Chapter 2:  How to Handle a Water Damage Repair Situation

Safety First! Do not attempt any of these steps unless you know what you are doing, other wise you could put your self at serious and even cause Death!

Your home may have been damaged in a disaster, like a hurricane or earthquake.  Or, it may have been damaged in an accident affecting your household only, such as a broken water pipe or a leaky roof. 

In either situation, the basic steps to take the moment you find your house seriously damaged or destroyed are the same.

• Determine whether the house is structurally safe to enter or live in.
• If you cannot be certain the building is safe, make immediate arrangements for shelter or alternate lodging.
• Call your insurance claims office and inform them what has happened.  You will be given an all-essential claim number. Keep it handy. 

 

If the house is safe enough to enter:

• Turn off the power by disabling the main circuit breaker panel, even if the neighborhood power grid is already down.  The panel is typically located on the side of the home, in the garage, in the utility room, or in the basement.
• Shut off natural gas supply lines. The gas shut-off valve is located on the gas supply pipe coming out of the ground near the meter.  Fuel line valves are also located at each gas-powered appliance.
• Turn off the main water supply.  The main water supply is typically located in the basement or crawlspace of your home, near the water meter or located on the water meter itself.  In warmer climates, the main water supply may also be located outside the home.  Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply.  This may require pliers or an adjustable wrench.

Note the most hazardous conditions of the entire house and property*:

• Check for damaged plumbing connections and pipes or standing water.
• Look for broken electrical fixtures or exposed wiring.
• Walk the property, watching for and avoiding downed tree limbs or power lines.

*See the Damage Inspection Checklist below.

 Protect Your Assets

The sooner you can begin to protect your home and personal belongings from further damage, the more quickly you will recover from the disaster or accident.  Depending on the extent and type of the damage to your home, here’s what to do next:

• Alert your insurance company immediately.
• Safety First!   Do not put you or your family at risk in the aftermath of any serious water event.
• If it is not hazardous to do so, cover any broken windows or doors, damaged walls, or roof areas with plywood, plastic sheeting or tarps to protect against rainwater damage. If you do not feel safe handling this job yourself, get professional help
• If your home is so damaged that it cannot be secured against vandalism, remove your valuables, including those with sentimental value, like photographs, to the home of a trusted friend or family member.  If that is not an option, consider renting a storage unit during the restoration.
• If the house can be secured, relocate belongings to a safe and dry part of the house.  If possible, place water-damaged clothes, rugs, or furniture into a sunny or breezy location. 
• If there is standing water in the house, sweep as much of it to the outdoors as possible.
• Carpeting that‘s been wet for less than two days may be able to be salvaged by using a wet-vac or commercial carpet cleaner.  But quick action is critical.  The carpet padding, in any case, will almost certainly have to be replaced. 
• Rugs that are of value should be removed for professional cleaning.
• Remove all damaged materials and debris to the outdoors for easy municipal pick-up.
• If possible, run the air conditioning and/or dehumidifier, or use blowers or fans to help dry out the interior
• In the aftermath of high water inside your home – especially if the wallboard has been saturated, cutting 4-inch diameter holes through the walls about one-foot above the floor, will help the house dry out.  However, in the event of extensive water intrusion into your home, talk to your insurance company about consulting a professional for the best techniques for drying your home thoroughly.

Damage Inspection Checklist 

If possible, immediately after eliminating the most hazardous conditions (turning off the power, gas and water), and taking steps to protect and secure your assets and personal belongings, inspect the property more closely.  Walk around the house and lot and observe.  Your notes, conveyed to the insurance adjuster, will help speed the repair of your home. 

Use this checklist to help you make observations and notes:

Exterior Signs of Damage 

Any missing or damaged roof shingles?

• Is there bent or missing flashing?
• Is there gutter damage?
• Is the chimney intact or damaged?
• Is the stucco stained or cracked and loose?
• Is the brick wet or stained?
• Are the siding boards intact, warped or loose?
• Are there signs of water intrusion through the windows?
• Are there signs of water intrusion through basement windows or window wells?

 

Clues in the Attic  

Is any of the insulation wet or damaged?

• Are any of the vents damaged or missing?
• Do you see any daylight through the roof?
• Do HVAC ducts have condensation or is insulation wet?
• Are structural elements wet, rotting or warping?

Warning Signs in the Basement and Crawl Space 

Are all of the foundation walls intact?

• Is the basement or crawl space dry or wet?
• Are the floors above the basement stained or dry?
• Is the ductwork dry and intact or stained or damaged?
• Is the furnace operating or water damaged?
• Is the water heater tipped over, disconnected from the service line or otherwise damaged?

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event or accident, the more you are prepared to prioritize your next actions the better off you and your family will be. 

A simple plan of action, which includes taking immediate safety precautions, protecting your belongings and assets; and, making close observations of the damage that has sustained, will help you and your family bring your lives back to normal as quickly as possible.

Quick and immediate action after a water damage can minimize and even prevent moisture damage from occurring.  The next section will provide you with the clean-up guidelines you will need following a water-related disaster or accident.

 

Water Damage Recovery Guide
Chapter 1:  The Importance of Home Maintenance | Chapter 2:  How to Handle a Water-Related Catastrophe | Chapter 3:  Making Repairs that Prevent Future Moisture Damage | Chapter 4:  What to Do if You Discover Moisture Damage | In Conclusion…