Water emergency do's and don'ts

Water isn't always refreshing. Just ask anyone who's been ankle-deep in a water disaster. It's an overwhelming experience filled with distress and anxiety.

Without a doubt, you need professional help - fast. Every minute counts. Which is why we are equipped and ready to handle your water emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Just call 1-800-STEEMER anytime, day or night, to reach a professional water restoration manager.

Water Emergency Dos and Don'ts
While we hope you never have to deal with a water emergency, we want you to be prepared in the event a broken pipe, leaking appliance or Mother Nature leaves you with more water than you can handle. Remember, time is critical when you are dealing with any type of emergency. Be sure to call 1-800-STEEMER as soon as the water source has been eliminated.

Dos:

    * If possible, shut off or eliminate the water source.
    * Turn off circuit breakers to cut electricity going to wet areas.
    * Remove small furnishings from carpet or place aluminum foil under their legs to help prevent stains and rust.
    * Lift draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent watermarks.
    * Remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants, and any other items that may stain floor coverings (remember to check under the bed and sofa).
    * Remove breakables, moisture-sensitive and high-value items.
    * Pick up newspapers to avoid messy ink transfers.


Don'ts:

    * Don't use home vacuums or even shop vacs to remove the water to avoid the chance of electrical shock.
    * Don't walk on wet carpet any more than necessary.
    * If flooded, don't turn on heating and/or air conditioning systems, as doing so may multiply problems.
    * Don't adjust the temperature unless told to do so by one of our representatives.
    * In a sewage situation,

    o Don't handle contaminated items
    o Don't consume food or use personal hygiene items that have been contaminated
    o Don't turn on fans to circulate air or use any vacuum equipment
    o Don't touch the water any more than absolutely necessary

Our Complete Drying Process

During a water event, floors, walls, furnishings and other belongs act like sponges, absorbing a significant amount of moisture. It is not enough to just remove the initial standing water; to return your home to normal and prevent future damage, it is important to thoroughly dry the complete structure. Stanley Steemer's IICRC certified professionals are experts in the water damage restoration field. When you call on Stanley Steemer for your water emergency, our technicians will not only restore your home, they will also restore your peace of mind.

The Stanley Steemer Process
Respond - A certified technician is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and will be in touch with you within minutes of your call.

Inspect - Our certified technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of the damage in your home or business, and complete a detailed explanation of the work needed.

Remove - We will remove the excess standing water and any materials that are beyond repair.

Dry - Our technicians use state-of-the-art, professional grade drying equipment (such as dehumidifiers, air movers, etc.) to remove any moisture trapped in your walls, carpeting, flooring and furniture. A certified Water Manager will monitor the job and adjust equipment as necessary to ensure the most efficient and effective drying process.

Complete - Once the Water Manager determines that all moisture levels have returned to normal, he or she will complete a final inspection of the affected areas with you and issue a Certification of Completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my carpet be salvaged after flooding?
There are many factors that must be considered when determining if your carpet and pad can be safely salvaged after flooding. Your Stanley Steemer Water Restoration Manager will be able to assess the level of damage and will inform you of your options.

My hardwood floor has buckled. Can it be salvaged?
If the floor is dried quickly and thoroughly, it may be able to be fastened into place. There are no guarantees, however, that it can be salvaged.

How can I minimize the chance of molds or bacteria growing in my walls?
After flooding, the best way to prevent this occurance is to thoroughly dry the walls and the space between them as quickly as possible.

What about odors?
Normal odors become more apparent with increased heat and humidity. They come from three sources: building materials, soils that are in or under floor coverings, and pet "accidents." This is normal; these odors will disappear on their own. Don't mistake "normal" household odors for the odor of mold. In many cases, we can apply deodorants to improve the smell of the affected areas during the drying process.

Does everything need to be removed from my home or business during restoration?
Not normally. Most of the time, it is best to create a large "drying chamber" out of the building itself.