Leaks are more than simply an excess of water. They are a potential hazard for microbial growth; thus, when homeowners locate moisture in the ceilings, walls or floor, it’s imperative to react quickly and seek professional assistance. Be sure to do the following six things to restore the damaged section.
- Call a Plumber
Above all, locate the water intrusion. Homeowners should stop water flow to the room or home and locate a specialist in the area. Research Corvallis or trained and licensed plumber and request an immediate visit. Then, permit the expert to examine the situation, determining the leak’s source. Before anything else is done, have the origin fixed to prevent further damage.
- Notify Insurance
Water in the home is a major concern for insurance companies. This saturation could lead to mold growth, which is expensive and time-consuming to fix. Many policies allow homeowners to file for financial assistance for major water repair and mold, but agents require prompt claim requests. Therefore, while the plumber is working, speak with your insurer too.
- Tear Out Any Soaked Material
Porous materials absorb moisture, making them a hazard for mold development. Anything contaminated with sewer water or drenched is problematic. Dispose of the items, especially things such as drywall and flooring. Keeping them could lead to fungus down the road.
- Dry The Room
Cut the likelihood of mildew and mold down by airing out space. With the walls opened up, use industrial dehumidifiers to extract dampness from inside the beams and crawlspace. Determine if it’s completely dry by using a moisture reader.
- Sanitize Materials
Wipe down the remaining drywall, flooring and fixtures with soap and water. If you are still concerned, an antimicrobial spray may also be applied. Often, owners turn to bleach. Be aware that this product may kill surface contamination, but it does not penetrate pieces.
- Replace Items
With the room cleaned, put it back together. Replace anything you lost, and patch the walls. A new coat of paint covers up the construction and could improve the appearance as well.
If you suspect a leak has occurred, act immediately. Work with plumbers to fix the problem, and then focus on drying and disinfecting the area.