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5 Things You Need to Do After a Spring Flood
Don’t Be Washed Up
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Spring is a beautiful time of year. Flowers bloom, birds chirp, and the weather warms up after a long, dreary winter. However, spring also brings some unpleasantness in the form of natural disasters such as floods. Flood damage can be detrimental to your home and possessions, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start in the cleaning process. Therefore, we have compiled a list of things that a homeowner should do after a spring flood to help in the cleaning and recovery process.
Get Rid of Excess Water
The first step to restoring your plumbing system after a spring flood is to get rid of the water. If you have standing water in your house, you should start by using a submersible pump to remove it. You should also clear debris and mud from any floor drains or sump pumps.
Once the excess water has been removed, you should disinfect any areas of your home that have been affected by the flood. Use a mixture of bleach and water to kill any bacteria and fungi that may have spread during the flooding. Additionally, you should also check for any standing water in unlikely places like walls, crevices, or furniture. If you find any, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the area. Once you are satisfied that all of the water has been eliminated from your home, you can start on repairs and restorations.
Check Your Plumbing Fixtures
Once you have removed the standing water, you must assess how extensively your plumbing fixtures are damaged. Check taps, toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures for damage. If you find your fixtures damaged, you must shut off the water supply valve and contact a licensed plumbing professional to make the necessary repairs.
In addition to plumbing fixtures, other fixtures in your home can also be affected by a spring flood. Electrical outlets, light switches and wiring, appliances, and furniture can all be damaged as well.
To check for damage to these items, look for signs such as corrosion or discoloration on the metal surfaces of lights and appliances, or watermarks and warping on the wood surfaces of furniture. If you notice any signs of damage, contact an electrician or a professional upholstery cleaner to assess and repair the damage. Additionally, be sure to check your walls for moisture accumulation—if present, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the area before repairing the walls.
Inspect Your Septic Tank
Flooding can affect a home’s septic system, causing damage and compromising the system’s overall performance. Once the flood water recedes, make sure you have a licensed plumbing contractor inspect and pump out your septic system thoroughly. This will ensure that your septic tank’s internal components and drainage pipes are working adequately.
In order to assess whether or not your septic tank has been damaged by a flood, it is important to look for signs of damage. One of the most common signs that your septic system has been affected is if there is sewage or other waste in the floodwater around your property. You may also notice that you have difficulty flushing your toilets, or that the water in your sink and bathtub drains slowly.
Additionally, if there is a foul odor coming from your plumbing fixtures, this could indicate a problem with your septic tank. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact an experienced plumbing contractor for an assessment, septic tank cleaning, or repairs as soon as possible.
Clean and Sanitize
After a flood, your home may be affected by contaminants like bacteria, mold, and mud that can be harmful to your health. To ensure that you and your family are safe, you should sanitize your plumbing fixtures and the surrounding area. Prepare a cleaning solution with water and bleach and use it to sanitize your fixtures and other plumbing appliances.
It is important to clean and sanitize all places in your home that were affected by the flood. This includes hard surfaces such as countertops, walls, floors, and cabinets as well as softer materials such as carpets, rugs, curtains, furniture, mattresses and bedding. Make sure to use a cleaning solution made of water and bleach to disinfect these areas, paying special attention to any crevices or hidden spots where contaminants could be lurking. Additionally, you should also check your ducting system for signs of mold or mildew and clean the vents with a soft cloth dampened with the cleaning solution.
Schedule Follow-Up Visits
Even after you have completed all of the above steps, it is still important to have a licensed plumbing professional make sure that your plumbing system is in good condition. Schedule periodic follow-up visits to check your plumbing system’s integrity, and to make any necessary upgrades or repairs.
It is recommended to schedule follow-up visits for plumbing system maintenance at least twice per year. This will help ensure that any potential issues such as leaks or clogs can be identified and addressed before they cause further damage. Additionally, a professional plumber can check for corroded pipes, damaged fixtures, and other signs of wear and tear that could indicate the need for maintenance or repairs. Having regular check-ups can help you maintain your plumbing system and keep your home safe and functional in the long run, whether after a flood or otherwise.
Spring floods can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can help you recover from the damage. Checking your home and property after a flood is crucial to ensure that everything functions well, and that the aftermath doesn’t pose any health risks to you and your family. Remember always to prioritize your safety, document the damages, and consider working with professional restoration services. Don’t let a flood ruin your home; take the necessary steps and recover your home to its natural state.