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Is It Possible to Clean Up Water Damage on My Own?

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Flooding can result in vast amounts of water damage to so many properties and endangering all the people in it. When the rain has passed, all you’ll see is the havoc left in the buildings and pooled up water in the structures.

In Salt Lake, flood cleanup can be tempting to DIY. Some people may be wondering if they can restore their home on their own after water damage. The answer isn’t all that easy; it can be a complicated process that can endanger your health if you’re unsure about what steps you should take. You have to consider the gravity of the situation and take safety measures.

Checking the Material Damaged

Whether your property was a living space or a business office, water will damage everything it touched. The walls, the floor, the wiring, and the devices you store in the building are all prone to harm. Check the extent of the damage caused to know if you can clean up on your own.

Drywall is often soaked after flooding and can hold up water contamination days after. This can be dangerous to the structural integrity of a building, especially if it’s been through similar disasters already. Plaster on your home’s surfaces may require a round of replacement after to make it look new.

As for the other parts of your home, some just need to be dried out. Furniture and wooden pillars may seem damp, but they’re still salvageable. However, most carpets and electronic appliances should probably be thrown away after flooding. There are a few exceptions, but you need to get them off site immediately.

What You Should Expect During Cleanup

After inspection, you’ll have to extract a lot of the accumulated water and clear up the debris. Remember that many pests are attracted to the property because of the muddy floodwaters in it. You’ll most likely have to deal with rats, snakes, and various insects while cleaning up the area. 

Along with that, you have to be wary of walking on floors where it seems like it’s drooping or sinking in. You can get hurt if you don’t know which areas are safe to step in. If you think the house’s structure is falling apart, just avoid going in altogether.

Precautions and Tips You Should Take

Remember to wear personal protective clothing for your well-being while dealing with water damage and water contamination. You can’t use a regular vacuum to drain the water and mud on your property; instead, looking for a commercial wet vacuum and dehumidifiers to dry.

After drying, most solid items have to be clean to ensure they aren’t infected. Use warm water and detergent for more structured surfaces like walls and ceilings. With dishes and other dirty items, hot water and soap are recommended. Try to keep a record of all the damaged items. 

Conclusion

It is possible to clean up water damage by yourself, but expect it to take a lot of time and probably way too much effort because of your lack of experience. Ideally, the first two contacts you should call up after your home is flooded are an insurance company and a team of water damage restoration experts. 

Need water cleanup in Utah? AAA Restoration Utah offers water damage restoration services after flooding to ensure customers can get back to their daily life as soon as possible. Get in touch with us today!