When faced with water removal, Alpharetta homeowners should contact their insurance carrier to see if the damage and repairs are covered. Many times, if the water floods an unfinished basement, the homeowners will opt to clean up the mess instead of going through the insurance company. These are some the steps and the equipment needed for each to minimize the damage from the standing water. Stop the Water Many basements have been flooded by either a busted pipe or a broken sump pump. If the water is from a supply line to one of the fixtures, homeowners can simply turn off the main supply valve. This can be a simple twist knob inside the house or it may require a special key to turn the water off outside at the meter. Homeowners should be familiar with where their turn off is before they need it. Similarly, they should know where their sump pump is and should check it regularly. The sump pump takes all the water that collects around the foundation and funnels it away. Too much water around the foundation can cause cracks that let water into the basement. Water Removal Once the water has been stopped, it is very important to remove all of the standing water in the house. The volume of water will determine which tools will work best. For a few puddles, a mop and bucket will suffice. A wet vacuum can work on large puddles or even bigger areas a few inches deep. But, the vacuum will need to be emptied periodically. A pump works best if the drains in the basement are clogged. A portable pump with a long hose is a good alternative because it will transfer the water out of the house a safe distance away. Make Sure It Is Dry Once all the standing water is removed, the next step deals with preventing mold build up. Mold spores love to settle in warm, dark, moist areas. The best way to combat them is to limit the areas they can multiply. Homeowners should open the windows and use fans to circulate fresh air through the basement. The fans can be simple box fans bought at the drugstore or commercial blowers rented from the hardware store. If they weather prevents opening the window, the fans should be used with a dehumidifier to get the moisture out of the air. If the basement is finished or the water reaches to the main floor, there are additional steps for water removal. Alpharetta homeowners can contact a local water remediation company to help clean their house with as little damage as possible.
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