Water damage is one of the most common and most costly problems to deal with. It can occur from a wide variety of sources, such as storms, floods, roof leaks, burst pipes, overflowing appliances and sewage backups.
The most effective way to minimize the risk of water damage is to take precautions before a problem occurs. You can do this by ensuring that your appliances and drains are always working properly, as well as keeping up with preventative maintenance on your heating and air conditioning systems.
Preventing water damage is the first step in restoring your home to its original condition. This includes extracting standing water, drying surfaces and cleaning up the area.
A professional restoration company can also help you determine the extent of water damage to your home or business. This is done by classifying the damage, a process that takes into consideration how much water has penetrated an affected area and what kinds of contaminants are present.
Category 1 – This is the lowest category of water damage Portland OR, and it usually refers to minor leaks that have affected only rooms with low levels of porous materials. Examples of such cases include small leaking fixtures and toilets or a broken pipe that has been absorbed into carpeting and wall construction.
Most of the time, Category 1 water damage can be dried quickly without any long-term damage to your home or property. However, it is important to note that in this case, the cleanup technician will need to wear protective gear when working on your home or business.
If the water damage is severe, a restoration company will need to use special equipment to remove the water and disinfect the affected areas. This is necessary to avoid the spread of bacteria and mold.
* Identifying the Source of the Leak – Once you know where the leak is, it’s critical to stop the flow of water. If you do not act quickly, the water will continue to saturate your home or business and potentially cause even more damage.
1. Repairing any Damaged Appliances – The most common source of water damage is your home’s appliances. This includes washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters. If you have a washer or dishwasher that hasn’t been cleaned or serviced for several years, it is likely that water could be trapped inside the machine and cause damage to your home.
2. Changing or Replacing any Hoses – If your appliances have hoses, it’s important to replace them with stainless steel hoses that will better resist corrosion and leaks.
3. Replacing Decorative Items – If you have decorative items in the water damage area, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible.
4. Recovering & Cleaning Up Your Personal Property – If your home or business has been affected by a leak, it’s important to recover and clean up your belongings. After all, your personal property is a valuable asset to your family and your business.