Your house has just been flooded. You’re standing there, staring at the muck and puddles. You’re dazed and confused, and you think to yourself, “Now I know how Noah felt when the big one hit.”
Every year, floods cause damage to many thousands of homes. A nearby river overflowing its banks, a torrential rainstorm, or a broken water pipe that floods your home are all examples of residential flooding events. Even minor water incidents, such as an overflowing toilet or sink, can cause significant damage. If you know what to do and act quickly, you can limit the damage and save a lot of time and money in the long run.
Turn off the water and power
To begin, if the source of the water is internal, such as a broken pipe, turn off the water at the home’s shut-off valve. Often the valve is located outside on a perimeter wall about a foot above ground level and in a straight line from the outdoor water meter, but it’s location can vary from home to home (it’s a good idea to know where this valve is before you have a dire emergency).
The electricity can be turned off at the main electrical panel in the home (find out where this is before you need it). Also, turn the main circuit breakers at the top (usually a pair) to OFF. It is critical to isolate wet wires because hundreds of people are killed every year while crossing water that has been electrified by live wires beneath the surface.
If the leak is small, a temporary physical fix, such as wrapping a towel around the pipe and tying it in place with string, can sometimes significantly slow the flow of water. Then place a bucket beneath the leak to catch any excess water.
Know your limitations when dealing with water
Water is classified in three types in restoration. The source of clean water, the first type, is rain, condensation, or leaking pipes. This water is simple to work with, and most homeowners can clean it up on their own. If you decide to hire a professional to get a deeper clean through restoration, standard cleanup may cost $3.50 per square foot, more or less.
The next type of water is gray water, which is slightly dirty. This second type of water comes from clean toilets, dishwashers, and similar devices. The homeowner can clean up this type of water inundation with the proper equipment and more thorough cleaning. A professional service will cost around $4.75 per square foot, more or less.
The third type is black water, which is caused by sewage or major flooding from a river. It is characterized by a high concentration of bacteria and can cause serious health issues. Professionals are required for this cleanup, which often begins at $7.50 per square foot.
Removal of standing water
Make sure your family and pets are safe — a room on the second floor or the driest place you can find — and then try to save whatever possessions you can. Open doors and remove thresholds with a hammer or crowbar to allow standing water to drain from the home. Stack furniture in a dry area or wrap the furniture legs in plastic wrap or foil. Move area rugs to high-and-dry locations, but do not roll them as this will slow their drying time. Move electronics to a dry location.
Fans vs. Dehumidifiers
Moisture is the number one enemy after floods. Since everything has been soaked, it’s critical to remove this moisture as soon as possible to avoid further damage. The best way to do this is with fans or dehumidifiers, which function in very different ways.
Fans work by circulating dry air from outside through a room. It usually entails moving dry air from outside through an open door or window. Evaporation occurs as dry air moves over wet surfaces, removing moisture.
Dehumidifiers draw humid air into the device, where it condenses on cold condensation coils. The air loses its moisture and is forced back into the room. Dehumidifiers, in general, do not rely on outside air; they dehumidify the air in the room without requiring you to open a window or door. In fact, doing so can be counter-productive, especially if it’s humid outside.
If there is a lot of humidity outside, you will need to rent a dehumidifier to get the dampness out of your home. Outside dry air means that you can use fans to remove moisture through evaporation. You might want to use a combination of these units in your home. Use a dehumidifier in rooms closer to the center of the house with less access to the outside, and fans to blow damp air out the windows in rooms closer to the outside.
Along with a dehumidifier, a moisture meter is also great to have. Moisture meters are very useful in finding hidden water damage. The moisture meter will help you identify whether water has traveled under your walls or through kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The moisture meter can detect whether standing water is hidden underneath the surface of carpets and floors, which may not be detectable by sight alone.
Should you hire a professional?
This is difficult and dirty work, and if you are not up to it, you will need to hire a professional restoration service. Instead of hiring hourly workers, hire a professional service to get the job done right and quickly. These experts will be able to assess the situation.
When dealing with black water like a flood from a backed-up sewer, hiring a professional is always the best course of action. The chance of getting really sick from this water is not worth the risk. Gray and white water are much safer to work with.
One advantage of hiring a professional restoration company is that they have all of this equipment (moisture meters, fans, dehumidifiers, and so on) on hand. They will also have cleaning products and chemicals to deal with mold growth. You don’t have to run around trying to find this stuff at equipment rental shops or janitorial supply stores. When you have flood water in your home, time is of the essence.
Get things dried fast
If you want to do some of the work yourself, wear protective equipment. Face masks and gloves are excellent places to begin. Start two piles: one for items you want to keep and salvage, and one for items you want to get rid of. Rent a dumpster or a Bagster, which is like a dumpster in a bag, if the job will generate a lot of trash. Most hardware stores carry these amazing, portable dumpsters.
To remove standing water, use buckets and mops; a wet-dry vacuum works wonders in sucking up excess water. You’ll be dealing with damp surfaces at this point, so air circulation is essential. To circulate the air, rent a couple of large, powerful fans and place them near open windows and doors. As stated, use dehumidifiers in more central areas of the home.
After the majority of the water has been removed, allow the area to dry completely. Turn on your home’s central air conditioner to hasten the evaporation process. According to studies, starting the drying process within 24 hours and completely drying a home within three days eliminates the risk of mildew and mold infestations.
When it comes to restoration, time is of the essence
Mold will begin to grow within 48 hours of water inundation and even sooner in a warm climate, so it is critical to begin recovery as soon as possible. Large sections of flooring, drywall, and insulation may need to be removed to prevent mold and mildew. Furniture will also need to be dried and cleaned, depending on the extent of the water damage. Hardwood floors should be treated with care. Water will quickly warp and ruin the surface of these boards. Document everything once more. In this situation, you simply cannot take enough notes.
How to kill mold
Mold cleanup procedures differ depending on the extent of water damage. Mold on hard surfaces such as flooring, countertops, and wood can be cleaned with common household items such as bleach and dish detergent. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following cleaning products for mold and mildew removal:
The first option is to use commercial mold and mildew removers. These are strong chemicals, and it’s best to leave them to the professionals. They’ll be outfitted with the necessary protective clothing, masks, and eyewear.
As a backup, try washing soda or trisodium phosphate (5 tablespoons per gallon of water). These are less caustic than the first and can be used by the average homeowner. Caution is advised, and a mask and protective eyewear are recommended.
A bleach and water solution is a third option (no more than one cup or eight ounces of laundry bleach per gallon of water) that’s an excellent choice for homeowners because it effectively kills and prevents mold. Never combine ammonia, bleach, or any other cleaning product.
What now?
Once the water has been removed and everything has dried, you will have a better understanding of the true extent of the damage to the home. Flooding often causes the most damage to floors, but walls and insulation may also need to be replaced or repaired. Many personal belongings are destroyed; therefore, keep track of them for insurance purposes. For major construction repairs, hire a professional.
A flood can cause significant damage to a home. Even a minor toilet overflow can cause floor and wall damage. You can do a lot to restore your belongings, but if the damage is severe, you will need the assistance of a restoration specialist. Prepare for such an event by knowing where your home’s water shut-off valve and electrical box are located and purchasing flood insurance for your home.