WATER DAMAGE FAQ


• Water Damage
1. How can I safely inspect my house after water damage?
2. What are the best ways to secure my property after water related damage?
3. How can I estimate the extent of the damage?
4. What are the electricity related safety rules after water damage?

• Water Damage Prevention
1. How can I know if I have water damage in the kitchen?
2. Where do I need to look for water damage in the bathroom while inspecting?
3. Can the attic vents be a water damage "threat"?
4. I can see drips in the washing machine while it is not in use. Is that normal or is it a sign for water damage?
5. I checked my attic insulation and it seems wet. How can I dry it and make sure it is still in good condition.
6. I can see discoloration on the wall near my utility sink and the wall is getting softer. Does that mean a problem?
7. What are the recommended tests for a sump pump?
8. What are the warning signs for water damage in the refrigerator?
9. Do I have to install an exhaust fan in my bathroom?

• Recovering From Water Damage

 

Water Damage
Q: How can I safely inspect my house after water damage?
A: Dangers are not over when the water goes down. Do not endanger yourself or your family after a water event. Keep children and pets away from the damaged area. Follow these basic safety rules to secure your safety:

Determine Structural Stability
Cut off power supply
Turn off water supply
Turn off gas supply
Beware of animals
Use protective gear


Q: What are the best ways to secure my property after water related damage?
A: Lock and secure your property when unoccupied to prevent looting. This is an action that can be taken by Restoration Resource, if needed.


Q: How can I estimate the extent of the damage?
A: Start by examining the exterior damage, if any. Only if determined safe, walk around the building and property to observe and gather information. Mark the water levels on the walls for reference. Enter the structure under extreme precautions. Examine damage in each room, beginning with the most affected room. Be sure to document all observations.


Q: What are the electricity related safety rules after water damage?
A: There 3 basic safety rules:

Turn off the power to your home or business by disabling the main circuit breaker panel.
Do not use regular household vacuums to remove excess water.
Do not use electrical appliances while standing on a wet floor.


Water Damage Prevention
Q: How can I know if I have water damage in the kitchen?
A: The following are typical signs of water damage in the kitchen:

Leaks under the sink, slow draining pipes, cracked tile or missing grout, soft or stained walls and floors, leaks under and around the base of the dishwasher, and moisture behind the refrigerator.


Q: Where do I need to look for water damage in the bathroom while inspecting?
A: Start with the toilet; check the water lines, the floor around the toilet, the tank and the toilet rim. Make sure no leaks are visible. Then inspect the shower and bathtub. Inspect the tile, grout, drain, and all visible plumbing. Confirm that all seals are tightened and dry. Be aware of discolorations or soft areas around the bathtub walls.


Q: Can the attic vents be a water damage "threat"?
A: Yes, but do not uninstall them. Vents are vital for proper attic ventilation and help circulating air and keep low humidity in the attic. However, vents must be inspected regularly.


Q: I can see drips in the washing machine while it is not in use. Is that normal or is it a sign for water damage?
A: You may need to replace the shut off valve. Consider installing a single-handled valve that makes it easier to turn off the water supply to the washing machine.


Q: I checked my attic insulation and it seems wet. How can I dry it and make sure it is still in good condition.
A: Most insulation holds moisture and cannot be dried out. Any wet insulation will need to be replaced.


Q: I can see discoloration on the wall near my utility sink and the wall is getting softer. Does that mean a problem?
A: Stained or discolored walls around the utility sink probably means there is an internal leak in the pipes behind the stained wall. Fixing these pipes usually requires professional help. To verify the problem, consider hiring a professional for an infrared inspection.


Q: What are the recommended tests for a sump pump?
A: There are 3 steps to a sump pump test:

Check the outlet pipe to make sure it is not clogged or frozen. Follow the pipe and confirm that water are directed away from the property.
Check that the pump is clean. Plug in the pump and remove the lid (if there is one). Use a flashlight and look into the pump and see that the inlet pipe is clean and free flowing. Test the pump by pouring at least 5 gallons of water and pumping it out. Be sure to pour the water in a way that will simulate the average flow into the pump. Force the pump to turn on and off 2-3 times and watch the action of the on/off switch while listening to the pump.


Q: What are the warning signs for water damage in the refrigerator?
A: Generally, there 3 important red flags for water damage, originating in the refrigerator:

Moisture behind or under the refrigerator including on the coils in the back.
Leaks from hose connection and seals (commonly found in the icemaker's water supply line).
Growth of mold is a major sign; it indicates an ongoing problem that must be treated immediately. This problem is usually detected in the drain pan if your refrigerator has one.


Q: Do I have to install an exhaust fan in my bathroom?
A: Installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom is much recommended. When running, the fan ventilates the bathroom by circulating air and therefore preventing damp air overloads. It helps to maintain low humidity levels, promoting good indoor air quality and reducing the chance for mold growth. It is important to turn it on while using the bathroom and for 5-10 minutes afterwards.


Recovering from Water Damage
Q: Do I need to throw away all my kitchenware after a flood?
A: Not necessarily. Dishes, cooking utensils and food preparation areas can be sanitized and disinfected.


Q: What is air drying?
A: Air drying is the most common technique for drying out. Airflow will speed up evaporation by moving moisture-saturated air, allowing dry air to absorb moisture. This method is inexpensive drying since no special equipment is required. However, it is relatively slow.


Q: My books where soaked in water. How can I salvage them?
A: Assuming your books were soaked in clean water for less than 24 hours and mold is not present, you must start by prioritizing salvage order: collection books and valuable books must be dried before all other books. The best method for paper drying is freezing. Place the books into plastic bags and place in the freezer. To prevent pages from adhering to each other, place a baking sheet every 20-30 pages.


How can I salvage my photos if I can't get to them immediately?
A: If you cannot dry out your photos immediately, you can delay further damage from happening by freezing your photos. Start with rinsing them gently, then place your clean photos in a plastic bag (zip bags are recommended), place them in a container and put in the freezer. Be sure to consult a professional conservator before freezing any photos.

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