Clean Water Damage Tips

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

This is an example for why you never turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

When water takes over your home, its important to know what to do and what not to do. The first thing a homeowner should do is determine if the water damage is from a clean water source(bathtub overflow, washer leak, ice-maker leak etc.) or a contaminated one (ex. sewage). If you find water damage in your home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville.

Water damage from a clean water source:

SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville has broken down these water damage tips into a simple list for homeowners.

What to do with water damage from a clean water source:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the source of water. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for the affected wet areas of the building if it is safe to do so.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting with towels.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to ensure even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. Remove any materials that are valuable or especially sensitive to moisture(Examples: painting, art works, computers, paper documents, and old books). 
• Use Wooden Clothespins to keep the skirting of furniture off damp/wet floors. 
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet floors. 
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What NOT to do with water damage from a clean source:

• Don't enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may be present. 
• Don't enter affected areas where electrical objects are exposed to standing water.
• Don't leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored print items on wet floors. This may cause staining. 
• Don't leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to wall carpets, this may cause staining. 
• Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, this could potentially cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 
• Don't TVs or other appliances while standing on wet floors, especially not wet concrete floors. 
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet
• Don't enter rooms where where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

If you aren't sure if it's safe, it's always a good rule of thumb to call the professionals. Our crews are always ready to answer your calls. Call SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville at (636) 856-9700.