Effective Water Damage Remedies

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, turning your home or business into a stressful mess. Whether it’s from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or a leaking appliance, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Don't fret with the right approach, you can tackle water damage effectively and get your property restored to like condition before the damage, or even better, by trusting the team at My Water Damage Hero.

Understanding Effective Water Damage Solutions

When water invades your home or business, time is of the essence. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes - from warped floors to mold growth. So, what are the best steps to take right away?

1. Stop the Source of the Water

Find and stop the water source. If it’s a burst pipe, turn off the main water valve. If rain is the culprit, try to divert water away from your property using sandbags or tarps. If you need assistance with this tarping or diverting, My Water Damage Hero can assist until the correct contractor is on site (roofer, plumber, etc.) to make the needed repairs to your home or business so the water infiltration can stop.

2. Remove excess Water Quickly

Once the water source is stopped, or diverted as much as possible, use mops, towels, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water. The faster you remove it, the less damage you’ll face. If at all possible, call your trusted disaster recovery company: My Water Damage Hero, at the time the water source is stopped or diverted. This will allow the team to dispatch and come to you as soon as possible. If the water is deep, My Water Damage Hero has pumps available to pump out the water to a safe location where the water will not return back into your home.

3. Dry Out the Area Thoroughly

Too many homeowners and business owners will attempt to perform drying of the wet area themselves. The problem with this is that the area may not be dry enough and moisture may remain. Any moisture may result in the growth of mold within 24-72 hours after the water source has stopped creating damage. Until the team arrives, you can temporarily open windows and doors to increase airflow and use a fan or dehumidifier. But you do not want to avoid hiring a professional who will ensure that your home or business is properly dried, according to industry standards, using industrial equipment. My Water Damage Hero will also apply anti-microbial products to any area to ensure mold growth does not occur (if the team is contacted in a timely manner).

4. Clean and Disinfect

Water can carry contaminants, especially if it’s from a flood or sewage backup. While you can attempt to clean the area, it is best to leave this cleaning to the professionals. My Water Damage Hero will clean the area properly, ensure that it is disinfected and sanitized, and apply anti microbials (if the team is contacted in a timely manner) to prevent mold growth from occurring. They will also use a deodorizer to ensure that the area is smelling satisfactorily.

5. Inspect for Hidden Damage

Water is a tricky source and can often cause damage you do not expect. Where you see water damage occurring, does not mean that is the only place where damage has occurred. This is why it is important to call your trusted disaster recovery professional: My Water Damage Hero. They will take moisture readings and/or use infrared technology to source any water damage. Water can hide in unexpected places, causing structural damage or mold growth that you might not see right away. Don't skip this step in calling the professionals to make sure your water damage is addressed and properly dried.

Picture of water-damaged wooden floor showing warping and discoloration. Mold growth will start in a period of 24-72 hours and will not stop until properly remediated.

Is Water Damage Restoration Worth It?

You might wonder if professional help is really necessary. After all, can’t you just dry things out yourself and call it a day? The truth is, water damage restoration is often worth every penny.

Here’s why:

• Expertise and Equipment: Professionals have specialized tools like industrial-grade dehumidifiers and moisture meters that ensure thorough drying.

• Preventing Mold Growth: Mold can cause serious health issues and structural damage. Restoration experts know how to detect and eliminate mold before it spreads. If they are called in a proper amount of time after the water damage occurs, they can also apply an anti-microbial product to ensure that mold does not grow.

• Removing Mold when it's a Small Problem, before it Gets Too Big: If it has been some time since the damage, early mold remediation is much more cost efficient than letting the situation linger. Mold will not disappear on its own. It will only get worse. The only way to remove the mold and resolve it, is to have it remediated. It's much more cost efficient to do this when the mold is a small amount, rather than engulfing an area.

• Saving Your Property’s Value: Quick and proper restoration helps maintain your home or business’s value and prevents costly repairs down the line. With a great disaster recovery and restoration team, your home or business will be back looking to like conditions before the damage occurred (or better!) before you know it.

• Insurance Assistance: Many restoration companies help with insurance claims, making the process smoother and less stressful. At My Water Damage Hero, we have over three decades of combined experience managing insurance claims to assist you. We will:

  • Help you review your insurance policy for coverages.

  • Call your insurance agent to discuss your policy with you.

  • Help you place the claim with the claims department or claims agent --- knowing what words to say (or not to say) is extremely important, and can make the difference between a loss being covered or not insurable.

  • Speak with your insurance adjuster once one is assigned to your account.

  • Meet your insurance adjuster on site to review any damages.

  • Send all documents needed to your insurance adjuster, including photos, reports, moisture readings, testing reports, and estimates.

  • Work with your insurance company to make sure the maximum amount of coverage from your insurance is applied to your claim.

  • Assist with receiving payment.

    
    

If you’re facing significant water damage, consider reaching out to your trusted disaster recovery team at My Water Damage Hero.

Professional checking moisture levels in drywall during water damage restoration. These moisture readings are utilized in your insurance claim to determine how many days of drying are needed and if an area can be dried or if it has to be removed and replaced.

When to Call the Experts

Water damage can be tricky. Sometimes, what looks like a small spill can hide serious problems. Here are signs that it’s time to call in professional help:

• Water damage has occurred to your ceiling, drywall, floor, or other parts of your home. This includes even appliance overflows: water can easily seep into the floor and sub floor and without proper drying, mold spores can accumulate and grow.

• You notice a musty smell or visible mold growth.

• Walls, ceilings, or floors feel soft, swollen, or discolored.

• Electrical outlets or appliances have been exposed to water.

• You’re unsure about the safety of your water supply or sewage system.

  
  

Professional restoration teams like My Water Damage Hero bring experience, equipment, and peace of mind. They can handle everything from water extraction to structural repairs and mold remediation. Let us place your mind at ease and take care of the problem at hand.

SUMMARY:

Water damage is never fun, but with the right knowledge and quick action, you can minimize its impact. Whether you’re drying out a small leak or facing a major flood, these effective water damage solutions will help you protect your property and restore your peace of mind. And remember, when things get tough, trusted team at My Water Damage Hero are just a call away to help you get back on your feet.

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My Water Damage Hero is a locally owned and operated disaster recovery company. Located in Pottstown, PA, with another office in King of Prussia, PA, My Water Damage Hero focuses on water extraction, fire and smoke damage repair, mold testing, and mold remediation. They also specialize in odor removal (pet and cigarette), and perform air duct cleaning and hvac cleaning to remove toxins, debris, dirt, and mold. If it looks bad, smells bad, or is just bad, trust your professionals at My Water Damage Hero to be of assistance. We are licensed and insured, with an industrial hygenist on staff to ensure you and your home's safety. We also perform work in Commercial Spaces. Contact us today so we can be of assistance. Phone: 610-228-7440 Email: info@mywaterdamagehero.com Website: www.mywaterdamagehero.com