Whether from flooding or plumbing issues, water damage to residential and commercial properties can be financially crippling if it is not dealt with effectively as soon as it occurs. A water damage checklist can help you take prompt, comprehensive action to successfully resolve the issue, making it an essential tool.
Why You Need a Water Damage Checklist
Without a water damage restoration checklist, you could forget key steps in the process, with potentially catastrophic results. You may also find it difficult to remain calm and composed if you have no water damage checklist to refer to when things go wrong. Some of the possible consequences of failing to adequately address water damage when it first appears include:
- Mould and Mildew
- Electrical Short Circuits
- Structural Damage
- Increased Repair Costs
For all the above reasons, it is essential to take prompt action whenever water damage occurs.
Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage
As soon as you spot water damage in your home or commercial premises, it is imperative to identify the cause and deal with it immediately. Assessing damage and finding the cause should always be the first step on a water damage checklist.
Once the cause of the excess water has been identified and dealt with, you must remove any standing water with a vacuum designed for this purpose or a mop and bucket.
If the damage is minor, you may proceed with repairs once the affected area is dry. If you would rather leave it to a professional, contact your local water damage restoration specialists. Readers in Queensland are welcome to contact us. We specialise in water damage restoration in Queensland and would be delighted to help.
Water Damage Restoration Checklist: Step-by-Step Guide
To help you deal with all types of water damage quickly and decisively, we suggest following the water damage restoration steps in our checklist every time.
- Assess – Assess the extent of the damage and identify the cause.
- Make Safe – Deal with active leaks, disconnect power and check for structural damage. If found, evacuate the property immediately.
- Document – Take photographs and videos of all damage for insurance purposes.
- Remove Excess Water – Mop up any standing water or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it.
- Clean – Use appropriate disinfectants and cleaning solutions to sanitise affected surfaces.
- Dry – Open windows and doors, use moisture measurement equipment to monitor progress and adjust strategy as needed.
- Restore – Patching, plastering, and painting can now be completed.
Complete all the water damage restoration steps in order, and you’re done. Of course, some cases cannot be dealt with by homeowners, in which case, a professional must be contacted without delay.
When to Call Professional Restoration Services
If you are unable to deal with water damage yourself or the damage is threatening the structural integrity of your property, contact a professional immediately. Specialists, such as ourselves, provide structural drying and other services that make the water damage restoration steps much easier to follow.
