The first 24 hours are the most critical when you are facing indoor flooding. That is your best chance to limit the damages and restore as much as possible.
Another aspect is that if you leave the standing water there, secondary problems come forth.
Here are several avoidable problems that you can prevent if you act quickly.
Calling professional repair service
In a situation like this, professionals know what they are dealing with. They have more proficient hands on board so everything will be quick and most of your furniture and furnishing will be saved in time.
You won’t have to deal with mold later either.
Another point is they will use the right disinfectant products and the appropriate techniques and equipment.
What can go wrong if you delay the cleaning?
Well, nothing good can come out of standing waste water. Especially where there are appliances, furniture, moisture absorbing furnishings but there are several other hazards that are overlooked.
Mold growth
Mildew and mold can grow in a matter of a day or so. If they are allowed to grow they can cause or amplify serious immune system and respiratory problems. Not to mention how unsightly they are. If you leave wet drywall be, it can be the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Later when you realize the severity, the damage will cost you much more.
Preventable property damage
It’s serious how bacteria from the wastewater can fester in your furniture, rugs, and even flooring. The soft furniture will likely absorb the water. The longer you leave it, the more the damage will be. The smell will be hard to bear and at that point, you may not be able to salvage those items at all. You will have to part with them. Even if you are reluctant to, keeping it will affect your health.
The best case here is to act fast and restore as much as you can.
The wait can be expensive
If you are depending on your insurance to fix the damage you will need to act fast. In any case, the damage will increase as time goes by.
So if you call for professional help later, many restoration options will be off-limits to you. You will need to act fast or at least make an effort to save your valuables by getting rid of the water.
What should you do first?
There are several important things you want to get out of your way first. Keep calm and if you think it’s safe, stop the damage from escalating by stopping the water flow.
Call your insurance
If you have insurance, that’s the first call you want to make. They might even help you with hiring a Restoration Company. You want to keep them in the loop and surely, they will have some guidelines for you too. Then you will need to take photos of the damage and anything valuable that is affected. Good records will build a strong case for you.
Dry thing out
Getting the water out is very important to limit the damage. Besides your insurance company won’t like it if the damage escalates from there. As it is, several things can be saved if you take the water out and evaporate the excess water from your place.
You will probably need professional help with the drywall, flooring, insulation, etc. as these are complicated to deal with.
Conclusion
You will probably need disinfectant, equipment, and patience to deal with the aftermath so hiring a Restoration Company feels like a safe and lasting option. You can miss several essential areas if you don’t know what you are dealing with.
