There typically isn’t much precipitation in San Antonio, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of what could happen if your home is flooded. Damage that occurs due to flooding can be expensive, dangerous, and even unhealthy if the problem is left unchecked. And even though winter is when San Antonio communities see the least amount of precipitation, this could be the best time to get up to date on what to do if your home does flood, whether it’s from rainfall or a problem with the plumbing. Your first course of action? Call Steam Master Cleaning. We can help you with steam cleaning your carpet, cleaning out your air ducts, help with water damage restoration, and so much more.
What is Water Damage?
Water damage can occur in your home from either natural flooding or if there is a problem with the plumbing in your home, typically a burst pipe or water main. There are three different types of water damage, depending on the quality of water. Category one is when damage was sustained by clean, clear water (white water). Category three is when the water is dirty (black water). Category two is when the water contains a large amount of chemical, biological, or physical contaminants (gray water). Both category two and three can be dangerous if the water is consumed, so it’s best to call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
Signs of Water Damage
Water damage isn’t always noticeable right away, especially when it’s not caused by a severe problem like rain flooding or a plumbing problem. If there is a constant drip in a pipe, for example, this could cause water damage over a long period of time and the signs will slowly start to appear. Signs include:
- Puddles
- Dripping water
- Soft walls or floors
- Peeling tiles
- Discoloration
- Mold
What Does a Water Damage Restoration Company Do?
The first step is always finding the water source and turning it off to prevent further damage. There are times when the source isn’t clear, in which case special equipment can be used to detect where the water is coming from. When the source has been found, Steam Master Cleaning will determine what damage has been done and will create a plan of action to best begin restoring the space. If there has been significant damage, we will do our best to save any items that are still usable; however, with category two and three water damage, if items absorbed unhealthy water, the items may not be salvageable.
- If there is standing water, a water damage restoration company will use pumps to remove the water.
- Scrubbers and dehumidifiers will be used to dry out the space.
- We will then clean the property with antibacterial and disinfectant products to ensure the space is safe for living.
- Repairs can include repainting walls, re-tiling, and fixing leaks.
Preventing Water Damage
As with many problems that occur in the home, prevention is key. Be sure to perform regular maintenance checks on the plumbing system, roof, be sure there is proper ventilation in the bathroom, and use a quality insulation in your windows and walls.If you think there may be water damage in your home, give our professional water damage restoration experts a call as soon as possible.