What to Do in Case of Emergency Water Damage in Springfield, MO

Water damage can be a horrible nightmare, costing homeowners up to $20 billion yearly. Whether it results from a flood, storm, burst pipes, sewage backup, or other causes, taking quick action is critical. 

This will help prevent further property damage and even save lives. So, what’s the best course of action in the event of emergency water damage?

ABC Environmental Contracting Services has a reputation for providing reliable emergency water removal in Springfield, MO. Here, the company highlights the critical steps to follow in tackling a water damage situation. 

Safety First!

Water damage can harm health and property, particularly if there’s water contamination. Taking the critical steps below is essential to ensure safety:

• Unplug devices and turn the electricity off
• Salvage electronic items and important documents
• Don’t return to the contaminated place until authorities give it a clean bill of health

Identify the Source 

Where’s the water coming from? If it’s a broken pipe, turning off the water source to stop the flow is a quick solution. If the water is seeping through the cracks in the foundation, it’s best to call in a professional to fix the problem. 

Locating the source of the water can also help tell whether it’s contaminated or not. Take a burst pipe under the sink, for example; there’s a good chance the water is clean. Conversely, a flood resulting from a sewer backup is certainly unsanitary!

Contact the Insurance Company

In the event of a flood, many homeowners think about calling a water damage restoration company before doing anything else. But it’s best to inform the homeowner’s insurance company about the damage before beginning the cleaning and restoration process. 

One benefit of calling the insurance company as soon as possible is that the insurer might recommend reputable water damage restoration specialists. Documenting the damage in as much detail as possible is important before starting the insurance claim process. 

This includes taking as many pictures of the damaged area as possible. The insurance company will send an adjustor to perform a comprehensive inspection. 

Begin the Drying Process

To minimize water damage, it pays to start drying things out within 24 hours once the flooding occurs. It would be best to complete the process in three to four days to discourage mold growth. Some of the things to do during the process include:

• Removing all the wet furniture and carpet from the flood area
• Removing and hanging area rugs out to dry
• Using dehumidifiers and fans to help moist surfaces dry faster

Call Water Damage Restoration Experts

Calling for professional emergency water removal in Springfield, MO, is the way to go if the flooding is more than a few inches of water. A professional will have the skills and equipment to remove the water and dry out the space more efficiently. What’s more, they know how to handle the process without compromising the integrity of the property’s structure and foundation. 

Clean the Area

Cleaning and sanitizing the space is essential after removing the water and drying it out. If the water was clean in the first place, a DIY cleanup with ordinary cleaning products would suffice. However, if it was sewage or other contaminated water, it’s wise to hire a professional to sanitize the place.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning a water-damaged area:

• Determine the extent of the damage. Is the affected area safe for use? 
• Drywall, flooring, insulation, baseboards, and carpeting may need removal and replacement to prevent mold and mildew growth
• Consult a professional about the restoration of damaged items, such as electronics and documents.

ABC Environmental Contracting Services Assists with Emergency Restoration and Water Mitigation in Springfield, MO 

Emergency water damage can be a real headache. Luckily, an experienced water damage restoration professional can restore the affected property to its pristine condition in no time. Securing the flooded area, locating the source of water, contacting the insurance company, and drying out the space are some of the first steps to take when dealing with a water damage situation. 

If the situation involves feet instead of inches of water, it’s best to call in an expert. ABC Environmental Contracting Services is the go-to team for reliable water damage restoration services in Springfield and the surrounding areas. 

Call ABC Environmental Contracting Services at (417) 217-7545, or complete the contact form, to get a free quote for emergency water removal in Springfield. MO, today!