Common First-Response Mistakes Homeowners Make After Water Damage

Flood damage can happen within seconds, such as a broken pipe, residential sump pump failure, roof leaks during storms in South Jersey, or an appliance malfunction. Based on these events, a homeowner will respond immediately and with good intentions to the incident. However, an incorrect response can worsen the damage.

One reason South Jersey has so many occurrences of flood incidents is due to seasonal storms, coastal humidity, and the age of many plumbing systems. Therefore, homeowners need to be aware not only of the correct response during times of flooding but also of the incorrect response.

Professional South Jersey Water Damage Restoration Services assist in minimizing flood damage immediately after an event. If you’ve ever tried to locate a South Jersey Flood Restoration Provider in an emergency, you realize the importance of taking fast and accurate action.

This blog provides you with the most common errors homeowners make immediately after experiencing flood damage and how using proper restoration techniques will reduce the potential for future damage and health concerns.

Mistake #1: Delaying Action

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make when dealing with water damage is waiting too long after the incident to call for professional Water Damage Restoration in South Jersey.

Once water has entered the property, it will actively begin moving and spreading throughout all levels and materials in the home (i.e., drywall, flooring, and furniture) within minutes. Water will have infiltrated the structural framing and insulation of the building within the first few hours. Mold will typically start forming within 24–48 hours of entering the property.

The longer a homeowner waits to contact a professional, the higher the costs will be to repair, and the more likely it is that there will be a negative impact on the structure of the property.

Mistake #2: Underestimating the Extent of Damage

A small puddle or damp spot on the carpet may seem like just a minor inconvenience; however, visible water is only part of the equation. Moisture can move beneath surfaces, behind walls, and into subfloors. What may appear to be a small amount of water could, in fact, be hiding a greater amount of saturation within the structure itself. 

Skilled professionals utilize moisture detection equipment to help homeowners find hidden damage that they cannot see.

Mistake #3: Attempting to Dry with Household Equipment Rather Than Using Professional Equipment

Many homeowners try to clean their affected areas from flooding using box fans or household dehumidifiers to dry the area, but these pieces of equipment are not powerful enough to remove water from building materials. On the contrary, incorrect drying of the affected area may push moisture further into the walls. 

Professional water damage restoration companies in South Jersey utilize industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture detection equipment to guarantee complete drying procedures.

Mistake #4: Not Stopping the Source of Water Immediately

When water damage occurs due to plumbing issues, shutting off the main water valve is essential. Some homeowners will attempt to use mops and vacuums on their floors to clean up water without first shutting off the source. Continuing to let water enter the area expands the scope of damage significantly beyond where the water originated. 

By taking immediate action to stop additional water from entering the home, the homeowner limits the extent of damage and will have ready access to professional water damage restoration services.

Mistake #5: Walking Through Contaminated Water

Not all water damage is clean water. Flooded areas or sewage backups will have bacteria and contaminants that can be harmful to the health of the homeowner. Homeowners who do not use proper personal protective equipment when walking through contaminated areas will be exposing themselves to potential health risks. 

Certified professionals in water damage restoration in South Jersey understand how to handle contaminated water safely.

Mistake #6: Tearing Out the Materials Too Soon

Many homeowners will tear out their drywall or flooring and don’t fully understand the extent of the damage.

If removal is not done properly, it could disturb hidden mold or cause further damage to the structure of the home. Also, if the insurance company has no documentation regarding the damage, it could complicate an insurance claim as well. The process involves assessing the damage before even beginning to remove any material.

Mistake #7: Ignoring Moisture in the Attic or Crawl Space

Roof leaks or flooding can cause water to migrate to your attic or crawl space. Many times, these areas are overlooked during the initial cleanup due to no access or no reason to check them.

If these areas have moisture, they may create mold problems, as well as rot in your structural wood. The comprehensive Water Damage Restoration South Jersey process will evaluate your entire property to ensure that there are no areas that have gone unchecked.

