Do's & Dont's of Water Damage Cleanup
With recent storms in Tucson causing widespread flooding and water damage to homes and businesses, it’s crucial to understand the Do’s & Don’ts of Water Damage Cleanup. Improper cleanup techniques can exacerbate the damage and pose health risks. Prompt action is essential to mitigate further damage and restore affected properties to their pre-loss condition. Understanding the correct procedures ensures a safer and more effective restoration process, preserving the structural integrity and health of your environment. Commercial Cleaning and Restoration specializes in comprehensive water damage cleanup and restoration services, serving Tucson and surrounding areas.Â
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“A large complex of storms with high winds and many microbursts left extremely widespread damage in Tucson early Sunday evening.
“This is the strongest (monsoon) event for Tucson I’ve seen in my almost 20 years,” said National Weather Service meteorologist Glenn Lader.Â
“Just on my drive in to work (from Marana) I probably saw 50 downed trees. There had to be thousands of downed trees across the metro today,” he said, adding that at the University of Arizona, where the weather service office is, there are toppled trees across campus. “
The Do's of Water Cleanup
Turn off the electricity.
Find the Electrical Panel. In an emergency, turning off the electricity to your house can be crucial for safety. To do this, locate your main electrical panel, also known as the breaker box. In Tucson, the most common places to find a main breaker box for a house are typically in the garage, on an exterior wall of the house, or in a utility room. In many homes, especially those with modern construction, the breaker box is often installed on an exterior wall to allow easy access for utility workers and emergency services.
Turn the Main Breaker Off. Once you find the panel, open it and look for the main circuit breaker, which is usually a large switch at the top or bottom of the panel and may be labeled “Main” or “Main Disconnect.” Flip this switch to the “Off” position to cut power to the entire house. If your panel has individual breakers, ensure they are all turned off after switching the main breaker. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with this process, or if there’s any sign of electrical hazards such as sparks or water near the panel, it’s best to call a professional electrician immediately for assistance.Â
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Find the Source of Water
For Internal Sources of Water. If it’s internal, shut off the main source of water. Start by locating the main water shut-off valve, typically found where the main water line enters the house. This is usually an exterior wall near the water meter. In warmer climates like Tucson, it might be outside near the street, often in a box underground. Once you find the main shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to close it. For gate valves, this usually means turning the wheel several full rotations until it stops, while for ball valves, you turn the lever 90 degrees until it is perpendicular to the pipe.
If the flooding is isolated to a particular area, such as a bathroom or kitchen, you might also find localized shut-off valves under sinks, behind toilets, or near appliances like washing machines. Turn these valves clockwise to stop the water supply to the specific area. By quickly locating and turning off the main water shut-off valve, you can significantly reduce the amount of water damage to your home.
For Sources of Water from Storms. One key aspect of professional water restoration services is emergency tarping, a swift and effective measure to prevent further water intrusion during roof leaks. Quick action will preserve the structural integrity and minimize the risk of more extensive issues. As part of Commercial Cleaning and Restoration’s emergency roof repair services, we are well-equipped to handle tree removal. Fallen trees or branches can pose a significant threat to roofs during storms, potentially causing severe damage. Our expert teams efficiently assess and remove these hazards, mitigating the risk of further destruction and ensuring a safer environment for you.
Get your family or/and pets out of the house.
Ensure your family or and pets safety from health risks from contaminated water by having them leave the house.
Remove personal belongings from the affected area.
Remove your personal belongings to document and minimize damage, ensuring a more straightforward and favorable home insurance claim process.
Put aluminum foil between furniture legs and the floor.
The foil acts as a barrier that can block moisture and potentially harmful substances from transferring from the furniture legs to the carpet fibers, reducing the chances of permanent stains.
Call the professionals at Commercial Cleaning and Restoration ASAP!
After following the above steps, it is time to reach out to Commercial Cleaning and Restoration’s 24/7 Emergency Water Damage service. The next step is cleanup and water extraction with our commercial drying equipment (dehumidifiers and air movers). It is tempting to let water leaks dry on their own, but there are consequences to waiting for the water to disappear. A quick response often means less damage and the least amount of work that we have to do to fix your property and to prevent mold.
What you should NOT do
The Don'ts of Water Damage Cleanup
- Do not go step in any water if the electricity is still on
- Do not use any electrical appliances
- Do not go into any rooms where the ceiling sags
- Do not use household vacuums to remove the water
- If sewage is involved do not attempt to clean yourself. Your health could be at risk.
- Do Not Wait to Contact Professionals: Do not wait to contact Commercial Cleaning and Restoration, a professional water restoration company, and your insurance provider. Immediate action can mitigate damage and expedite the recovery process.
What Is Next….
Water Damage Cleanup
Commercial Cleaning and Restoration is a leading provider of water damage cleanup services. Our professionals are trained to perform water damage cleanup quickly and efficiently. Water damage cleanup is a piece of cake for us!
We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days to handle any commercial or residential water damage disaster. Contact Commercial Cleaning and Restoration today for a free estimate!
Roof Tarping • Debris Removal
Roof Repair & Patches • Water Cleanup
At Commercial Cleaning & Restoration, we want the best for you and your home and we will work to prove it to you.
We also provide carpet and area rug cleaning, tile and grout cleaning,
 upholstery cleaning, and carpet repair.
