Flooding is an unfortunate yet common reality for many homeowners in Orlando, Florida. More than 5,500 properties in the city—over 10% of all homes—face a nearly 30% risk of experiencing severe flood damage over the next three decades.
Flooding may result from external factors such as hurricanes, heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, or tornadoes. However, water intrusion can also stem from internal issues, including burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or faulty drainage systems.
Regardless of the cause, the consequences are often the same: significant water damage that can jeopardize both the structural integrity of your home and your financial well-being.
The Dangers of DIY Water Damage Repairs
While some minor repairs may be manageable on your own, homeowners without experience should exercise caution. In addition to compromising your home’s structure, water damage can pose serious health risks.
Mold and mildew can begin to develop within just 24 hours. Left untreated, they can trigger respiratory problems, skin irritation, and allergy-like symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. Proper mold and mildew removal requires professional intervention to prevent a recurrence.
Who to Call in an Emergency
Knowing which professionals to contact in a flood emergency depends on the situation.
Whether you need immediate cleanup and repair or are looking to prevent future damage, it’s essential to have a reliable network of experts at your disposal. This includes plumbers, sump pump specialists, drainage professionals, and water damage restoration experts.
Why Professional Water Damage Restoration is Essential
Prompt action is critical when it comes to mitigating water damage. The sooner a professional restoration team is on-site, the better your chances of avoiding extensive and costly repairs.
This is especially true when dealing with floodwater. Floodwater is classified as Category 3, which is highly contaminated and poses serious health risks. It can contain sewage, hazardous chemicals, toxins, and other harmful substances.
Any porous materials such as carpeting, hardwood flooring, drywall, baseboards, and cabinetry that come into contact with Category 3 water must be removed, as it can harbor dangerous contaminants even after drying.
Water damage, whether from flood or leak, can also compromise essential structural components like rafters, joists, walls, and flooring. Warping, buckling, or even collapsing can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Restoration professionals use specialized equipment, including industrial-grade vacuums, fans, and moisture detectors, to speed up the drying process and ensure thorough cleanup. Their expertise helps prevent hidden moisture buildup and long-term damage. They’ll identify the source of the leak, assess which materials are salvageable, and clean, disinfect, and deodorize affected areas.
Once everything is fully dry, they’ll begin necessary repairs, making professional help absolutely essential.
Taking Preventative Measures
In addition to knowing what to do after a water emergency, it’s a good idea to proactively inspect your home’s plumbing, drainage, and sewer systems. When this is done by licensed professionals, it can significantly reduce your flood risk. This is particularly important if your yard retains water or floods during heavy rainfall.
Homeowners with frequently flooded basements should consider having a sump pump specialist evaluate their current setup. Sump pumps are designed to remove excess water from the lowest parts of your home, redirecting it safely to prevent structural damage and maintain dry conditions.
Final Considerations
The extent and cost of restoring a flood-damaged home will depend on the severity of the damage and your available budget. Always request a detailed written estimate and a formal contract before work begins to ensure transparency and alignment between you and your service provider.
By acting swiftly and enlisting the right professionals, you can minimize damage, protect your property, and restore your home with confidence.