Mistake #8: Neglecting Electrical Hazards

There is a serious electrocution risk when water and electricity come into contact with one another. When a home has been flooded, many homeowners will return to the area without turning the electricity off. This is very dangerous, as there is a high risk of being electrocuted.

Professionals always conduct safety inspections before beginning the restoration process.

Mistake #9: Not Taking Pictures & Documenting for Insurance Purposes

When a homeowner begins to clean up without taking photographs or making a log of the damage, it can cause problems receiving the full measure of damages paid by the insurance company.

A competent Water Damage Restoration South Jersey company will assist you in documenting the damage, and this will help expedite the process of filing an insurance claim.

Mistake #10: Attempting to Do Everything Yourself

The water damage restoration process is a multi-phase process that includes inspection, extraction of water, drying, sanitation, and reconstruction. Managing the entire drying process on your own can often result in inadequate drying and hidden mold growth. 

By choosing a reputable Water Damage Restoration Near Me company, you can ensure your home will receive professional-level care.

How Professionals Handle Water Damage Restoration

Knowing how professionals handle water damage restoration will show you the importance of their training and experience.

• Assessment And Moisture Detection

Typically, the first step for water restoration professionals is an inspection for visible damage and the use of infrared heat imaging equipment to locate virtually all hidden moisture that might be present in your property.

• Water Extraction

Professionals will use industrial-strength equipment to remove standing water as quickly as possible. The quicker the standing water is removed, the less likely it is to be absorbed by the structure or support the growth of mold.

• Structural Drying And Monitoring

After all standing water is removed, professionals will use commercial air movers and dehumidifiers to completely dry all affected materials. They will continue to monitor the moisture levels to ensure that they are dried safely.

• Cleaning And Sanitation

All contaminated surfaces will be sanitized, therefore preventing the growth of any type of bacteria or fungus. Professional Water Damage Restoration South Jersey will give you peace of mind that your home is safe from both health effects and property damage.

The True Cost Of Mistakes During The Initial Response

Every mistake that is made during this process will increase the cost of repair. The longer you wait, the more mold will grow. If not dried properly, structural components will deteriorate. If you do not clean up properly, you may need to demolish the area later. When you have water damage, do the following:

• If you can, turn off any water source.
• Turn off the power to areas affected by water.
• Do not wade through standing water.
• Take pictures of any damage.
• Call Water Damage Restoration Company Near Me right away.

All of these will help reduce damage as well as help ensure that you are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About First Response Water Damage Mistakes

1. When should I call for Water Damage Restoration South Jersey?
   Right away. Calling within 24 hours will greatly reduce the amount of mold and the risk of structural problems.
2. Am I able to dry water damage on my own?
   You can dry the surface, but only a professional has the right tools to remove moisture that you cannot see.
3. Is mold always going to form if I have water damage?
   Mold will not always form if water damage happens, but if water remains, you may see mold form within the first 24–48 hours.
4. Should I remove wet drywall right away?
   If you haven’t had a professional evaluation, do not remove the drywall yet. Removing it too soon can make things worse.
5. Does insurance cover water damage restoration?
   The answer to this question will depend on what caused the water damage and what your policy says.

Final Thoughts: Prevent Costly Errors by Making the Right First Moves

Water damage is a very stressful situation, and when there is a need for immediate action, it is easy to make a poor decision based upon urgency rather than strategic planning; however, this is the reason why many first responders to water damage create more structural damage, health risks, and higher repair costs.

Docto Fix It is a full-service Water Damage Restoration Contractor inSouth Jersey, with special emphasis on providing water restoration services for residential and commercial water emergencies. We have a quick response time with advanced drying equipment and qualified technicians providing emergency restoration services.

Feel free to contact us for a quick, safe, and confident recovery from a water damage incident.

from Doctor Fix-It https://doctorfixit.net/common-first-response-mistakes-homeowners-make-after-water-damage/
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