Water damage is one of the most serious emergencies a homeowner can experience. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in 50 homes experiences some sort of water damage every year. Water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in the United States. Water travels quickly across structural materials. In this sense, the first 60 minutes are crucial to minimizing long-term effects, inhibiting mold, and preserving the home.
Castle Rock’s climate, which experiences freezing winters, sudden snowmelt, and summer rainstorms, is a perfect storm for water damage to occur with little notice. If the homeowner understands the recommended actions to follow in the first hour, they have the best potential of safely restoring their property with the help of a water damage restoration company in Castle Rock.
Pay Attention to Safety Before Entering the Affected Area
As with any water damage, safety is paramount. Water can include an electrical hazard, bacteria, or a structural limit, especially if it comes from an external source or plumbing system. The homeowners must identify and take their time to determine if it is safe or not to enter the area.
If water is near an electrical outlet, appliance, or wiring, it is likely unsafe to step into the water before shutting off the power. Contaminated water resulting from sewage backups or storm runoff can pose serious health hazards and should always be avoided unless you have proper PPE (personal protective equipment).
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Check for Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are among the most dangerous hazards during early water damage. Water is a great conductor of electricity, which means any submerged outlets or cords can create deadly situations for those present. The homeowner should cut off the power at the breaker if there is any electrical concern during the flooding.
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Check the Water Contamination Levels
Not all water damage is created equal. Clean water broken from a supply line or plumbing is a safer situation than gray or black water contamination (sewage backup, stormwater, or backup from an appliance). Homeowners should avoid any direct contact with water that could be contaminated. If suspected, the homeowner will want to wear gloves, boots, and a mask before professionals assess the situation.
Locate and Stop the Water Source
Stopping the source of water is the quickest way to help minimize additional damage. Water can enter the home from a pipe that burst, an overflowing appliance, a leaking roof, cracking foundation, or intrusion from a storm event. Quick identification of the source of water flow can limit additional water from spreading through the floors and walls.
In the case of plumbing failure, the main water shut-off valve is typically located in a basement, crawl space, or utility room of the home. If the valve is turned off, the water flow is halted. When a leak stems from the roof or is identifiable from a storm, temporary containment, such as a bucket or tarp, can help slow the intrusion.
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Turn Off the Main Water Supply
If a plumbing leak is suspected, turn off the main valve at the first sign of water. By stopping the flow of water, you prevent more from entering the home and reduce the pool of materials that can be affected. Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the location of the main water valve prior to an event, as time is of the essence in a water event.
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Limit Incoming Water During Storms
A storm-related leak may not be completely stoppable, but the flow can still be reduced. Buckets, towels, or temporary coverings can be placed down to further mitigate the spread. Even a small leak in your roof can cause major structural issues. These should serve only as an interim action until water damage restoration experts in Castle Rock arrive.
Document the Damage for Insurance
As insurance carriers expect significant documentation to process water damage claims, the first 60 minutes are often the best window to gather evidence of the incident without displacing items. Photos and videos can usually carry forward evidence of severity and timing.
Homeowners should record everything, from the source of the leak to the furthest amount of damage seen. This documentation will help the insurance adjusters determine coverage.
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Photograph and Video Document Everything
Your photos should include wide-angle views of the loss and then close-up photos of the damaged area. Video is often helpful to show the movement and dripping source of water or the area that water is moving into. The more documentation that you provide, the easier it will be for a claim.
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Document Personal Property Damage
Personal property like furniture, electronics, clothing, etc., should also be documented with photos before being moved. Adjusters may ask you to show proof of value and ownership. Making a list or inventory accelerates the claims process and produces an accurate reimbursement.
Remove Any Salvageable Items From the Wet Area
As soon as your documentation is complete, any salvageable items should be removed from the wet area. Porous materials such as rugs, fabrics, and wooden furniture will absorb water and begin phenomena like swelling, staining, or developing mold. So the sooner the items can be removed, the better chance you will have to preserve those items.
Do not lift heavy items that are water-soaked, as they could cause injury. Any items that are too damaged or saturated should be left to the professionals.
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Protect Electronics and Valuables
Electronics are very susceptible to the effects of moisture. Devices, including laptops, televisions, and gaming systems, must be removed to a dry area right away. They should not be powered on, even after removal from the wet zone, until thoroughly checked, as powering on wet electronics will cause permanent damage.
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Remove Light Furniture and Decor
Light furniture, framed photos, rugs, and medium-small decor pieces should be moved to a dry area as soon as possible because these items are often left alone in the wet area absorbing moisture that will eventually damage flooring. Higher-value items should be stored in a well-ventilated area if the items cannot be completely dried and stored away.
Start Light Water Removal Only After It Is Safe
If the water is from a clean source and there are no electrical hazards, then you can attempt limited water removal. Towels, mops, and wet/dry vacuums can help slow the damage at that point. This first step may lessen how much water can be absorbed by your floors, walls, and so on.
However, professional water damage restoration near me should always conduct deep extraction, structural drying, and moisture detection.
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Use Towels and Wet/Dry Vacuums
These will do the most in removing the water from the surface of the floor. However, these items cannot access any hidden moisture. Towels and vacuums are applicable mostly in the initial moments of drying and on hard flooring. Homeowners should specify their efforts to just surface-water removal and will want to rely on a professional when it comes to large, commercial-grade, or heavy-duty extraction.
- Do Not Attempt to Dry Carpets or Walls
Surface drying is only intended for the visible portions, and there is still moisture thoroughly eating away at your structural materials. Water will quickly fill carpets, padding, drywall, and insulation.
A professional thermal imaging camera and moisture meters are used to disclose how deep hidden saturation extends. It is critical that this is dealt with immediately and that you call a professional.
Why You Should Call a Professional
Water damage restoration requires drying equipment, moisture detection tools, and training for safety. The average homeowner will not have the professional ability to use high-volume industrial air movers, dehumidifiers, or thermal cameras. A professional water damage restoration in Castle Rock will mitigate against not only surface moisture but remove everything from humidity, including behind the walls.
When emergencies happen, homeowners usually search for Water Damage Restoration Near Me. Response time is critical. Local professionals understand the local weather patterns of Castle Rock, the style of homes, and the most likely moisture issues that arise in that climate.
Local professionals will respond faster (less drive time), which means less contact time with water damage and fewer opportunities for things to worsen in the long term.
Dry Out Restoration is a trusted water removal, structural drying, and moisture detection company located in Castle Rock. We employ certified technicians to help restore your home quickly and efficiently while using the best equipment available.
Contact us for fast response time, good communication, transparency, and long-term outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How soon should I act after I discover water damage?
Immediately. Acting within your first hour of discovering water damage will significantly reduce long-term structural damage, rot, mold, and repair costs. - Does Castle Rock’s dry climate inhibit mold?
No. Once water has penetrated your walls and floors, it does not matter what the humidity is outside Castle Rock. Mold spores flourish at approximately 70 degrees most of the time, and as long as there is moisture and the appropriate temperature, mold will grow. - Should I attempt to clean up water damage myself?
At best, you can only surface-remove the water. For hidden sources of moisture, a standard homeowner will not have any of the extraction, drying, or detection tools of a professional restoration company. - Will my insurance cover my water damage?
Generally, water damage is covered under insurance. However, if the insurance company sees delayed mitigation, they may not pay the claim. - How can I tell if the water is contaminated?
If the water is due to sewage, a storm, a dishwasher, or a washing machine, assume contamination until you confirm.