Water Damage Restoration Akron OH

Water damage is caused by an accumulation of moisture over an extended time. Either inadequate waterproofing in and around your sinks, water pipes or drainage infrastructure, or burst pipes are often the culprit and can cause a lot of water damage over time. Moreover, weathered and rusty pipes can be a reason for spontaneous leaks. If you find water leaking in your front or back yard, it may have been caused by a rogue tree root growing into your pipe and tearing it open over time. Generally speaking, the type of water leaking also determines the kind of damage it can do. For example, clean water leakage causes less damage when compared to black water found in drainage or sewage pipes. Black water leakage can create health hazards, spread mold, and an unpleasant smell throughout your house. Regardless, staying vigilant about the health of your house’s piping can be an ideal first step to spotting potential leaks.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Company in Akron Ohio

  1. Recognise the signs

A slow leak can be harder to spot as water is slow to permeate through your house’s infrastructure; nonetheless, it can leave its mark over time by discoloring drywall, rotting hardwood flooring, and leaving an unpleasant ‘damp’ smell throughout your house. In contrast, an aggressive leak is easier to spot. Burst pipes make a noticeable sound and can be heard from within walls or ceilings. If it is bad enough, you can spot water dripping down your ceiling or walls.

  1. Damage Control

As the famous saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure”. You must be able to recognize the root of your problems. When you identify if there is a leak happening somewhere in your house, find the source and shut down the water valves that feed the source of the leak; this can be a local valve or the main water valve to your house. Secondly, if the water has spread into your walls, you should disconnect, unplug or power off any electrical appliances that may be close to the leak. The next best step is to see the extent of water damage that has been caused and begin fixing the source of the leak. Ideally, your local plumber should be sufficient enough to deal with the faulty or damaged pipe.

Damage Restoration

  1. Dry out the dampness

First things first, the moisture needs to be minimized and completely dealt with before you can fully restore water damage. If there has been excessive flooding, consider investing in a Wet/Dry vacuum cleaner or a suction pump; they can extract a decent volume of water relatively quickly. Before long, you will only have to deal with mild moisture or dampness. Using water-absorbent materials such as toilet paper and towels can be a game changer. If the moisture has creeped out into your carpet, or drywall, consider turning a fan on in the general direction. Air can carry off moisture like nothing else. These tips will help you deal with different levels of water flooding/dampness resulting from a leak.

  1. Clear out Health Hazards

Water leakage can be conducive to the growth of invasive and hazardous fungi, the most dangerous being black mold. Black mold needs dampness and room temperature to thrive and spread. Spores released from black mold can cause allergic reactions and deteriorate your health. If the mold growth is in its infancy, you can cut out the affected part and dispose of it; however, if the mold has grown considerably across your ceiling and/or walls, it’s better to invite a mold specialist for an inspection.

  1. Remove and replace damaged materials

Last but not the least, water-affected materials can be a sad sight to see: discoloured, rotten, flaked, and irrecoverable. If any affected material cannot be restored by a simple cleaning or drying process, you should remove and replace it. When it comes to replacing damaged materials, it is best to look into waterproofing wherever it is applicable. For example, if the leak originated from your bathroom, ensure that you invest in decent waterproofing to prevent water penetration into neighbouring rooms or hallways. Otherwise, look at replacing pieces of your drywall that have been badly damaged. Mouldy carpeting will also need to be potentially replaced. Bathroom tiles, if adequately waterproofed, can withstand water damage.

Hopefully, now you have a clearer idea of how to approach water damage restoration. Leakages can be frustrating incidents to deal with, but taking the appropriate steps can help you mitigate damage and prevent similar incidents from happening again. Remember, to look out for tell-tale signs such as rusty or strained pipes as they are more susceptible to leaking.