Water Damage Cleanup in Indianapolis: The DIY Do’s and Don’ts

Water has flooded your basement, bathroom or yard, and you’re at your wits’ end. It’s clear that the first step would be to call a water damage restoration company near you, but what do you do until they get there? And what can you do on your own over the next several days?

There are a few things you can do to make the water removal process faster, keep yourself safe and try to save your home from the water damage.

6 Things to Do After Water Damages Your Home

1. While wearing proper safety gear, such as gloves, boots and protective glasses, identify the cause and source of the water damage. Can you find a leak in your roof? Is your plumbing system clogged? Did a thunderstorm cause nearby sewer systems to overflow?
2. If you can remediate the issue safely, you should do so, such as by turning off the water supply to your home. You can also try to minimize damage to other areas of your home by using towels and buckets to reduce saturation of carpets or hardwood floors. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water, but take precautions to avoid any electrical hazards.
3. Move furniture and equipment to a dry area if possible. Dry and disinfect them thoroughly while being careful to avoid further damage to the items.
4. Call our emergency restoration team in Indianapolis as soon as possible to help you clear the damage. We can be reached at 317-672-1950 and can typically be there within the hour.
5. Call your insurance company or review your insurance documents to see if you have flood insurance or general water damage coverage.
   In many states, homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage specifically, and that is the case in Indiana. Flood insurance must be purchased as a separate, stand-alone policy.
   However, you may have insurance coverage for other sources of water damage. For instance, homeowners’ insurance is more likely to cover water damage in Indiana due to sudden, accidental plumbing issues, but it is less likely to cover sump pump failure deemed preventable.
   Review your policy carefully, and take pictures of damage in case you need them for reference.
6. In the days following the damage, keep your eyes open and your sense of smell sharp in order to detect any signs of mold, which is common after flooding. If you do see mold forming on drywall or other surfaces, call us to schedule an inspection and any necessary remediation.

3 Things You Should Not Do

1. If there is a chance that the water is contaminated with bacteria, do not try to clear it out or clean surfaces on your own. In fact, to avoid breathing in the toxins, you should leave the home until a water damage clean-up company can clear the water and dry out your home.
2. Do not allow children or pets near standing water or saturated carpets or flooring.
3. Do not panic. We’re here to help you. While traumatic and stressful, in many cases, water damage is not as severe as it seems. Contact us for more information about our water damage cleanup services in the Indianapolis area.