Water damage is a common problem in Manhattan, and it can strike your property without warning. Whether you’re dealing with the aftereffects of a flood, storm, another natural disaster, or a leak, acting quickly is key to successfully treating water damage.
As one of New York’s most trusted water damage restoration services, we work on projects of all sizes. The cause, extent of damage, and repair cost might differ for each project, but one thing remains the same: acting quickly can preserve your property and return it to its pre-loss condition.
Find out the steps you should take after water damage to prevent expensive losses.
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The categories of water damage
Some forms of water damage are relatively easy to treat, while others can pose serious health threats. Restoration services typically group water damage into three categories:
Category 1: Clean water
Category 1 water damage comes from a clean source, like overflowing sinks and broken supply lines. While this water doesn’t pose immediate health threats, it can still result in mold and damage to your building’s structural elements.
Category 2: Grey water
Appliance leaks from washing machines and dishwashers also fall into the grey water category. They can result in illnesses when ingested but aren’t the most dangerous type. Urine from toilets is also grey water.
Category 3: Black water
Category 3 damage comes from floods and sewage. It is the most dangerous type of water, containing bacteria that can cause extreme health issues when handled incorrectly.
What to do immediately after water damage occurs
When water damage initially hits your home or business, it’s common to panic, but keeping a claim ensures you know how to treat it effectively. Here are the first steps you should take.
Safety is the top priority
Water isn’t just an aesthetic inconvenience; it can cause severe safety hazards. For example, excess water can compromise your property’s structural integrity and make it unsafe for habitation. There’s also a chance of damage to the electrical components.
You should attempt to switch off the electricity supply wherever possible, but it’s essential to avoid electric shocks. If you’re unsure how to do this without compromising your safety, calling the emergency services is advisable.
Contact professional restoration services
Flood damage and any other form of water intrusion can lead to expensive repair costs – especially when you don’t know how to address the issue. Contacting a professional remediation service gives you peace of mind, as professional technicians have access to specialist equipment.
We regularly treat large-scale water intrusions and have extensive knowledge of how to return a property to its pre-damage condition.
Stop the source of water damage
If there’s an obvious cause of the water damage, you should stop it to prevent it from worsening. Burst pipes and leaks are easy to deal with as you just have to switch off your water supply, but severe leaks from broken windows and roofs can be more challenging.
Professional water damage restoration services will perform emergency measures, including boarding up your windows and covering any holes in your roof.
Document any damage
Your insurance provider will want to see evidence of damage to your property and personal belongings before issuing a payment. You’ll need to provide clear documentation and take photos of the damage, but an adjuster will also visit the property.
Manhattan Flood Restoration offers a full-service solution, including meeting your insurance adjuster on-site to explain the damage and ensure you receive proper compensation.
Treating water damage
While you can technically treat water damage yourself, effective restoration requires access to specialist equipment and an in-depth knowledge of the remediation process.
Working with a professional service gives you access to a team of professionals who will handle all stages of the restoration.
Extracting water
The first step of any restoration process is to remove standing water from the environment. Remediation services have access to industry-grade vacuums and sump pumps, which will remove standing water and prevent further damage.
Drying the property
Even after removing standing water, there will still be some excess moisture. The restoration service will leverage advanced structural drying equipment to remove any moisture from the environment. They’ll also take steps to prevent mold growth, as any moisture can cause the spores to multiply.
Sanitization
The cleaning process can take a couple of days for minor damage, but sewage backups and extensive flooding will take longer. Your restoration team will need to clean the property and remove any bacteria. They’ll then sanitize everything to ensure the environment is habitable.
Restoring your belongings
The main aim of water damage restoration is to return the property to its pre-loss state. However, your personal belongings might suffer irreparable damage and will need to be discarded for health and safety reasons.
Repairs
Professional contractors will repair the structural elements, ensuring the property is safe for occupancy. They’ll also paint the walls, install new flooring, and do anything else to refresh your property. The amount of time this takes depends on whether one or multiple rooms suffer damage.
How to choose trusted Manhattan water damage restoration services
When water damage strikes your property, finding a restoration service that will support your needs is essential. Here are the most important things to look for:
- Expertise: Ensure the company you choose has a proven history in water damage restoration. The company should understand how to address urban properties that come with unique challenges.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: Water damage doesn’t wait for your schedule to clear up; it can occur at any time. Look for a service that offers a 24/7 emergency team.
- Support: While some companies provide a basic service, others will support you through the insurance claims process and all stages of restoration.
- Certifications: Lastly, check to see whether the company is registered and accredited by recognized organizations, like the IICRC.
Get support for water damage today
Whether you’re dealing with a minor leak, sewage backup, or flooded basement, seeking professional support for water damage gives your property the best chance of a full recovery. Manhattan Flood Restoration offers proactive services throughout New York and the surrounding areas.
We use cutting-edge technology and perform thorough inspections to treat damage quickly and effectively. If you’d like to arrange an on-site visit, please fill out the online form, and we’ll get back to you. Our 24/7 emergency team is available at (800) 874-8146.
