Water damage in homes across the US costs families up to $20 billion on a yearly basis. It is one of the most common types of damage that houses, particularly bathrooms, experience regularly. 98% of basements across the country, and especially in cities like Chicago, are prone to some sort of water damage, either from plumbing leaks or urban flooding.
Have you witnessed your bathroom suffer severe damage from water leakage recently? Well, here is an ideal roundup of steps to take in this instance:
1. Turn off all water
When you locate a leakage, the first thing to do is address the source by cutting off the main water supply. As tempted as you may be to get a host of tools and start draining the place, don’t! If you can locate the exact source of the leak, like the toilet or sink supply, it is best to shut off these valves, but in case the water is coming from a burst plumbing pipe in the wall, you will need to turn off the main valve.
In a few exceptional cases, this may not be enough to get the leakage to stop. In these instances, hiring a professional to get the job done properly is best. We suggest getting in touch with The Bath Center for quotes and other information.
Also, it is important to note that you need to be careful while working in the bathroom. Take precautions against slipping and electrocution by wearing plastic gloves for your hands and rubber sole shoes for your feet.
2. Make sure you find a reliable repair company
Your bathroom suffering severe damage can only mean one thing; you will need the services of a professional repair company. Depending on the extent of damage, there can be little to no possibilities for a DIY. It may just not be worth the effort to invest in equipment and tools that a damage repair company and their team would have handy and you may not.
However, before hiring someone, it is best to perform extensive research into their expertise and reputation in the market. Entrusting a novice or shoddy contractor for the job can only lead to more hassle than it solves. Not to mention, there is a prevalent possibility that the repair work will fail in a short time, endangering your family’s safety.
Start by asking for recommendations within your trusted circle for any repair company people have worked with and whether they were satisfied with the work or not. Shortlist a few companies and read about their reviews, the team’s qualifications, the technology they use, and how much they can handle repairs.
3. Ensure the safety of your family
A bathroom with severe water damage can be a health and safety risk for various reasons. Besides the risk of electrocution from appliances and sockets that may have come in contact with water, mold and other allergens are likely building up because of the water damage. The swollen wood from water absorption can also cause respiratory ailments, especially in children and elders.
Make sure that as soon as you discover the water damage in your bathroom, you disconnect the breaker immediately. Only enter when it is safe to remove all electronic appliances. Also, ensure you get the repair experts on the premises quickly so they can clean it up promptly.
4. Get in touch with your insurance company
Severe damage will necessitate an insurance claim; otherwise, you’ll be footing a substantial amount on your own. Tell your insurance agent how much water damage there is in your bathroom when you give them a call.
Before cleaning, take pictures of the water because even little flooding can lead to long-term issues. This makes it simpler to finish the procedure when you register your claim. You will need to be thorough since objections can arise if you don’t submit the right paperwork at the right time. In the haste and confusion, many people miss out on this important step.
5. Assess the total damages
Most homeowners try using a mop and pail to clean up standing water, even though it’s a nasty task. To prevent further water damage, you ought to take steps to fix it straight away. However, issues like wet walls and undetected mold growth could still exist. In cases of severe damage, you’ll need to start with how much has been damaged and to what extent.
Think about leaving water damage specialists in charge of the cleanup and repairs. Their specialists not only fix plumbing issues but also clean, sanitize, and repair damaged bathrooms. These professionals are trained to analyze the damage and repair it so that the problem doesn’t resurface anywhere down the line.
6. Take the DIY route only if you have prior experience
Repairing severe damage in your bathroom will not be a walk in the park. It will require specialized tools, materials, and, most importantly, the right expertise. Not every person holds these skills, especially at a level where they can handle these repairs properly. So, unless you are sure that you can manage on your own, don’t get into it without professional help.
Professional repair companies have teams of skilled professionals with decades of experience. Not every individual can match that. Only a handful of people who either make repairs as a hobby or have a profession in the field can repair a severely water-damaged bathroom on their own. Make sure you know what you are getting into before starting any work.
Conclusion
A severely damaged bathroom is a huge problem, especially considering the fact that you may need to shell out a significant amount of money while committing a lot of time and effort to the purpose. However, it is best to take certain precautions, assess the damage, and collect evidence for the insurance claim you may need to submit. Only after taking the right steps to handle the matter can you ensure the whole repair process goes as smoothly as possible.
