Water damage is known to give home owners and property managers a headache especially when it is the rainy season or the hurricane season. Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Gilchrist, Bradford, Union, Clay, Duval, St. John, and Pinellas Counties have experienced being flooded especially in the rainy and hurricane seasons. So these are some FAQs that we will answer today about water damage restoration.

What causes water damage?
Water damage can occur after natural disasters (such as thunderstorms or hurricanes), from pipe bursts, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, foundation leaks, septic tank overflows, poor drainage, and more. Flash flooding, pipe bursts, and sewage backups are especially dangerous as they can produce several centimeters of water in several hours.

How can water damage be prevented in homes?
When a natural disaster occurs, it is often difficult to protect a home from water damage especially if the disaster is large in scale like a Category 3-4 hurricane. However, homeowners and property managers can alleviate the water damage or prevent water damage occurring from other causes. Cleaning and maintaining the gutters and downspouts, maintaining the roof, installing a sump pump, installing backflow valves, checking the home for leaks, and maintaining water using appliances are efficient ways of preventing water damage. Also, try your best to strengthen your foundation inside your home or property to avoid this from happening.

Why is water damage dangerous?
Floodwater that comes from outside and from sewage backups contains dangerous contaminants like viruses and bacteria. If the water isn’t drained within 24-48 hours, structural damage and mould growth can develop. Even water leaks that infiltrate a home slowly can cause damage to the building and lead to mold growth. Mold left unchecked will spread quickly through the home spreading different bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses to the people living inside the property.

What should I do after a flood, sewage or water leak?
Contact a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. Don’t wait further since water can cause mold and permanent damage to the structure and furniture inside a home. Afterwards, contact your insurance company to start the claim process. If safe, shut off the utilities in your home to avoid further damage. Don’t enter your home if it has suffered structural damage. Don’t walk through floodwater if electricity hasn’t been turned off and to avoid contaminants.

The best way to prevent water damage at home or your property is of course, take precautionary measures beforehand. Careful planning is very important so that you will meet the necessary safety for you and your family. If you are in Alachua, Columbia, Dixie, Lafayette, Levy, Marion, Gilchrist, Bradford, Union, Clay, Duval, St. John, and Pinellas Counties, contact a water damage restoration company like ServiceMaster Restore by PWF.

You can contact them through these numbers:

Pinellas: 813-295-7797

Ocala: 352-292-8988

Gainesville: 352-441-3020

Lake City: 386-866-3349

Duvall | Clay | St. John: 904-999-4481