Water damage, especially damage from flooding, is a common issue among folks in the U.S. Those who live in Georgia and the surrounding states are particularly vulnerable.

Are you currently dealing with water damage in your home? Are you unsure of how to proceed or how to prevent future water-related issues?

If you said “yes” to either of these questions, keep reading. Outlined below is everything you need to know about handling a water-damaged home.

Causes of Water Damage

It’s not always a major storm that leads to flooding or water damage in your home. There are plenty of other factors that can contribute, including the following:

Leaking or Burst Pipes

Pipe leaks and burst pipes are some of the most common causes of residential water damage. There are lots of issues that can contribute to leaks and burst pipes, including changes in water pressure, changes in temperature, a lack of insulation (which can cause pipes to freeze), and age-related deterioration.

Plumbing Problems

Problems with the plumbing in your house can contribute to water damage as well. Common plumbing challenges include leaking faucets, leaks around the bathtub or shower, and leaking or overflowing toilets.

Broken Appliances

Many household appliances can leak and cause water damage if they’re old or poorly maintained. Washing machines and water heaters are some of the most common culprits, but refrigerators and dishwashers can cause problems, too.

Broken HVAC Units

If you don’t have your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (or HVAC) unit serviced on a regular basis, you’ll likely be more prone to leaks and water damage. This includes serious problems like mold and mildew growth.

Clogged Rain Gutters and Downspouts

When your rain gutters or downspouts get filled with leaves and debris, it’s hard for water to drain out of them effectively. Poor drainage, in turn, can lead to excess water buildup, which can result in pooling on your roof and leaks if you’re not careful.

Backed Up Sewer Systems

Sometimes, your home’s sewer system might not be able to handle a high volume of water from heavy storms. If this happens to you, you could end up with flooding and sewage backing up into your home through the toilet, sinks, or floor drains (yikes!).

Signs of Water Damage

In some cases, it’s pretty obvious when you have water damage in your home. After all, if you have water pooling up to your ankles or mold growing on the walls, there’s not a lot of guesswork required.

In other cases, though, water damage can be sneakier and more subtle. If you suspect water damage but aren’t 100 percent sure of what you’re working with, here are some warning signs to watch for:

  • Bubbling, warping, peeling, or cracking on the flooring, ceiling, or walls
  • The appearance of water stains or mold
  • Musty or mildewy smells
  • Areas feeling humid or moist
  • Higher-than-average water bills

Top 5 Tips for Water Damage Mitigation

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, especially in areas that are prone to water damage like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kitchens, there’s a good chance you’re going to want to follow our tips for mitigating damage.

Here are five steps to take as soon as you spot water damage in your home:

1. Cut Off the Water Supply

When you notice water damage in your home, one of the most important things to do is to shut off your water. This gives you a chance to address the damage and start making repairs to the source of the damage (a broken pipe, a damaged appliance, etc.) without having to worry about things getting worse.

Your house’s main water shutoff valve is usually located in the basement. You might also find it on an outside wall near the house’s utility area. Turn the valve clockwise to cut off the water supply.

2. Contact a Water Damage Expert

The next step is to assess the damage. If it’s more than you think you can handle on your own, contact a water damage expert who can provide assistance and help you with water extraction and repairs.

As a general rule, it’s best to seek out a professional’s help and not need it than to try to handle the issue yourself and then realize, later, that you did, in fact, require expert assistance. Professionals have access to special equipment that allows them to deal with any type of water damage or water loss inside of your home with relative ease.

Bringing in a professional sooner rather than later can also lessen the extent of the damage. For example, they can help you to take steps to prevent mold growth and other issues that can result from improperly addressed leaks or flooding.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Next, you’ll need to contact your insurance company and begin the process of filing a claim. This will help to cover the cost of the water damage to your home and minimize your financial burden.

Filing an insurance claim can be stressful, to say the least, especially when you’re dealing with something as serious as water damage. You should reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible, though. The longer you wait, the harder it might be to actually file a claim and get help with your situation.

4. Start Documenting

Your insurance company will likely ask you to document the damage caused to your home. Take photos of the damage and its source from multiple angles and write down key details, such as when you first noticed the issue.

It’s also a good idea to keep a file of relevant information related to your claim. This includes your claim number and the contact information for your claims adjustor and water damage/repair professional. If all of these details are readily available in one place, it’ll be easier for you to access them when you need them.

5. Minimize the Damage

Even if it takes time to completely repair the issue that caused the water damage in your home, you can at least take steps to minimize the damage’s severity.

If the source of the damage is a leaky roof, for example, you might want to lay down a tarp over the area from which the leak is coming. You can also set out fans to start drying out the area, especially if there’s carpet or other soft surfaces that are wet.

Minimizing water damage is a necessary step. However, don’t move forward with any permanent repairs until after you’ve had an inspection from an insurance agent.