What to Do When You Have a Water Loss in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A water loss in your home—whether from a burst pipe, flooding, or a leaking roof—can cause significant damage if not addressed immediately. The longer water sits in your home, the more damage it can do to your walls, floors, furniture, and even the structural integrity of your property. Acting quickly is critical, and that’s where we come in.
At Heritage Restoration, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process and restore your home to its pre-loss condition. If you’ve experienced water damage, here’s a step-by-step checklist of what you should do right away, and why you should call us to handle the restoration as soon as possible.
1. Ensure Safety First
Turn Off the Power: Water and electricity don’t mix, so the first thing you need to do is turn off your home’s power supply—if it’s safe to do so. If you're unsure, call us right away, and we can advise you on the best course of action.
Avoid Contaminated Water: If the water is coming from a sewage backup or flooding, avoid direct contact. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks, so we highly recommend that you wait for professional help before entering the affected area.
Evacuate if Necessary: If the situation is severe or if you notice structural damage, evacuate immediately. Your safety is our top priority, and we’ll ensure the situation is handled swiftly.
2. Stop the Source of the Water2. Stop the Source of the Water
Shut Off the Water Supply: If you can locate your main water shut-off valve, turn it off to stop the flow of water. If you're unable to find or turn off the valve, don’t hesitate to call us. We can send a technician to assist you promptly.
Contain the Leak: If possible, contain the leak temporarily. We recommend using towels, buckets, or plastic sheeting to divert water away from electrical appliances, furniture, or valuables, but remember: we’re just a call away to take over from here.
3. Document the Damage
Take Photos or Videos: Before you start any cleanup, it’s essential to document the damage for your insurance claim. We advise you to take clear photos and videos of the affected areas, as this documentation will help us with the restoration process and your claim.
Create a List: List any damaged or lost items. Our team can help guide you through this process to ensure you don’t miss anything important.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
Report the Damage: Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to report the water loss. After that, don’t delay in calling us. We work closely with insurance companies and can help make the claims process easier for you.
Understand Your Coverage: Water damage coverage can vary depending on your policy. If you're unsure about what’s covered, our team can help explain the process and make sure you’re fully informed.
5. Let Us Handle the Cleanup
Expert Water Removal: When water damage occurs, it’s crucial to act quickly. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause. Our team is available 24/7 to start water extraction and minimize further loss. We use high-powered pumps and vacuums to quickly remove standing water.
Thorough Drying: Once the water is gone, drying your home properly is essential to prevent mold and structural damage. Our professionals use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to ensure your home dries completely.
6. Inspect for Mold and Mildew
Watch for Mold Growth: Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours in damp conditions, and it can be dangerous to your health. If you notice any signs of mold or mildew, it’s critical to have professionals address it immediately. We provide thorough mold remediation services to ensure your home is safe and healthy.
Prevent Future Mold: If you’re worried about mold, we’ll inspect your property thoroughly and provide you with solutions to prevent it from becoming a future issue.
7. Call Us for Professional Restoration
Expert Restoration Services: If you want your home restored to its original condition, it's time to call the experts. At Heritage Restoration, we specialize in water damage restoration, and we know exactly how to handle each step of the process—from initial water extraction to full restoration.
Full-Service Cleanup: Our certified restoration team will handle all aspects of cleanup and reconstruction, including drying, sanitizing, and repairing any structural damage.
8. Prevent Future Water Losses
Regular Inspections: If you’re concerned about future water loss, plumbing inspections, gutter cleaning, and advice on home maintenance to reduce the risk of future water damage.
Flood Protection Solutions: For homes prone to flooding, sump pumps and backflow valves to protect your property in the future.
9. Stay Calm and Let Us Handle It
Leave It to the Pros: A water loss is stressful, but the good news is that you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our team at Heritage Restoration has years of experience in water damage restoration and can quickly take control of the situation, so you don’t have to worry about the details.
Why Call Us?
Dealing with water damage is stressful, and it’s essential to act fast to prevent further damage. At Heritage Restoration, we understand the urgency and will respond quickly to your call. Our team is available 24/7, and we have the equipment and expertise to handle water damage of all sizes.
If you've experienced water damage in your home, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call us now at 360-345-1015, and let our certified professionals restore your home quickly and efficiently. We’re here to help you every step of the way!