After determining the area is safe, turn off circuit breakers and unplug small electrical devices that may come in contact with water. Move valuables, furniture, and rugs away from the damaged area. After you have temporarily secured the area, immediately make plans for a qualified restoration team like Commercial Cleaning and Restoration to get started on the water damage cleanup process. Damage from water, bacteria, and mold can begin within a few short hours and it is important to begin quickly.
How long will it take to dry my home or business?
Most buildings average 3 days or less to dry. It’s also important to remember that all structures are different, so the drying time will also depend on the size and extent of damage.
How can I keep my property safe after damage?
Lock and secure your property to prevent looters or curious passerbys. Keep in mind that although you may have an alarm system, it may have malfunctioned. If your home or business has severe water damage, it may be necessary to contact local authorities to secure the property.
How can I safely inspect my home after water damage has occurred?
Take these preventative measures after water damage:
Cut off power supply
Turn off water supply
Turn off gas supply
Determine structural stability
Use protective gear
Beware of animals
Many people mistakenly assume danger is over once the water level goes down. Do not endanger yourself or your family members after disaster strikes. Call Commercial Cleaning & Restoration, the water damage cleanup professionals in Tucson, to ensure safety.
Do I have to replace my carpet?
Not necessarily. This question is best answered case by case, because it depends on several different factors. Usually we can save the carpet from replacement, however in the event of a sewage back-up, any material that has been touched by the water must be disposed of, including carpet.
Do I need to move out during the restoration process?
After consulting with professionals, this is ultimately your decision. If the area is safe, you may decide to stay. Be sure to also consider odors, access to electricity, noise from equipment, and the needs of small children. If you are vacating your home consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence, stop deliveries, notify utility company, telephone company etc. of temporary suspension of services.
How do I keep track of my non-restorable items?
It’s important to keep track of your non-restorable items for personal and insurance reasons. We recommend making a list of all items (including food items) that have been deemed non-restorable. It is advised to keep at least two copies on hand—one for yourself as well as your insurance company.
Can I repair water damage myself?
Often times attempting to tackle the problem yourself only compounds the issue because it’s difficult to get a sense of the scope of the damage. The most crucial part of water damage restoration is the drying process. After the dry-out has been completed by our technicians, you may decide to repair the rest yourself. However, we have professionally trained and certified technicians that would be happy to assist you in the restoration process.
What are the categories/classes of water damage?
Category 1: Water originated from a clean source and does not pose a substantial risk. This includes broken water supply lines, tub or sink leaks, melting ice or snow, and broken toilet tanks that do not contain contaminants.
Category 2: Water contains slightly dangerous amounts of contamination and has the potential to cause sickness or discomfort if consumed. Category 2 water can foster unsafe levels of microorganisms and organic matter. Discharge from dishwasher or washing machines and toilet bowl overflows containing contaminants are all examples.
Category 3: Water is extremely contaminated and can contain pathogens, toxins, or other harmful agents. This can cause serious injury if not taken care of properly. This category includes sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, and ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. This type of water damage requires extensive cleanup and a professional crew.
If you find yourself in need of water damage cleanup, give us a call!
