When it comes to water damage cleanup, understanding the dos and don'ts might just make a significant difference in your outcome. It's important to know what you should do right away, but it's equally important to know what to avoid.

Check out these 5 things to avoid during water damage cleanup.

1. Don't Wait

When water damage happens, it's not unusual for people to clean up the mess it left behind and then not restore the area right away. The truth is that you should repair the damage as quickly as possible.

Water damage can leave behind mold or other bacteria, and leaving it will eventually lead to bigger problems. Sadly, water damage only gets worse when you leave it to fester. Don't take this chance!

2. Don't Avoid the Problem

Another common mistake people make is not fixing the real problem behind the water issue. For example, maybe it was a leaking pipe. Some people will just put a temporary fix on that single leak.

The problem with this approach is eventually you're going to have bigger problems. While sometimes a temporary fix is needed, you also need to be sure to take care of the real problem in a reasonable timeframe.

3. Saving Items that Need to Be Removed

Unfortunately, the havoc that water leaves behind can be extensive. It can completely ruin things that are important to you. While some things can be fixed, it's important to know when you need to throw it out.

Water can potentially leave behind mold spores or bacteria. Anything you do keep that was affected will need to be thoroughly disinfected. In addition, you also have to be able to recognize when something is not salvageable.

It can be challenging, but there are times where items need to just be replaced.

4. Safety

Any time water is in the area, there are several safety concerns that need to be considered. For example, if there is standing water and anything connected to electricity, there could be electrical currents in the water.

It is very important to wear safety gear. Again, this is another common mistake people make. They just walk right in without thinking of possible electricity or even contamination from the water.

Safety gear includes rubber boots and gloves at a minimum. Depending on the situation, it might also include things like helmets and other necessary safety gear.

5. DIY Water Damage Cleanup

While you can certainly attempt a DIY approach to cleaning up damage, you should know the risks of doing so. In some cases, when the damage is minimal, you can try to take that on.

However, in most cases, you should consider bringing in a professional service. They will know how to safely handle cleanup and restoration. There are so many safety risks and variables and those companies are trained to handle all of the scenarios.

Professional Water Restoration

Whether you're facing a water emergency or just need some help with the cleanup and restoration process, we're here to help! Restoration Xperts has the proper equipment, skills, and training necessary to clean up and restore after any form of water damage.

We are available for your needs, including our water emergency hotline when you need it. How can we help?