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Originally Posted On: https://smflathead.com/water-clean-up-after-a-flood-in-your-home/

Water damage is one of the most common causes of insurance claims. According to the Insurance Information Institute, only damage from wind and hail accounts for more losses, and water damage averages more than $12,000 per incident.

In addition to natural weather events, flooding can happen due to burst pipes. Regardless of the cause, water restoration after a house flood is a major undertaking.

If you’re looking for water extraction services, keep reading. This article covers the basics of how water removal and repair works. It will help you understand the necessary steps for getting your flooded house back into shape.

Why Professional Water Cleanup Is Necessary

The internet is full of useful home improvement tutorials and instructions. This can be helpful for any number of DIY projects. However, water removal is not one of them.

There are many imminent and long-term dangers associated with flooding. There is a risk of shock or fire from electrical appliances. Most locations have a rigid permitting process that must be completed after a flood before your utility will turn the power back on.

Water can be contaminated with sewage and pollutants that can cause infections or sickness. There is, of course, the prospect of water damage to your furniture, flooring, and the structural integrity of your home. To minimize the potential, you need to hire professional water extraction services to remove the water as quickly as possible.

What Does Water Extraction and Clean-Up Entail?

There are several steps to water extraction and clean up following a flood. With every stage, remember to take pictures that could be useful for insurance purposes.

The first step is to ensure the safety of everyone working in the home. This means turning off the electricity and gas systems before proceeding. Also, everyone working on the project should have personal protection equipment, including long sleeves and pants, as well as ventilated masks and protective eyewear.

The next phase is to remove as much water as possible. A bucket is a cheap and easy way to do so, although wet/dry vacuums are much more efficient. Professional clean-up services will have specialized vacuums for removing the water.

Next, you can use fans to help dry out any spaces that were impacted by the flood. You will want to remove all contaminated items for cleaning or disposal. Things that have been exposed to standing water for more than 48 hours are highly susceptible to mold.

After all destroyed items have been removed and the space is as dry as possible, you can begin sanitizing. Bleach diluted in water or common household cleaners will suffice on most surfaces. Again, a professional cleaning company will be able to recommend cleaning solutions and techniques that will eradicate the potential for mold.

Find Water Extraction Services Near You

Now that you understand how water extraction services can assist in cleaning up after a flood, you can determine if it is the right move for your project. Remember, hiring pros is the best choice for quickly and thoroughly addressing a flood.

Service Master Restore has been in the disaster restoration business for over half a century. We offer a range of services, including water clean up, as well as smoke, soot, or mold removal. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule service.