Excess water can quickly wreak havoc in a home. When a pipe bursts, or flood waters invade, it can be a nightmare. Here are ways to quickly dry out the premises and clean up the mess.
Drying Out Time
The first question many people ask is how long it will take to dry out their home. The drying process typically takes about five days. However, the time can vary depending on the amount of damage and how long the area has been wet. If the drying process isn’t taken care of quickly, more damage may occur.
How to Prepare for Clean Up
You and your family will likely have to leave the house for a time while the mess is being cleaned up. This will allow certified experts to survey the damage, set up drying equipment, and make repairs. The process could be further delayed if water has saturated carpeting or flooring. It may have to be pulled up and replaced to keep mold from growing.
How to Dry Your Home
An easy way to treat minor water issues is to let your home air dry. If you open a few windows and let the house air out, the water will dry out faster. Pay attention to the weather forecast. Don’t keep the windows open if it’s raining outside. If you live in a humid climate, this method won’t work.
Home Drying Devices
There are some tools you can use to speed up the drying process.
A high-power fan will efficiently and quickly dry up the general area. It works similar to an automatic hand dryer in a public restroom. The water may even dry in a couple of hours.
Dehumidifiers will help take moisture out of the air. In a drier environment, water is less likely to soak into furniture and the room will dry out faster.
A high-power vacuum will quickly draw water out of carpets, fabrics, or cloth. The device will also reduce the drying time.
A pump is the best way to eliminate large amounts of standing water. Once the water is out, continue drying out the affected area with one of the methods above.
Keep safety in mind before plugging in any device to help dry out your home. Don’t use any equipment near water. Make sure there is no water damage to electrical outlets. If you’re in doubt, call a professional for help.
Don’t Ignore Water Damage
Water damage that’s left alone can lead to mold growth and mildew, which can cause skin problems and respiratory issues. Untreated water damage can cause structural damage, attract pests, and heighten the risk of electric shock. Untreated water damage can also leave a bad smell in the house and create water stains on walls and ceilings. Electrical damage, high water bills, costly repairs, and lower house values may also result if the damage remains untouched.
Leave the Cleaning to Us
When it comes to water, flood, or fire damage, Flood Department is here to help. We provide water damage repair and clean-up services for homeowners and businesses. We cover Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We are dedicated to helping reverse the unfortunate results. Contact us at 301-829-2600 or visit us online.
