Remodeling your home is difficult, but it’s even more difficult when there’s water damage. Water damage can be hard to detect in some instances, but with the right know-how, it doesn’t have to be. For a better way to search your home for potential damages from water, follow these steps to repair home water damage.
Identify the Source of Water Damage
The first sign that you have a water leak occurs when a leaky pipe drips water from pipelines down to the floors near tubs and sinks. In other words, the first step is to always check your pipes.
Other times, water damage may occur because of broken plumbing or a natural disaster. At least with those two events, the source generally is easy to identify. However, when it comes to water damage on the walls or ceiling, identifying the source of the damage turns into a difficult situation.
For example, early warning signs of water damage in walls include wallpaper that is peeling or bubbling up. If untreated, water damage bloats and warps walls. For ceilings, check for signs of water damage by searching for spiderweb patterns or straight lines. If left untreated, water damage causes walls to sag, which can eventually cause the ceiling to shift and cave in.
Once you’ve found the source of the damage, figure out how to fix the problem. In many instances, it may be in your best interest to work with a contractor to remedy the issue. Of course, you may be able to fix more straightforward issues on your own. For example, if a pond near your home floods often, you can improve the water channels to prevent the water from touching the foundation. However, for any bigger problems, seek a professional who can identify and resolve them.
Clean Up Any Standing Water
Immediately after discovering the source and fixing it, clean up standing water. Most situations involving water have standing water in low-lying areas. You can use a regular vacuum to remove mud, water, and debris from the floor. However, if the flooding is severe, you need to inquire with an industrial water extractor to handle large volumes of polluted water.
Remove Moisture and Sanitize
Once you’ve removed the standing water, you need to remove any remaining moisture. Eliminating moisture is an important step, as too much moisture can cause warping of walls, ceilings, floors, and other property damage. Any remaining water could cause potential health problems from mold, bacteria, and other contaminants. After removing excess moisture, sanitize the area. Sewage is often found in the aftermath of floodwater. Before making final repairs, ensure that all toxic contaminants are removed. If your home is riddled with water, hire a cleaning service to help sanitize the area and tend to any other potential hotspots.
After everything is clean, you can make final repairs and restore the space to its former glory. During restoration, replace any damaged flooring or carpeting. For walls, you may only need to replace or repaint certain sections. It’s easy to follow along with easy tips on cleaning up after a flood, but it’s even more important to follow the right steps to repair home water damage.