Whether a pipe bursts in the basement or a major storm floods the area, water damage can quickly turn into a big, expensive problem. Without proper water damage restoration, moisture will soak into everything from the carpets to the drywall. The team at Blue Ridge Property Restore in Martinsburg, WV, has seen what can happen when even a little bit of water gets inside a house. If you want to protect your property and keep a clean and healthy home environment, follow these tips.

3 Tips for Water Damage Restoration

1. Turn Off Water & Electricity

If the water is coming from a pipe, the first step you need to take is to find the main water valve and shut it off. A burst pipe will expel huge amounts of water in a short amount of time. If the flood has left behind puddles of standing water, you’ll also want to turn off the electricity. Stepping into electrically charged water is extremely dangerous. If you’re not sure how to turn off the electricity or don’t think it’s safe to enter the flooded area, don’t do it. Call professionals and wait for their arrival instead of risking your life.

2. Soak Up Excess Water

Standing water will seep into your floorboards, stain your drywall, and rot everything it can. You have a chance to minimize the damage if you soak up the excess water quickly. Use a mop or other absorbent materials for effective water removal. Never use a shop-vac or another kind of electrical device without knowing for certain the area is safe for electricity.

3. Call the Professionals

Without professional equipment and knowledge, soaking up excess water is all you’ll be able to do on your own. It’s important to call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as possible. Water damage is a problem that gets exponentially worse with time. Water and moisture will lead to mold growth, and wet wood will eventually rot. A professional team will get rid of mold, prevent more damage from happening, and even get rid of that musty odor.

No one can be fully prepared for a flood, but knowing how to handle the situation will save you time, money, and frustration. Call Blue Ridge Property Restore if you want to save your home from water damage. Call them at (304) 262-8100 to schedule emergency water damage restoration, and visit their website to learn about the team. You can also find them on Facebook.