As a homeowner, protecting your property and possessions from water damage is always a top priority. Even small leaks can lead to water stains on floors and furniture, which can eventually cause severe damages if left unchecked. Thus, it’s essential to take immediate action to prevent any further harm.
Water damage can manifest in many forms, from mold growth resulting from a roof leak to bacteria entering your home from floodwater. Each type of damage requires a different approach to repair.
If you’re unsure whether a full-scale restoration is necessary or if it’s enough to let things dry out, this guide will help you differentiate between the two scenarios.
Warning Signs Of Water Damage
A general rule of thumb when it comes to water damage restoration is if the water causing the damage isn’t fit to drink, then you need to call in the professionals. There’s a significant difference between water coming from a sink and black water from a flood.
Sometimes, you may need specialized equipment just to be able to enter your home safely, let alone carry out any repairs. If you can identify the source of the water and it poses no threat to you, you can move some valuables and do some drying work yourself.
However, this only applies to small spills. If you’re unsure where the water is coming from, it’s best to seek help from a professional water damage restoration company. This will ensure your safety and guarantee that the problem is fixed correctly.
Simply cleaning up the water stain won’t solve the issue. You need to find and fix the source of the leak and repair any damage that has already occurred.
Common Causes Of Water Damage
Water damage can occur due to a wide range of reasons, ranging from natural disasters to faulty infrastructure. Flooding is one of the most common causes of water damage, which can be caused by heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, or other natural disasters. Other common sources of water damage include broken pipes, leaky roofs, faulty appliances, and overflowing toilets.
Moreover, inadequate waterproofing or poor drainage can cause water to seep into basements and crawl spaces. Water damage can also occur due to a lack of maintenance of a home’s plumbing system, such as neglecting to replace worn-out pipes or improperly maintaining water heater.
In Florida, cast iron pipe damage is a frequent cause of water damage, resulting from outdated construction methods no longer in use. Additionally, poorly sealed windows and doors due to faulty construction can allow water to seep into a home.
The Next Step
If you’re looking for water damage restoration, before searching for a provider, the first step is to review your insurance policy. Different home insurance policies cover water damage from various sources. For instance, if there’s a sudden pipe failure, your insurance policy may cover restoration expenses, but a flood may require separate flood insurance. This will provide you with a better understanding of the actual cost of restoring water damage.
Once you’ve taken this extra step, you can begin searching for a provider. Keep in mind that when making a final decision, there are three key factors to consider.
It’s difficult to differentiate between minor water stains and major water damage, and no one wants to pay for unnecessary services. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek professional advice from a water damage restoration service.
At Houston Restore Pros, we strive to provide our customers with the best service possible.
Our technicians are certified. This means that we provide the best options for handling small and large water damage incidents when it comes to water damage restoration.