Water Damage: How Quickly Do You Need to Take Action? Water damage is a serious problem and can get very expensive very quickly. It is crucial that you know how to react before a disaster like this happens. Your safety and the recovery of your home should be your number one priority! Effects of water damage When water leaks into your home, it begins a destructive process and breaks down whatever material it comes in contact with, including walls, carpet, furniture, the foundation of your home, and personal possessions. Water is so powerful it can even damage wood, brick, cement, and metal, causing severe problems that are difficult to remediate. Water damage can be caused by broken pipes, leaks, sewer line backups, ruptured appliance hoses, overflowing washing machines, foundation cracks, and even heavy rain and flooding.Bacteria and harmful chemicals in the water will promptly destroy whatever it comes in contact with. Within 48 hours of the water damage taking place, mold will begin to grow and it will quickly spread throughout your home if not taken care of immediately. Mold poses several threats to your health and should be taken care of right away to avoid any serious hazards. The organism thrives on warmth and moist conditions and multiplies at a rapid rate. Asthma, allergies, and even diseases are all results of mold infestations. Take action against water damage The most important thing you can do is to call for water restoration services to come and clean up the mess as soon as it happens. Remember that the water can contain chemicals and bacteria, so safety equipment such as gloves or a face mask may be a good idea if you plan to come in contact with the water. Before they arrive, dry up as much of the water as you can and begin airing out the space with a fan, air mover, or dehumidifier, and open windows around the area if possible. If your possessions have been affected by the water damage, salvage what you can. If your carpet or furniture has been affected, they can be ruined and unsalvageable very quickly so it’s critical that you take the proper steps toward drying and cleaning them right away. Our Water Damage Team will do their best to properly clean and restore everything they can. The type and extent of the restoration depends greatly upon the amount of water that was involved in the damage. If the amount of water is excessive, high-tech quality equipment is used to extract the water from the area and then the restoration process is followed after the area is dry. Flooding in your basement can lead to serious structural damage within your home and threatens your safety by damaging your home’s stability. Our professionals at DC Water Restoration are available 24/7 to help! Specializing in residential and commercial services, our team can analyze the damaged areas and give you a free estimate. Our experienced specialists will arrive within an hour of your call to fix the damage that has occurred in your home as quickly as possible. Call (757) 434-6263 Report Loss Online Report Loss Form Fill out our online report loss form for a quick quote response! Just click button below to get started! No matter how serious the situation, we will provide you emergency service that offers true peace of mind. All you need to do is call Water Damage Restoration & Reconstruction Experts of DC or email us to get a call back in seconds!