are water damage professionals who can help you restore your home after any challenges.
Choose professionals who are experienced and have a solid track record in stemming the tide of water damages. And you don’t have to look too far. For instance, if you live in Pinellas County, there are Pinellas water restoration services that deliver high-quality assistance. Make sure the professionals you settle on are appropriately licensed and registered. They should also have experience and a proven track record of providing such services.
Contact Your Insurers
To ensure your insurance claims are not challenged or invalidated, you need to contact your insurer as soon as possible. Write down what you can remember and take videos or pictures of what you notice. Such documentation would come in handy when you’re making insurance claims.
In Conclusion
As soon as you observe signs of water damage in your home, you have to act fast. Prolonged water damage can result in grave consequences. As soon as you sense water damage, work to identify the source and shut off the main water valve. Take precautions to make sure you’re safe while you’re at it. Then, reach out to a professional as soon as possible.
