Important Water Damage Restoration Steps To Take

Did you know that water damage is one of the leading cause of home insurance claims throughout the United States every year? It is surprising that something so common is also mishandled so frequently. Most people do not know how to respond when water damages their home in Des Moines, which, unfortunately, results in prolonged restoration and further damage. It is easy to panic when you notice water flooding in your home, but hopefully we can help take some of that panic away by walking you through the things you need to know if you find yourself needing water damage restoration.

Water Damage Restoration In Des Moines

1. Your first priority should always be your safety, and the safety of your family or other household members. Water damage, especially flooding, can be very dangerous and have many hidden threats. Some of the most common things to be aware of are water contamination, power running to the affected area and potential electrocution, and structural damage that may compromise the integrity of your home. The best practice is to avoid the area whenever possible and use extreme caution if it cannot be avoided. 
2. If water is flooding into your home from a pipe, appliance, or any other indoor fixture, you need to know where your main water line shut-off valve is. This is critical in mitigating damage and stopping the flow of water. When water damage emergencies occur, you can save yourself a lot of stress by knowing where the shut off is and how to operate it. In most homes, the main water shut-off valve will be located near the front foundation wall in the basement, typically within 3 to 5 feet of where the main water enters your home. Another common location is in the mechanical room near the water heater or furnace. We have even seen some instances where the shut-off valve is placed under the kitchen sink, so if you are having a hard time finding yours, call in a water damage restoration company to help you locate it and show you how to work it correctly. 
3. Calling the right people to help out with your water damage restoration will make all the difference in resolving the problem quickly and correctly. Stopping and resolving the source of the water right away will mean less damages done, and extracting and drying the water as soon as possible will also mitigate damages. Water damage compounds quickly, so every second counts when it comes to water damage restoration. You want to be sure you call a team who is available 24/7, has the training and experience necessary to handle the situation correctly, and will work with your home owner’s insurance company to be sure you are getting the most out of your policy. Trying to handle all of this on your own, while dealing with the water damage in and of itself, is completely overwhelming and unnecessary- especially when the water damage restoration experts at Restoration 1 of Des Moines are just a phone call away.