A water leak is the last thing you want to deal with this holiday season. Not only is water damage costly to repair, but it can leave your home looking less than perfect. And, when it’s time for the holidays, that’s not what you want. Whether it’s the result of an unexpected storm or burst pipe, a water leak requires the help of a skilled water damage restoration company. Here’s what you should do if you suffer a water leak this holiday season:
1. Assess the Leak
Your first step is to assess the leak. Identify where the water leak is coming from so you know which steps to take to treat it at the source. For example, if there are pools of water beneath your sink, it’s most likely a sign of a burst pipe. However, ceiling water leaks may require more digging to determine the source.
2. Shut Off the Electricity (If Necessary)
If you have a water leak, you should make sure to turn off any electrical items such as lamps or lighting fixtures that may be damaged as a result. When shutting off electricity, make sure you’re wearing rubber gloves and boots to protect yourself from electrocution. If it is not safe to do so, call a professional electrician for assistance.
3. Remove the Water
Next, remove the water from your premises. For small leaks, take a towel and blot up all the water. For larger leaks, you may have to use a bucket or wet-dry vac to get rid of it. Getting the water out of your home is critical, because mold can develop in as little as 24 hours if left unattended.
If mold develops, it can trigger allergies and worsen many respiratory conditions such as asthma and lung cancer. Mold has also been linked to insomnia, headaches, and depression – all symptoms you want to avoid this holiday season.
4. Dry the Area
Once the water is removed, dry the area. Make sure these areas are thoroughly cleaned and dried and that there is no moisture left over. Any remaining moisture can turn into mold. You should also either turn your air conditioner on or plug in a dehumidifier to get rid of any excess moisture in the air. If the weather permits, open your windows to dry the affected room out.
5. Call a Water Damage Restoration Company
Water damage is never fun to deal with. In some cases, the damage may be too extensive or out-of-reach to handle yourself. In these cases, calling a water damage restoration company is necessary. A water damage restoration company has the tools you need, such as dehumidifiers and disinfectants, to restore your home.
Contact California Steam Clean for Your Water Damage Restoration Needs
The holidays are around the corner. Don’t celebrate with mold or water damage. Call the water damage repair pros at California Steam Clean for help. Our team has years of experience handling water leaks and subsequent damage. Contact us at (707) 236-8798 to schedule an appointment. We offer 24/7 emergency service.
