Floods, broken pipes, and leaky ceilings cause distressing water damage. Knowing how to respond when the first signs of flooding appear is critical. Here are three steps to handling emergency water removal in Kansas City that will mitigate the damages and limit expenses.
Stop the Flow
Stopping the flow of water needs to be your number one priority. If the flooding is caused by a weather event, there might not be much you can do besides waiting for the storm to pass. But if the flooding is coming from a source such as broken pipes, an overflowing toilet, or a burst washing machine hose, you can turn off the water and stop the flow. Most appliances and fixtures have shut-off valves nearby that can be used in an emergency to shut off the water. If you can’t find the valve or you’re not sure of the water’s source, turn off the main water valve.
Extra hint: The main water valve will require a wrench to turn; make sure you have the right tool and store it nearby. In the event of a broken pipe, hundreds of gallons of water could flood into your home while you look for the right wrench. Keeping the right tool where you can find it easily could be the difference between and minor and a major water event.
Call Your Insurance Company
Before you touch anything in the flooded area, it’s important to call your insurance agent. In some cases, moving items or starting cleanup efforts before consulting an agent can derail your ability to receive insurance coverage. Consulting your insurance company is the best way to maximize your insurance claim. They may also have specific contractors they’d like you to use for help with water mitigation, so they can be a valuable resource in getting started with recovery. In addition, take lots of photos and videos of the flooded areas and keep careful records that include dates and times.
Remove the Water
Cleaning up after a flood is easy: all you need to do is remove the water, right? Removing the water is essentially the main task, but accomplishing it is anything but easy. Mops, towels, and buckets work for small floods, but for large amounts of water, you’re going to need to be more aggressive. Wet/dry vacs work well, however, it’s crucial to keep electrical cords away from water, so exercise extreme caution. The same goes for sump pumps.
Now, here’s where things get tricky. Water gets everywhere. Once you’ve removed the water you can see, rest assured water remains that you can’t see. It’s soaked into carpets, pads, subfloors, and drywall. It’s in the insulation, the hardwood, and behind the walls. It ALL has to be removed, every drop, and it needs to go fast before mold and mildew grow. Fans will help, as will dehumidifiers. The more air is allowed to circulate, the faster things will dry.
Now You Know
Water damage is overwhelming. Emergency Mitigation Services is here to help by providing 24/7 emergency cleanup services in Kansas City. We use our skills and our professional tools to quickly and safely clean up any kind of water damage. Getting the job done fast and right limits your expenses and helps get you back into your home as soon as possible. Call us right away if you’ve got water damage.