Can You Handle the Watery Mess in Your Kitchen?
You walk into the kitchen and suddenly everywhere you look, you see water. Unfortunately, you’re not lucky enough to say it was just a nightmare. So, what now? The next steps you take will determine how well you can recover from the damage in front of you. Luckily, Tidal Wave Response knows exactly what to do for water damage restoration and can help you out as well. Act fast and stay safe. If the water soaks into your cabinets and furniture, it’s an open door for mold to grow in. You can choose to deal with the problem yourself or hire a water damage company to do it for you.
- Turn off the water: Switching off water supply line valves typically prevents the stream from broken pipes under the kitchen sink. If this doesn't work or you don't know about the source of the flooding, switch off your home's main water line at its shutoff valve.
- Turn off electricity: Unplug all appliances in the area first. Go to the circuit box to cut off the electricity in the kitchen. You can cut off the electricity to other areas that have been affected as well. If you think your gas stove got affected as well, follow your city’s directions for turning off the gas.
- Wipe away the water: Remove items on surfaces that have water and wipe them dry. Then, proceed to wipe the water off the flooded surfaces as well. Try spotting the source of the leak. Once you find it or suspect the area, place a dry towel down on the cabinet and place a layer of paper towel on top of the dry towel. Place a bucket under the suspected leaking area, turn on the faucet, and watch for any drips. Repeat this process until you find the correct area of leakage. Once you find it, you can call a water damage company to repair the leak.
- Drying process: The next step in water damage restoration is to start the drying process. Setting up fans, having a dehumidifier, and keeping cabinet doors and drawers open are helpful tips to dry the water in your kitchen,
How to Avoid Flooding
You can take these small steps to prevent flooding that can go a long way.
- Sensors and flood detection systems: There are many sensors, systems, and alarms that alert you when there’s flooding or leaks within your home.
- Testing your sump pump and battery backup: Sump pumps move water from your basement out of your home. Regularly test your sump pump by making sure it can remove water adequately. Consider having a backup battery for your sump pump in case the power goes out.
- Clean drains and gutters: Clean out any leaves or debris that block drains in your backyard. If you live in an area with lots of trees, regularly rake your yard. Check and clean your gutters at least once a year. To make sure they’re clear, you can use a leaf blower, your hands (wear gloves), or high-pressured hose water to push any forgotten remnants down.
Other tips include checking for cracks or leaks around the house and inspecting or upgrading your drains. If you have any questions or need help with flooding restoration, call Tidal Wave Response.
