Water Damage: Prevention and Cleanup to Avoid Mold After Flooding!

It does not matter if it’s a burst pipe, a leaky water heater, an overflowing bathtub, or flooding off the Poudre.

And it does not matter if you see it or not.

Water damage can cause harmful mold, rot and unseen damage which can affect the value of your home and the health of loved ones. Too many Coloradans had to deal with this during the 2013 flooding, which we wrote about here.

Moreover, your homeowners insurance might not cover you! Therefore, for this week’s article, we want to cover prevention and advice when water damage threatens your home.

Take steps to prevent water damage:

• Inspect your roof after storms and make any necessary repairs.

• Clean out your gutters and install gutter guards if debris accumulates quickly.

• Look for leaks in and around your home. Stained or warped walls, spikes in your water bill and mildew are signs you need home repair.

• Take precautions against freezing pipes during the wintertime.


If water damage does occur, here are 10 tips for safe cleanup:

1. First, cut off the water source as soon as possible.

2. Turn off your circuit breakers to wet areas of the building when access to the panel is safe from electrical shock.

3. Have your air ducts and HVAC cleaned. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, mold, and other irritating contaminates throughout your home after water damage has occurred.

4. Avoid contact with contaminated water.

5. Thoroughly wash with clean water after contact with water that may be contaminated.

6. Ventilate with fans and dehumidifiers to help dry out the house, so long as you know contaminates are not present.

7. If you are not sure if fluid is contaminated, assume it is and call in a professional!

 

8. Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist, such as exposed electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment.

9. Do not attempt using your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing an electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

10. Do not use household fans to dry the structure if you believe contaminants might be present.  

Lastly, do speak with your independent agent to review your homeowners insurance to determine if your insurance covers mold and water damage! 970-352-9500