If you’re a property owner, you will probably have to deal with water damage at some point. Statistics say that water damage claims cost insurance companies a whopping $13 billion in 2017.

Every homeowner’s problem is to wake up in the middle of the night with water rushing out of somewhere it should not be. Regardless of how new your property is, water damage can still affect and even damage it. So, here are some do-it-yourself suggestions on what to do if you find yourself in this scenario:

Determine the Source of the Water

After ensuring that it’s safe for you and your family to stay inside your home, locate the water source. This might be tricky at times but pay attention to visible signs in all the corners of your house. For instance, water damage in ceilings can be challenging to identify if the water is coming from the roof or somewhere else.

To help you quickly locate the water damage source, water stains, swollen, or discolorations are the most common indications. These are commonly seen in drywalls, doors, and cabinets.

Turn Off Electricity and Water Source

If you figure out that the water damage is coming from your home, such as a pipe, turn off the water source right away. This will help reduce any further damage caused by the water. Turn off the electrical power and electronic devices in the affected rooms or area, and move electronic things away from the room.

When dealing with electricity or an electronic object, consider your safety first. Be cautious when you are standing in water or your garments are wet and trying to recover a soaked electronic gadget. Find a way to disconnect if it’s immersed and connected to an external power source, like switching it off from a breaker.

Move Items Far from the Affected Location

If you let your belongings sit in the water for an extended period, it can create secondary damage that makes it impossible for them to be recovered. If you can not move large and heavy furniture or home appliances, you may need the help of a water damage restoration company. They will put your valuables on the block, allowing them to keep off the ground and out of the water.

Also, if you have vanities and cabinets that can’t be moved, they are also the right people to determine if water went through behind these items. Choose a company near you so they can arrive at the location promptly. For instance, search a “restoration company Rochester area” if you live in the area.

Get Rid of the Water

After shutting off electronic devices, electricity, and water source and the contents have been transferred, removing the standing water would be the next thing to do. A vacuum cleaner may do if there’s not enough standing water or the affected place is small. Unfortunately, if it is more than 100 square feet, calling professionals, such as PuroClean North Greece, is always ideal.

Allow Air in the Area

Even if you eliminate the water, you still need to remove or completely dry wet building materials. If you don’t, you’ll have to handle molds in the next couple of days, which is the last thing you want. Though your equipment and tools can’t compete with expert companies’ drying tools, dehumidifiers and fans help do the job.

Open the windows for air to enter your house. In severe damages, calling professional companies is highly suggested, given that they also have moisture detecting tools.