Sometimes the worst happens. You wake up, start to get ready for work and go through your morning routine. Maybe you live on ground level, or maybe you have to pop down stairs to grab something from the laundry room – one way or another you come to the realization that you home is flooding and the water is coming in at an alarming rate. It’s obvious that you need to call a plumber, but what else can you do to try and alleviate some of the damage to your home?
The best answer is to be prepared. Obviously, there isn’t a 100% fool proof way to prevent any sort of leak to your home – but, knowing what to do when a flood begins can really help you in the long run. The first thing you should do is take a look at the water. Take note of what colour it is. If the water is clear, or close to it the source of the water might be from a burst pipe or drain tile. If, however, the water is…ahem…a little dirtier…it is most likely a sewage back up. You should be able to tell based just on sight.
If the water is just…water, the best course of action is to locate you home’s water shut off valve and turn off water access to your home. This is the best step to prevent further flooding. But, what if you don’t know where the shut off valve is? This is where the preparation comes in play. Most shut off valves are located where the waterline enters the house. This could either be at the front of your house or where you connect your hose.
Once you have located the valve, label it for future emergencies. You want all of your family members to be able to find it and know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency flood. This also saves the guess work in what is sure to be a frantic and frazzled situation.
Once the water has been turned off, you should call a plumber immediately. The longer the water sits in your home, the more damage it can do to your drywall and flooring.
It is also important to note that if any water touches your walls, you should call in a restoration company. Trying to clean up the water yourself may seem like a cost effective plan, but it could end up costing you much more in the long run. Improperly treated dry wall can develop mold which can spread to other areas in your house cause thousands of dollars in damage.
If you have any questions, or need any tips on preventative maintenance do not hesitate to give us a call. We’re always here to help!