Water Damage- A Short Guide
Water Damage
Water Damage is one of the most frustrating and stressful things that can happen to anyone. When water damages possessions it can contaminate them , destroy clothes , electronics and food. Therefore in order to recover from any sort of water damage it is essential that the right resources can be utilised to physically recover from the water damage as well financially. This guide will provide you with general information and resources to help in the wake of Water Damage and provide tips and advice to help with this issue. Water Damage can also come in a number of different forms from mass flooding to rising damp and small scale flooding. Depending on the scale of Water Damage you may receive differing advice from different agencies as to what to do next. In any case we would always recommend assistance from a Professional.
Recovery
- In the aftermath of any sort of water damage please note the following:
- Do not eat food that has come into contact with any water from the water
- Contact your local authority/council and make them aware of you situation
- Ensure family members and people in the property are accounted for and that they have taken their medication
- Phone your home insurance company for advice and advise them of your situation
- Wash your hands regularly
Types Of Water Damage
In relation to Water Damage there are several different forms of damage that can affect how you react to such events and also how your home insurance provider may deal with your claim . One such type of water damage is known as sewer back up or water back-up. This is when water or sewage comes up through the pipes in your property. This can be caused by pipeline issues or issues with the plumbing within your property. Another type of damage that can be caused is Overflow water and discharge damage. This is typically damage that has occurred due to an accident within the household or faulty appliances distributing water within the property. The third form of damage that can occur is flooding. Flooding is the most recognisable form of Water Damage as it can leave properties uninhabitable and typically involves large volumes of water.
Water Damage Repair Tips
- Depending on the type of water that is involved this may affect whether you should attempt repair. Clean water from rain pipes etc is ok to cleanup but its always best to wear gloves and waterproofs when clearing this up. Slightly Grey water or darker water should be treated with caution as this could contain contaminants and damage your health. Lastly Blackwater or very dark water is highly likely to contain harmful bacteria and disease. Typically this water has come from a nearby river or sewage source. It is always best to seek a professional in this case to get rid of this type of water
- For smaller water issues you could benefit from a high capacity dehumidifier. This can be used to dry out furniture and other items that have been affected by Water.
- In order to ensure the space is safe from infection , disinfect the area using cleaning materials such as diluted bleach and disinfectants. Ensure that no mold spores or residue is left where water has been.