Name: Joe Rushing
Address: 2405 1st Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79415, USA
Telephone: 806-763-3988

Blog Layout

The Do’s and Don’ts of Water Damage

RONDA RUSHING • Oct 12, 2021

Water damage is one of the most common yet serious problems of property owners. Aside from ruining furniture and causing structural damage, they also bring about health and safety risks to residents, employees, and other occupants of a building.

Water damage may not be immediately apparent, so emergencies can take you by surprise. When that happens, seek professional water damage restoration immediately. In the meantime, here are some things you should and should not do when handling water damage:

1. Stabilize the Situation

The first step is to stabilize the area around the leak. Move valuables out of the area and then bring out a bucket and tarp to catch and contain water that’s built up behind the ceiling.

Chances are, your ceiling covering is drywall, which will absorb or disperse water. You’re better off controlling water coming through the ceiling. Do this by creating a small hole at the center of the leak using an awl, screwdriver, or any similar object. By doing this, the water will pass through that controlled opening and gather into your bucket.

2. Dry Out the Place As Much Water As Possible

When addressing water damage, drying out the area as much as possible is a crucial step. If a burst pipe led to the situation, shut off the water source to prevent any more water from coming inside the property.

Try to accelerate the drying process by opening doors and windows, using dehumidifiers to remove moisture, and working with fans to move the air around. You can use a mop and pail or some rags to get the excess water out, but never use a regular vacuum cleaner to do the job. Water damage professionals have heavy-duty wet-dry vacuum models that perform the task safely and more efficiently.

3. Don’t Stay in the Area as Much as Possible

After you’ve stabilized the situation and done what you’ve can, just wait for the water damage professionals and stay away from the area as much as possible. Water is always a slip and fall hazard, causing serious injuries in some cases. And remember that the water has most likely weakened the structure of your house, especially the ceiling and supporting walls. If they are compromised, these parts may collapse anytime.

4. Don’t Turn Off the Breaker Box in Standing Water

Don’t ever attempt to turn off the power from the breaker box or main switch if you have to stand in the water to do so as a result of a flood or an emergency plumbing issue. As the safety rule goes, “electricity and water don’t mix.”

Instead, phone your local electric utility company to shut off power from the meter. And while you’re at it, don’t try using plugged appliances, touch switches, fuses, outlets, and electrical wires, especially when you’re wet or are standing in water.

Plumbers to the Rescue!

While there are situations you can handle on your own, there are those where you need extra assistance. At Joe Rushing Plumbing, we are here to help with our water damage restoration services. We provide clients in Lubbock, Texas solutions to their plumbing and water damage issues. Book with us today to schedule an appointment.

< Older Post Newer Post >