It’s not a matter of if…but when a disaster can strike. And we’re talking about water damage in Dekalb IL. Whether you have water damage from a frozen pipe or from a sump pump failing, water damage is especially dangerous because effects can be long-lasting and can create hazardous health risks behind walls and underneath carpets. Here are four steps to prevent hidden damage and mold following a flood.
Dry the carpet quickly
The longer water is left standing, the more pervasive the damage. Following a flood, use a wet/dry shopvac or rug shampoo vacuum. This will remove any standing water, but the area will still be damp. Keep the room well ventilated and target damp areas with fans. If necessary, industrial strength drying fans can be rented from hardware and tool rental supply stores.
Keep the area dry
Water in the air in the form of humidity can be just as damaging as the water on the ground. Dehumidifiers help dry the air and will speed up drying time in the room, thereby reducing damage to floors, walls, and carpets.
Determine what can be salvaged
Carpets require professional cleaning for proper sanitization and deodorizing. Unfortunately, carpet padding is much more difficult to restore following a flood since it acts as a sponge and is likely to become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. If the room affected by flood has carpet padding, it’s best to consult a professional Water Restoration service.
Sanitize walls and baseboards
Flood waters may contain hazardous bacteria – especially if the source was ground water from floor drains or a sewer line. Walls and trim work can be cleaned using a bleach water solution composed of 1 ½ cups of bleach for every gallon of water.
It doesn’t take much water for dangerous mold to form. Regardless of if the water came from an overflowing toilet, sink, or wash basin, or if it is the result of seeping ground water or structural problems, hiring a professional carpet cleaner will assure that potential hazards following a flood have been remediated. If you are in the DeKalb, IL area and have recently experienced water in your home or business, we can help. Contact us to learn about our water restoration services.
Clean USA services water damage clean up in Dekalb IL and all of Dekalb County. For immediate assistance call us now 1-866-462-5326.
