Flint home owners and property managers who have had the misfortune of a home flood can attest to the challenges that water emergencies can present. Unexpected water damage can occur from numerous sources including: leaks from broken pipes, malfunctioning sump pumps, heavy rain water, fire suppression systems, backed up sewer lines, severe weather changes and more. Predicting when you will have a water related emergency is not always possible, and your speed in reacting to the damage will be critical in assisting with the proper cleanup of your home or business.
Water damage can quickly create a number of health and safety issues in and around your property. The most important factor you should focus on is personal safety. Never assume that your electricity is off or not impacted by the water emergency. Contacting a professional restoration firm to inspect your property is always a good first step. The potential for bacteria and other micro hazards to materialize from the water damage is possible, depending on the classification of the water damage disaster. There are three types of water damage classifications; depending on the level of contaminant (sewer backups are considered the most toxic).
The most common side effect from standing water is the spread of mold. Within forty eight hours of the emergency, water can begin to create mold spores on the surfaces within your property. This potential is one of the main reasons property owners should react with urgency if they have a water damage emergency. The naked eye can not always detect the source or full extent of water damage. Professional restoration companies can utilize moisture meters and thermal imaging devices to pinpoint the origination of the water leak as well as extent of water damage in a property.
Severe flooding or large scale water damage emergencies will require additional equipment to extract the excess water from the property. Restoration companies can utilize vacuum powered pumps to remove excess water quickly and effectively. Once the excess water has been removed, a professional restoration firm will use fans, special heaters or dehumidifiers to dry out your property. Depending on the extent of the water damage this process can take between 24-72 hours to thoroughly dry your home.
The multiple weather and season changes in and around Grand Blanc, Fenton and Holly Michigan often can bring on unexpected conditions that could lead to a water related emergency.
Flint property owners should treat water damage cleanup with a high priority. You should contact a professional cleaning restoration firm and not rely or wait for your home insurance company to dictate how to cleanup your property.
