Sitting water is one of the most dangerous challenges any homeowner can face. Not only is flood water incredibly destructive, but it can also carry germs and bacteria that can make your entire family sick. If this does happen, it’s crucial to get as much moisture from your home as possible. Here are our tips for how to remove water after a flood.
Survey the Scene
It’s essential to prepare yourself as much as possible before wading into floodwater. Take as many photos as you can and be sure to document everything for your insurance company. When you enter the water, wear protective gear that doesn’t allow the moisture to contact your skin to reduce the risk of infection. This should include protective boots and rubber gloves when possible. If you can identify the flood’s source, do what you can to prevent more water from coming in.
Plastic Buckets
Scooping up the water and carrying it out in flexible plastic buckets is one option for getting the water out of your home. This method does take a long time, is very physically strenuous, and won’t work to get everything out of carpeting. A single gallon of water weighs 7 pounds, so only use the plastic bucket method for small amounts of floodwater or as a supplement for other efforts.
Wet/Dry Shop Vac
The most efficient method for removing water after a flood is to use a wet/dry shop vac to pump the moisture out. A run-of-the-mill consumer shop vac that’s available at any home supply store will remove anywhere between 5 and 10 gallons of water per minute. This makes it much quicker than using plastic buckets alone. There are also attachments available to help soak water from carpets and other absorbent flooring options.
Dehumidifier and Ventilate
After removing as much of the water as possible, the last thing to do to remove excess moisture is to ventilate the area. Running fans with open windows helps air circulate and remove water that’s soaked into the carpets. Having your air conditioning system or a dehumidifier helps speed up the process even further.
At Aloha Restoration, we understand the drastic impact flooding can have on a family. We are a water mitigation company that focuses on your needs and getting you back into your home as quickly as possible. Call or visit our website today for more information.
