Water damage in unwanted places can cause extensive damage. Not only can it ruin your personal items, but also the place in which they are stored. If you act quickly, you can minimize the water damage and likely save some of your personal items. Some of your success depends on the type of water damage and how long the water damage has been there.
Don’t treat flood water in unwanted places lightly: even if your basement only has an inch of water in it, or is even just humid, it is the perfect breeding ground for mould. Mould growth not only ruins walls, furniture, carpets, flooring, etc., it can lead to poor indoor air quality causing respiratory problems including asthma, and can lead to severe illness. Preventing mould growth is important to keep your home clean and healthy. So in addition to calling a professional restoration company, here are a few tips on "how to clean up water damage" and minimize the water damage.
Note: Call your insurance company or a professional restoration company before you do anything, and explain the circumstances of the water damage to them. If you are searching for tips on "how to clean up sewage damage" or "how to clean up after sewer backup" we suggest you contact a professional cleaning and restoration company and not touch any of the contaminated sewer water.
1. What to do after water damage.
The sooner you remove items from the water, the more likely you’ll be able to save them. If the area is safe, attempt to remove all electrical components first, and if possible and safe to access the panel - turn off power leading into the affected area, especially if water rises above electrical outlets. Carefully pull up any carpets (wall to wall and area rugs) and lift under-padding. Some types of carpet can be cleaned, disinfected and dried, however they may shrink and the colour may run. If you have hardwood or plank flooring, leave that for a professional. If you have tile flooring, simply clean and disinfect the floor (after you have removed items).
2. How to remove water after flooding.
There are several ways how to get rid of water after flooding or how to clean up after drain backup. After you have called a professional restoration company, start by using old towels, buckets and mops to soak up as much water as possible. As long as the sewer system in your neighbourhood is not backed up, you can dump the water down the drain of your bath tub or laundry tub. Otherwise, pour onto your lawn or other permeable surface. A wet/dry vacuum can be used but use caution and be very careful to plug it into outlets far away from water. Don’t use an extension cord as the connection could also short out and give you a shock. Water and electricity don’t mix! If you flooded basement cleanup is overwhelming. contact a professional restoration company immediately to ensure the area is cleaned and dried professionally to prevent mould growth.
3. How to dry out after water damage.
After all flood water has been removed, we use commercial fans and dehumidifiers (drying equipment) to help dry out the area. It is important to dry the area out as soon as possible. If drywall, hardwood flooring or cabinetry have been damaged they will need to be removed so they don't become a breeding ground for mould. All damaged baseboards, insulation and doors/trims will also be removed prior to the setup of drying equipment.
4. How to safely disinfect after water damage.
After the area has been cleaned up, including wood framing, insulation, drywall, etc., a plant-based antimicrobial disinfectant is applied (sprayed) to kill any bacteria or mould spores that might have come up through sewers, toilets, etc. All materials and surfaces affected by the flood water will be disinfected.
Toronto Water Damage Cleanup Service
At SELECT Restoration we understand the urgency to quickly identify areas of water damage so that appropriate measures can be taken for the remediation process to begin as soon as possible. After water damage has been discovered, our technicians first rescue any contents and personal items that have been damaged by water. Our team of IICRC certified personnel provide industry-leading response times and comprehensive assessments supported by the use of state-of-the-art moisture detection and remediation equipment.
Make us your FIRST CALL in an emergency.
At SELECT Restoration we know how to clean up water damage in Toronto - you don't need to take care of this on your own. Contact us for 24/7 emergency services and free estimates.