Even a tiny leak can worsen over time, and if it’s ignored or goes unnoticed, it can lead to major water damage and costly repairs. However, when a trickle becomes a flood, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can help minimize damage to your Orlando home.
Use these tips to protect your property as much as possible when water damage occurs:
Turn Off Your Water
It may seem obvious, but many forget this crucial step during a water emergency. Turning off the water supply can easily slip your mind in the rush to move valuables and contain the damage. However, once you identify the source of the leak, shutting off the water should be your first priority.
If the issue is a leaking appliance, water supply line, or a malfunctioning fixture, such as an overflowing toilet, locate the specific shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these shutoff points when you first move into a home or install a new appliance. If you can’t find the individual valve, shut off your home’s main water supply to stop further damage.
For leaks caused by sump pump issues, check if the pump is still plugged in and that the electrical breaker hasn’t tripped. Also, inspect the drain for clogs and ensure the float isn’t stuck. If none of these issues are present, your sump pump may have completely failed, requiring repair or replacement.
Prevent Further Damage
Once the water supply is shut off, your next priority is preventing further damage. You can do this by identifying any active leaks, placing buckets or containers to catch dripping water, and moving lightweight or valuable furniture to a dry area. If you have a tarp, now is the perfect time to lay it down to protect floors and surfaces.
After you have all your protective measures in place, contact an Orlando water damage remediation company to assess the damage and take action as necessary. You can do this before you contact your insurance, as sometimes, the amount of damage does not warrant filing a claim. If your insurance policy has a water damage cap or a very high deductible, it may be better to pay to remedy the damage yourself rather than allow a small claim to impact your premiums in the future.
However, if the damage is extensive and you require your insurance to step in, you must do so immediately. As a property owner and policyholder, you have a duty to take steps to prevent further damage from occurring. By contacting your insurance promptly, you’ll fulfill this duty as they can act quickly, fix the damage, and prevent mold and mildew from developing.
Bring In the Professionals
Water damage can be challenging because its effects often linger, and the source isn’t always easy to pinpoint. Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak or a major flood, mold can develop quickly if the issue isn’t quickly addressed.
If there’s any chance water has reached your basement, cabinets, ceilings, floors, or walls, a moisture inspection is essential. Even seemingly harmless damage can be far worse than it appears, and that small puddle in front of your dishwasher might be a sign of a far bigger issue.
As a rule, when in doubt, call in professionals who specialize in water damage restoration. The extent of the problem isn’t always obvious, and a small inspection fee is a worthwhile investment compared to costly repairs down the line.
What Not to Do When Your Home Has Water Damage
As panic-inducing as a pool of water in your Orlando home may be, it’s important to keep yourself and your property safe and avoid making these critical mistakes:
Use electricity: Avoid using appliances, ceiling fans, computers, or televisions while standing on a wet floor—especially if it’s concrete or tile. Never plug in or unplug devices, avoid turning on or off any lights, and don’t try using a vacuum cleaner to suck up water.
Proceed without professional advice: Don’t take irreversible actions like removing carpets or demolishing damaged drywall until a professional has assessed the situation. You might be able to save expensive carpets that seem beyond repair, or there may be an easier way to fix your walling.
Disturb building materials: If your home is older, damaged building materials could expose you to asbestos or lead, creating serious health risks. The improper removal of these materials could turn a water issue into a hazardous contamination problem.
What To Do When Your Home Has Water Damage
Knowing what to do when water damage occurs in your Orlando home is as important as knowing what not to do. When faced with a water emergency, you should:
Act fast: When water damage occurs, time is of the essence, so don’t delay. Taking action as quickly as possible limits the damage you can see and the potential for long-term issues such as rot, mildew, or mold. Call a restoration contractor immediately to assess the situation and start the clean-up.
Document the damage: A good restoration contractor will always take photos and videos of every aspect of the water damage. While you may not know what to look for, they will document every necessary angle to ensure you have accurate records.
Salvage what you can: Remove any important documents, valuables, or electronics (only if it’s safe to do so!) as quickly as possible, and dry them out carefully if they’re wet. It’s a good idea to disinfect items that came into contact with water to prevent bacteria and mold, but only if this won’t cause further damage.
Water Damage and Your Insurance
For Orlando homeowners, one of the biggest concerns during a water damage emergency is how much their insurance will cover. According to the Insurance Information Institute, standard homeowners and renters insurance typically covers burst pipes, damage from ice dams on the roof, and rain damage caused by strong winds.
However, coverage for drain and sewer backups varies as some policies include it while others do not. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to add a sewer backup rider for a small annual fee, though policy limits differ between insurers. This is why scheduling an annual insurance review with your agent is essential. Regularly reviewing your policy ensures you understand exactly what’s covered and what costs you may need to handle out of pocket.
Protect Your Orlando Home Against Water Damage
Water damage can occur when you least expect it, but being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. Knowing the right steps to take reduces stress and saves you time and money. It also lowers the risk of your property incurring further damage and helps you to recover more quickly, ensuring a smoother restoration process and minimizing disruption to your daily life.
If you have a water emergency or suspect your home may have a leak, contact us for water damage repair, mitigation, and professional cleanup services.