No homeowner wants to experience water damage, but it’s an unfortunate reality for many. If you find yourself in the midst of a water damage emergency, it’s important to know what to do—and what not to do—in order to make the restoration process as smooth as possible. 

Water Damage Restoration Kalispell

If you’re dealing with water damage, don’t wait – call in a professional water damage restoration company like Xtreme Carpet Cleaning & Restoration as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the less damage will be done, and the easier it will be to restore your home or business back.

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for water damage restoration in Kalispell:

Is It Safe To Stay In Your Home?

Determining if it is safe to stay in a building after discovering water damage in your home can be difficult. There are many factors to consider, such as the nature of the water damage, the condition of the building, and whether or not power is still available.

Here are some things to keep in mind when making this decision:

Nature of the water damage. What caused it? A flood? A broken pipe? A roof leak?

If the water damage is due to a natural disaster, it’s probably not safe to stay in your home. If there is an evacuation order in place, it’s always best to follow official directives from authorities. If they are telling people to evacuate, it’s probably because staying put isn’t safe. If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to stay in your home, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and evacuate. Once you’re out of the immediate danger, you can assess the situation and make a more informed decision about whether or not it’s safe to return.

On the other hand, if the damage is due to a broken pipe, it may be safe to stay if the water is clean and there is no danger of electrocution.

The condition of the building. Is the structure sound? Are there any obvious signs of damage? If so, it may not be safe to stay inside.

Do you have power? Chances are if you have water damage that can potentially reach your electrical outlets, you will lose power. If this happens, it’s probably best not to stay in your home until the power is restored and water damage restoration is completed. 

Shut Off The Water Source

If you can safely identify and reach the main water shutoff valve, turn it off immediately. This will help minimize the amount of water damage by stopping the flow of water at its source. 

If you can’t reach the main shutoff valve—or if you’re not sure where it is—call a professional plumber for assistance. 

Remove Excess Water & Moisture

Once you’ve stopped the flow of water, it’s time to start removing any excess water and moisture from your home. If the affected area is small, you may be able to do this yourself with a wet/dry vacuum. However, if the area is large or if the ceiling is involved, it’s best to call in professional help. 

Not only will they have the right equipment for the job, but they’ll also know how to properly dry out your home to prevent mold growth. And speaking of mold… 

Watch Out For Mold Growth

Mold spores are everywhere—inside and outside your home. But when these spores come into contact with excess moisture, they can quickly grow into full-fledged colonies that cause serious health problems. 

So, if you experience water damage in your home, it’s important to monitor for signs of mold growth and call a professional restoration company at the first sign of trouble. 

Take Photographs & Document The Damage

Once you’ve taken steps to mitigate the damage (stopping the water, removing excess water, calling professionals, etc.), it’s important to document what has happened. This will be helpful for your insurance company when you file a claim. 

So, take plenty of photographs of the damage, both before and after you’ve started the cleanup process. And be sure to keep any receipts for repairs, replacement items, or professional services.

Conclusion — Call A Professional Restoration Company

Water damage is never fun—but with these tips on how to prepare for water damage restoration in Kalispell, you can help make the process as smooth and painless as possible. And if you find yourself in over your head, don’t hesitate to call Xtreme Carpet Cleaning & Restoration for assistance. We’re always here to help!