Proudly Serving the Niagara Region
Tips and Facts about Floods
Be careful!
A flooded basement poses a risk of electrical shock and flood water may contain bacteria harmful to your health.
- Ensure that the source of water has been eliminated. Ie: main water supply, etc.
- Turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas. Unplug and remove any electrical devices currently located on the wet carpet.
- Remove small furniture items as possible, to prevent rust or stains
- Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with wet carpet/ floors.
- Remove books, shoes, paper goods, potted plants or other items which may stain the carpet.
- Remove & secure breakables, moisture sensitive or high value items.
- Do not use your home vacuum since electrical shock may result, as well as it’s almost certain damage to the equipment itself.
- Do not increase indoor temperature.
- Do call and check with your insurance broker or agent.
- Call Us!!! To prevent the ongoing effect of water damage.
Within minutes
Water contamination spreads rapidly to unaffected areas, thereby increasing the cost dramaticall. Stains released from furniture discolour carpet permanently. Paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption, swelling, warping and discolouration. Pre-existing (animal) urine odour becomes apparent.
Within hours
Furniture in direct contact with water delaminates, swells, finishes crack/peel, legs begin to split, drawers bind, drywall swells and softens. Wallpaper adhesives release. Bacterial odour (souring) becomes apparent.
Within days
Colonies of fungus begin to grow, along with characteristic “musty” odour. Moisture-sensitive components in pianos and organs begin to warp in the presence of condensed moisture. Metal surfaces begin to rust and corrode. Structural members (door casings, windows casings, studs, joists, decking and flooring materials) swell and buckle, distort or delaminate. Furniture veneer delaminates. Fabric dyes begin to bleed. Electronic components exposed to moisture malfunction or are ruined. Individuals with asthma can’t breathe and allergic reactions become severe.
Within weeks
Advanced fungus growth destroys organic materials (jute backings, paper coverings on drywall, paneling, wood) while chemical within the wood materials are dissolved and discolour or destroy the finishes. Wholesale damage to structure and contents is experienced. Serious occupant problems abound. Claim costs escalate astronomically!
At AAA Steam Carpet cleaning we are an industry certified in water damage restoration. We can provide water extraction from just a few gallons to several feet deep. We will evaluate your flood and make suggestions based on several factors;
- The cause of the water damage; fresh water, grey water (rain water), black = sewer back up
- Amount of flooding
- Amount of areas flooded
- Type of flooring effected
- The length of time the area has been flooded
- Whether the area has been previously flooded
Besides quick extraction we can remove effected carpet & pad as necessary. We apply an anti-mold & mildew spray. Placement of furniture on blocks to prevent further damage. Mopping or pressure washing of hard surface flooring. Drying equipment rental and monitoring. Re-cleaning or reinstallation of carpet & pad. If the damage is extensive- effecting walls and contents we will happily recommend a reputable local restoration company.
Keeping Your Basement Dry
There are ways to keep your basement dry or lessen the damage from a flood by;
- Grading the lot away from the foundation walls.
- Inspect and replace hoses to washing machine regularly, where possible replace with superior steel braided lines.
- Know where your main water shut off valve is and keep it clear (easily accessible).
- Make sure your sub-pump is in good working order. Invest in a battery back up system or generator; as the power often goes out during heavy down pours leaving you with out a sub-pump.
- Check for, and fix, leaks in walls, floors and foundation. Clean eavestroughs and downspouts, regularly.
- Extend your downspouts 1.8 metres (six feet) away from the basement walls.
- Keep your sewer unobstructed; do not pour grease down the drain or flush objects down the toilet.
- Consider soft-surface landscaping that allows storm water to soak into the ground.
- Have a qualified plumber install back-flow prevention systems and plumbing fixtures to ensure proper operation.
- Keep the screw cap in the basement floor drain in place, except when draining your washing machine or water softener discharge. The floor drain is usually located in the lowest part of your basement and is covered with a round perforated plate.
- Keep the sewer service clean-out cap in place as well. The clean out is usually located downstream from the floor drain.
- Ensure your flood insurance is up to date.
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