Common Mistakes to Avoid During Water Damage Cleanup
When something as shocking as a flood or pipe burst occurs, homeowners often go into panic mode. They stress over how to get the property back to its pre-loss condition as soon as possible. In the process, they make a few costly mistakes.
Not only do these mistakes lead to more damage in the long run, but they can also put a homeowner and their families in danger. For those reasons and more, it’s important that homeowners learn more about the seven most common mistakes made in the water damage cleanup process. By learning more about these oversights, homeowners can hopefully avoid them in the future.
Waiting to Call for Help
One of the biggest errors that a person can make when dealing with water damage is to wait too long. Many times, people let the shock take over, and they fail to act quickly enough when it comes to calling a restoration company. However, this isn’t something that can be delayed. Water can cause many secondary issues, such as rot and mold. In fact, mold spores can start to grow in as little as one day! Therefore, time is of the essence in these scenarios.
Not Fixing the Source of the Water
Another common problem that restoration companies see is that homeowners fail to address the cause of the water damage. They get so focused on repairing the damage itself that they don’t take a look at the source of the water. This is especially common when dealing with hidden water damage that may have a less obvious source.
In some cases, it may be necessary to hire plumbing professionals to assess the situation. From there, they can help homeowners make the right repairs to prevent any further water damage down the road.
Using the Wrong Tools
It’s important that homeowners understand that their everyday cleaning products aren’t enough to handle large messes like water damage. In fact, it can be dangerous to use a regular vacuum in wet areas. Instead, they should hire a company that has the right safety and cleanup tools, such as:
- Truck-Mounted Pumps
- Commercial Air Movers
- Wet/Dry Vacuums
- Industrial Dehumidifiers
- High-Quality Antimicrobial Sprays
- And More!
Not Taking Safety Precautions
A mistake that can be most costly is ignoring any safety precautions. There are many risks involved in water damage cleanup, from electrocution to injury from debris. If homeowners fail to wear and use the necessary safety equipment, they can put themselves and others in danger. In many circumstances, it’s better to let a trained contractor use their experience to safely handle the job.
Ignoring the Signs of Hidden Damage
Water damage isn’t always obvious puddles on the ground. Sometimes, it’s hidden behind appliances, between walls, and in ceilings. The average person may not be able to detect that there is a problem unless they know the specific signs to look for. Mold growth, stains, and peeling paint are just a few examples of hidden water damage in flooring and drywall.
If homeowners ignore these signs, the water damage can continue to spread and worsen. In worst-case scenarios, homeowners may find themselves with collapsing ceilings, severe mold problems, and more.
Saving or Discarding the Wrong Items
The typical homeowner doesn’t have experience with water damage, so they often don’t know when their personal belongings are damaged beyond repair. Some people attempt to save things that are not salvageable. Others might be too eager to throw everything away.
A water damage cleanup company can use its expertise to sort through personal belongings more efficiently. They know what items can be cleaned with their equipment, and they can advise homeowners when it’s better to discard personal belongings.
Failing to Document Everything
Another mistake that homeowners should avoid is forgetting to document all of the damage. This step is especially important for those who plan to submit a claim through their insurance. Photographs should be captured right away to show the initial damage as well as the source. Homeowners should also document any conversations with their insurance provider and water damage cleanup crew.
Find out More About How to Avoid the Most Common Mistakes Made During a Water Damage Cleanup
Homeowners who are currently dealing with water damage should contact A.W. Puma Restoration & Remodeling to find out more about how to avoid these costly mistakes. Not only are they highly trained, but they also have plenty of experience.
As a result, their helpful professionals are available to answer questions by phone. Customers can also take a moment to submit their online form if they would like a free quote for their water damage cleanup services.
