Water Damage Clean-Up Tips

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Hot water tanks, toilet overflows, dishwasher leaks, pipe leaks, roof leaks, refrigerator line leaks are just a few of water leaks we can help with.

IF WATER DAMAGE OCCURS, TIPS FOR CLEAN-UP

Shut off the main water valve, if practical, and call a plumber to fix the leak. Call an IICRC Certified professional (SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodgridge/Lorton are certified) immediately for mitigation services, as required by your insurance policy. IICRC Certified professionals have the knowledge, experience and equipment to locate water wherever it goes, remove the excess, and dry your structure to industry standards. The first goal is to prevent slip/fall hazards. If the burst pipe is overhead, drain ceiling cavities by punching “weep” holes. Revised_013019

Prevent mold growth by acting immediately. Although it takes a few days to appear, mold thrives on wood, paper, particle board or even household soil, when stagnant air, moisture, and temperatures between 68°F and 86°F degrees are present. Wet clothing usually is salvageable. A 10-minute wash cycle in detergent and hot water should sanitize washable clothing and many household fabrics.

Make sure to dry out before you rebuild. IICRC Certified professionals have a variety of instruments to determine when a building is dry, to prevent on-going microbial growth. Drying should not stop until wood or drywall moisture content (MC) falls below 16% MC. Normal MC is around 10% in most areas of the country. Revised_013019 An IICRC Certified Firm like SERVPRO of Dale City/Lake Ridge & SERVPRO of Woodbridge/Lorton can help you through this process.

SOURCE:  IICRC.org/flood-resources