I just suffered a water loss in my home, what should I do?

There are some steps you can take before we arrive. However, always remember that your health and safety are more important than your home or possessions.  Do not take any unnecessary risks but reacting quickly can help minimize damages. 

• If possible, locate the source of the water intrusion and see if it can be stopped.  This may involve turning off water supplies or diverting exterior water.  Always remember that your safety is the most important thing – don’t take any unnecessary risks to locate the water source.   Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and the risk of shock is imminent. Do not allow wet materials or surfaces to come in contact with any electrical source. Always shut off the power if there is any risk.
• If you cannot locate the water source or you cannot stop the water, a plumber may be an excellent resource for you to use.  Indiana Restoration and Cleaning Services can help by referring experienced and professional plumbers in the area.
• Contact Indiana Restoration and Cleaning Services.  An employee of the company answers our office number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.   We are positioned to respond to any type of water damage – big or small. 
• Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance agents can be reached at any time of day so you can report these types of emergencies.  Your insurance company will want you to mitigate damages from the loss as quickly as possible. 
• If possible, remove as much standing or excess water as you can.
• Remove dry small furniture and other small items from the affected area.  Do not move wet furniture or items that are holding excessive amounts of moisture.  Allow Indiana Restoration and Cleaning Services to do the heavy lifting. 
• Remove oriental or high value rugs from the carpeting to avoid color bleeding.  Putting rugs on a concrete surface is your best bet (unfinished part of the basement or garage). 
• Remove books, magazines or other colored items from wet carpets or floors.
• If the loss is from sewer water or water from an unquestionable source, do not move items from the affected area because you may cross contaminate other areas of the home.  Indiana Restoration and Cleaning Services is trained on proper techniques in dealing with a sewage loss. 
• Discard wet cardboard (empty boxes) if in the affected area. 
• Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts for any expenses you incur in protecting your property.  Your insurance company will want to understand the value of the discarded items and your expenses may count towards your policy deductible. 

Is there any way to prevent a water damage in my home?

The best way to deal with water damage is before it happens. Here are some maintenance items to consider:

• Know the location of your main water shut off before an emergency occurs.  If you will be out of the home for an extended period (vacation) shut off the water to the home. 
• Inspect rooms with plumbing, such as the kitchens, laundry rooms and baths for leaks or signs of leakage in water supply and waste lines.
• Inspect washing machine supply lines regularly and make sure the washing machine discharge is securely fastened to the drain. Replace rubber supply hoses with stainless steel braided hoses. 
• Periodically inspect your ice maker supply line behind your refrigerator. If the line is brittle or leaking, have it replaced.
• Know the location of and inspect your sump pump (if present) on a regular basis to ensure it is functioning and that the discharge line is secure and not leaking. 
• Inspect your water heater for corrosion and leakage.
• Make sure that shower walls and floor are structurally sound and that grout and joints are well sealed and in good condition.
• Inspect toilet water supply lines for leakage. Check to make sure the fixture is properly secured to the floor and does not shift or rock when weight is applied.
• Inspect central air-conditioning systems annually for proper operation and drainage.
• Don’t leave sinks and tubs unattended when filling them with water.
• Clean out your gutters at least once a year. Properly flowing gutters and downspouts help prevent water backing up under shingles.
• Inspect your roof annually for leaks. Replace missing shingles or tiles. Check flashing installed between surfaces, including chimneys, vent stacks or dormers; they are often the most common sites for leaks.
• In colder climates, make sure you have plenty of attic insulation and plenty of attic ventilation. These help prevent the formation of ice dams which can cause water to back up under roof shingles.
• Always remove hoses from any outdoor spigots. Freeze-proof spigots only work when hoses are removed. Also, know the location of the spigot shut offs (if applicable).
• If you have plumbing in the garage of the home, ensure pipes are well insulated or take precautions to keep the temperature above freezing.