Home Removal Services Blog

It’s happened to the best of us; flooding, or a burst pipe, causes water to come in to our home, creating water damage all over that wonderful cream-colored piling. All is not lost, though – let’s take a deep breath and look at how to clean up after the (water) damage has been done.

1) Determine what kind of water caused the damage – If the water is from a toilet, or sewage line, then I’m sorry my friend, you’ve been tainted by “black water.” If this happens, you should IMMEDIATELY DISCARD your carpet. It will be an expensive process, but there are too many bacteria lurking in that type of water that would fester and create many more health problems down the road. However, if the water is from a main water line, then you can consider yourself lucky. This can be repaired.

2) Disenfect and lift the water damaged section – Even though it may not be “black water” you don’t want to take any chances. Mix about 3 tablespoons of bleach into a gallon of water, and get scrubbing on the water damaged areas (make sure you ventilate the room! A clean carpet isn’t worth brain damage). Then, using a box cutter or similar tool, cut and lift the carpet. You can get rid of that damaged padding; it’s no good to us now. Be certain to keep the carpet area lifted to allow airflow and facilitate the drying process. Clean up the floor below the damaged carpet to prevent further problems using either a wet/dry vacuum or mop.

3) Let It Dry – This is the most important part. Direct as many fans as you can at the damage spots (most professionals recommend industrial fans set on high), open windows, get a dehumidifier, whatever it takes. The first 12 hours are the most important part of this process – this is the time frame in which mold can grow in your carpet, creating lots of nasty things you don’t want to be breathing. During this time, try to keep any traffic out of the room. After 12 hours, check your carpet. If it feels dry, you can safely put the damaged portion back down on the ground. Make sure to keep a constant airflow over the carpet for another 24 hours, to ensure that all moisture has been removed.

If your carpet is still not dry, you may have to consult professional services to repair your water damaged carpet.

Take quick action to clean up a damaged carpet can be hard work, but it will leave you with a chance to save it, cutting down on costs, and keeping you safer, by eliminating the chances for harmful molds.

Right Way Contracting and Restoration Services is a leading nationwide water damage restoration company specializing in 24/7 emergency service water damage restoration florida, water damage repair atlanta, mold remediation, flood damage repair, document drying, fire and smoke damage restoration and crime scene clean up.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/carpet-cleaning-after-water-damage-1001486.html

Water damage from a flood, a storm or burst pipes can be devastating to the interior of your home. There are ways to prevent large loss damage. When constructing a home or finishing a basement following a few simple common sense steps can easily save a considerable amount of money from water damage that may occur sometime in the future.
1. When finishing interior rooms of a house install dry wall horizontally. If there is a flood you may only need to tear out the bottom dry wall sheet for repairs.
2. Leave a ½ inch gap between the upper and lower wallboards. This will allow for drying and prevent the water from socking into the upper wallboard. Caulk the gap and cover it with a chair molding that can be easily removed to make repairs.
3. Leave a gap at the bottom of the lower wall board that can be covered with floor molding. Attach the floor molding so that it can be easily removed. The gap will allow water to drain from the inner wall cavities and for faster drying.
4. Use flooring that is water resistant, such as tile and concrete. If you want carpeting try area rugs that can be rolled up and moved easily. Installed carpet and pads will most likely need to be removed and disposed of after a water or flood event.
5. Elevate utility systems such as the main circuit breaker; fuse boxs and meters, above the potential flood level.
6. Move outlets and switches to higher levels in rooms when permitted by local or state codes.
7. Put in Ground Fault Circuit breakers to prevent short circuiting electrical fires and injury to people and animals.
8. Elevate heating equipment and air conditioners to a level higher than the potential flood level, a higher floor, or to the attic.
9. Washers, dryers, and water-heaters can be moved to higher floors but be sure to provide spillage pans and overflow drains to prevent water damage from leaks when these items are moved.
10. Install check valves or back-flow valves in sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into the drains.
11. Check the drainage hoses on washing machines and dishwashers. If the hoses need replaced use reinforced hose and install and use shutoffs.
12. Monitoring devices that sense water on floor surfaces and sound an alarm or automatically shut off the water are available.
13. If items must be stored in the lower level use plastic storage containers with tightly fitting lids and store them high off the floor where they will be less likely to end up under water.
14. Keep valuable items out of basements and off the first floor if it is subject to flooding. Use an offsite storage facility if necessary t protects valuable items.
15. Make sure the lot is properly contoured to drain water away from the house. A French drain can also be used to drain water away from the house.
You may not be-able to prevent all damage from water that gets into your house but you can and should take steps to prevent large loss damage.

Right Way Contracting and Restoration Services is a leading nationwide water damage restoration company specializing in 24/7 emergency service water damage restoration florida, water damage repair atlanta, mold remediation, flood damage repair, document drying, fire and smoke damage restoration and crime scene clean up.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/prevent-large-loss-damage-1001488.html