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A burst pipe in Larchmont

What to do with your belongings after water damage

Dealing with the aftermath of a water-damaged home is a lot to process. In this article, we’ll go through the steps you should take after water damage and the water removal extraction process has occurred. Depending on the extent of the damage, and the original cause of the water damage, may it be a burst pipe, a storm flood, or even water exposure after a fire, there are a lot of things that will need to be repaired, restored, or removed entirely.

How to prevent water damage in Larchmont

It’s important to understand the potential causes of water damage to prepare for them and hopefully prevent them entirely. As they say, the best offense is a good defense. Below are some of the most common causes of water damage in Larchmont that may prompt the water removal and extraction process and destruction of your property.

Storms

It would be as comforting as knowing that if we did all the right things, our home would be 100% safe. But unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Mother Nature doesn’t play favorites and can still send a vicious storm your way, causing it to flood your basement.  

A burst pipe 

A burst pipe in Larchmont can happen to anyone. Often, it may be due to old plumbing or a tree whose roots have collided with your pipes. But, if you’ve come home on a sunny day to a flooded basement or lower level, a burst pipe is likely the culprit here. 

A leaky roof  or an unsealed exterior

A loose roof shingle or a crack in your home’s exterior can result in water damage inside. Typically these issues are less severe and prominent than a flood or burst pipe. But, if left unchecked, they can still cause significant water damage in your home and destroy personal belongings. 

What to do after water removal and extraction in Larchmont 

Listen to the pros

If you’ve just had a restoration operator onsite to remove and extract water in Larchmont  ,they will be able to advise you on what specific steps you should take and how to best restore your home. In most cases, your restoration operator will create a custom plan for their team to address your issue, whether it’s for burst pipes cleanup, flood damage cleanup, or alike. They will be able to guide you on all of the steps below.

Ensure the house is safe

Depending on the location and extent of the water damage, staying in your home may not be safe while repairs occur. In addition, some repairs can be loud, lengthy, and space-consuming. Because of this, some people opt to stay elsewhere during repairs. If you’re feeling uneasy about your safety, ask your restoration operator. They will be able to tell you if your home is safe to stay in and put your nerves at ease.

Take photos and videos of the damage 

This is something that you should be capturing throughout this process. Even before the water has been removed or anything has been changed. These photos and videos are exactly what your insurance company will need proof of to reimburse you.

Call your insurance company 

You’ll want to call your insurance company shortly after calling for help. Things like burst water pipes in Larchmont  and storm flood damage can be pretty costly, and you don’t want to have to pay for them out of pocket! Make sure you understand the process and what’s required of you. You don’t want to give them any reason not to reimburse you for the full claim.

Start the cleanup process

After the standing water has been removed, a lot of water still needs to be extracted. This water has been soaking into your belongings, the walls, the carpet, everything. Start ventilating the area and get air flowing through your house to help dry everything out.

How to save your belongings after water damage

Photos, paintings, and artwork

Things like water-damaged photos and paintings are one of the most ups parts of this event. Due to their sentimental value, they are somewhat irreplaceable. If you can, safely, you should remove these items before the standing water has been extracted. If they are wet, you can even put them in a ziplock bag and place them in the freezer to address later when you have the situation more under control. When you pull them out in the future, ensure you spread them out on a dry surface and have air moving around the room.

Couches and furniture

Move salvageable furniture to a dry room or area to start the drying process. This process takes days, so be patient and utilize air-movers and fans. You can also place wooden blocks or aluminum foil under the legs to create space and stop the furniture from drawing in more moisture.

Carpets and rugs

In most cases, the carpet will need to be removed and replaced. However, depending on the type of rug, it may be salvageable. Some rugs can be dry cleaned or thrown in the washing machine. Make sure you disinfect them before placing them back. 

Remember, listen to the professionals and take their lead. They are equipped with professional tools and years of experience to handle a situation like yours. 

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What our clients say
5/5

What an amazing response! I had a great experience with Restoration Operators – Connecticut! I called them immediately after my house flooded and they came out within 45 min. It’s a great choice!

Joe Rios

Amazing job. Our basement flooded twice
and the did outstanding work drying it out
quickly. Very responsive and were very easy
to work with.

Jack Thomas

I cannot express how grateful I am for the amazing service provided by this sewage cleanup company. They arrived promptly and efficiently cleaned up the mess left by a broken sewer line. 

Wayne Hunter

Restoration Operators did an awesome job for us fixing water damage! We would not hesitate to recommend them to friends and to use this company again if the need arises.

Lindy Nelson

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