If a burst pipe or overflowing toilet has turned the bathroom into a pool, act quickly. Before emergency water damage service professionals arrive, take the steps below to preserve your home.

3 Ways to Respond to a Plumbing Flood

1. Turn off the Water Main & Electricity

Before an emergency arises, you should know where to locate the water main in your home. If your house has a basement, it’s likely near the floor where the water line enters. In a home with a slab or crawlspace, it’s likely outdoors. Shut the water off to stop the flooding, then cut any electricity running to the bathroom. You’ll save yourself a potentially harmful shock.

2. Document the Scene

If the water damage is extensive, you’ll likely want to file a claim with your insurance company if it’s covered by your policy. To make the claims process easier, get photographic evidence. Take photos of the flooded area as well as any ceilings or walls below that are also damaged.

3. Start Cleanup

The less time water spends sitting, the less damage it can do. While waiting for an emergency water damage service to arrive, remove any standing water with a mop, towels, or a wet vacuum. Open windows to improve ventilation. Don’t plug any electric devices, like fans or vacuums, into outlets in the flooded area. But if the bathroom is contaminated with sewage, wait for emergency water damage service experts to handle the situation and sanitize the area.

Unexpected flooding can leave you feeling overwhelmed, but the professionals at Henry’s Services are on your side. They offer 24/7 emergency water damage service throughout Anchorage, AK, to help get your home back to normal. They also provide kitchen and bathroom remodeling to restore the damaged areas as well as mold remediation. Learn more about their offerings online, or call (907) 344-4200 to schedule service.