What to Do When You Experience Water Damage in Your Bellevue Home

Water damage is one of the most challenging issues that can emerge in a home. It happens without notice and causes extensive damage if not addressed immediately. Common causes range from natural disasters to plumbing failures or even roof leaks. The sooner homeowners realize there is water damage, the better. It is paramount for them to familiarize themselves with the right steps to take if such damage occurs, as this can help minimize the damage caused, keep occupants safe, and restore a home to its former glory.

Water Damage in Bellevue, Nebraska

Ensure Safety First

The safety of all occupants should be the key concern once water damage is detected. Water can create dangerous situations, especially in conjunction with electrical systems. If one suspects that electrical outlets, appliances, or wiring have been affected by water intrusion, the power to the affected area should be turned off immediately. If flooding was the source of the damage, the home may be unsafe to enter, and occupants may need to vacate the property temporarily.

Stop The Source of Water

The next step is stopping the source of water. This means turning off the main water source to the home if there is a plumbing issue or if there is a leak in the roof or the windows. Simple steps like putting buckets to collect water or covering the area with a tarp help prevent further damage. Stopping the water intrusion as soon as possible will prevent more water from entering a home and causing more damage.

Remove Standing Water and Dry The Area

Once the water source has been mitigated, it is important to start extracting the standing water. Depending on the severity of the water damage, this includes using buckets, mops, and even wet/dry vacuums to extract any standing water on the floor, carpet, or other surfaces. After the standing water has been removed, the area should be dried to prevent any mold growth and further damage to the structural integrity of the area. Opening windows and doors can help, along with using fans and dehumidifiers to help dry any residual water in the floors and walls. When it comes to water damage, professional expertise, and equipment are critical to ensure the affected area is properly and thoroughly dried.

Assess The Damage

Once the immediate threat has been dealt with and the area dried, the next step is to survey the damage. This includes examining walls, flooring, furniture, and other personal property for water damage, such as discoloration, warping, and musty odors. This also includes damage that is not immediately discernible, such as water that has penetrated wall cavities, crawl spaces, or under flooring. These areas have a much higher risk of having small leaks that can lead to long-term issues, including mold and rotting materials that can affect the structural integrity of a home over time. A professional restoration company will be able to offer a more thorough assessment, identifying all areas of damage, including those areas that may not be immediately apparent.

Engage Professional Restoration Services

​​Enlisting professional restoration services is vital for a proper and quick recovery from water damage. Professional restoration companies have specialized equipment and experience to tackle any scale of water damage. They can ensure that all the moisture is removed and affected materials are appropriately cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized, as well as that any repairs are done and the home returned to its pre-loss condition. They can also help with the installation of preventive measures to minimize the chance of water damage recurrence. Relying on experts for water restoration is an assurance that the job is done right and the home is restored in the shortest time possible at the smallest cost, providing a homeowner with peace of mind knowing that the long-term value of the home will be protected.

Dealing with water damage in your Bellevue home requires swift and careful action. From maintaining safety and turning the water off to extraction, evaluating the damage, and working with a professional restoration company, each step is vital for minimizing the severity of water damage and getting a home back in order. In the face of water damage, do not hesitate to contact us at True North Restoration of Omaha. Let our team of professionals protect your property and ensure a safe and secure living environment.