If you have water in your home due to a plumbing issue or local flooding, then you need to call a water damage restoration company to take care of the problem. This is not the type of call most people make more than a couple of times in their lives — and as such, you may not be sure what to say. Here is the most important information to provide when you make the call.
Where did the water come from?
If you call and tell the company your basement or home is flooded, they will typically want to know the source of the water. Be as specific as you can here. If the water came from a freshwater pipe, say that. If it came in through a basement window, say that. The more your water damage company knows about the source of the water, the better they can prepare for the cleanup. They may need different protective gear, for example, if the water came from a burst toilet tank versus a local flood.
How much water is there?
You don't have to stick a ruler in the water and measure its specific depth, but you do want to give the company a general idea of how much water you're facing. Is it a few inches, or is the water up to your waist? Water damage restoration teams need to know whether they should bring pumps to the site, or whether they just need fans and dehumidifiers.
Is the electricity off?
It's always a good idea to turn off the power once a home floods. Doing so will prevent electrocutions and shocks. But sometimes, this may not be possible for you to do on your own. A water damage contractor can turn off the power or contact the electrical company for you, if needed. But they need to know whether you've already done this.
How long has the water been there?
The longer water sits, the more contaminated it becomes. Bacteria and fungi replicate as time goes on. So, give the water damage contractors an idea of how long the water has been there. They will prepare to clean up one-day-old water differently from water that's been down there for weeks.
If you provide the above information when talking to a water damage restoration company near you, they should have the basic knowledge they need to care for your home.