During the snowy winter months, it’s normal for our homes to be more susceptible to water damage. Heavy snow and rain storms can cause pipes to burst, rooks to leak and basements to flood. These events are out of our control, but the way we manage them definitely is. Here are some great tops for water accidents and steps to take for damage control, such as renting a dumpster bin.
Tips To Avoid Water Damage
The best place to start when weather proofing your home is the exterior. It is important to check exterior conditions annually. Window seals, roof, brick and siding all need to be regularly maintained for any water and snow events. In addition, it’s crucial to disconnect outdoor hoses each fall and cover outdoor faucets while also cleaning out gutters and downspouts to promote safe water flow and prevent blockage from debris, snow and ice.
Inside your home, make sure to know where the water main is and how to turn it on and off. Appliances can also be a common cause for water damage so it’s recommended to check and maintain hoses as their typical lifespan is around 5 years. Finally, be mindful of your water bill and water pressure. Monitoring your water bill can possibly help you detect a leak that might not be visible to the eye alone. You can assess your monthly averages and see if there’s been an unexpected increase. Your home water pressure should also be around 40-70 psi, avoiding high-pressure pipe bursts.
Steps To Take After Water Damage
Once the water damage has been detected, the first step is to turn off the water in your home. Next, turn off all electricity, as we all know water and electricity do not mix. Once you have a safer environment, put on protective gear to inspect your home. This is the time to move valuable items to safer areas, entirely out of the way. Once you have stabilized your home, contact your insurance provider to discuss the procedure for a claim.
Next step is deciding to hire professionals or clean up the damage yourself. There are restoration services available that will do the work. Professionals will bring equipment to start the drying out process. If you are going to do it yourself, use buckets and mops to remove excess water, then start the dehumidifying procedures of opening windows or using fans.
Order A Dumpster
Regardless whether you take the do-it-yourself route or hire someone else, unfortunately there will be removal of damaged items throughout the process. Some items will succumb to damage right away and some damage of items may be noticed later in the process. Call Mr. Waste to order a dumpster for the removal of all damaged items such as furniture, flooring, bedding, etc. Our skilled and experienced team will help you decide the perfect size bin and your insurance provider will most likely cover the cost in your claim. Water accidents are a stressful time, but be assured we will help you by easing the stress with quick setup and removal. Click here for a free dumpster bin quote.