Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Tips on how to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage repair costs can break the budget, but it could be more if you do not have the proper homeowners insurance coverage. It is wise to double-check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure that you have the proper coverage because, in many situations, the following may be covered in a standard policy:

  • Damage that is the result of ice, snow or sleet weight
  • Any water that is an overflow situation, even accidental
  • Faulty pipes that could be cracking or bulging in a steam or hot water heat system
  • Frozen pipes and plumbing


Take a look at some preventive maintenance ideas to help you keep your home as dry as possible:

  • Hire a plumber to install back flow valves and standpipes in basement drains.
  • Raise your appliances and personal items up off the basement floor.
  • Clean all gutters and downspouts.
  • Never place grease down the kitchen drain.  

Did you know?

In your home, the top five causes of water damage are:

  • Issues caused by malfunctioning plumbing
  • Leaks from washing machine
  • Damaged water pipes
  • Water heaters that are beyond their age
  • Weather situations

As hard as it may be to keep your home dry, by following some of these suggestions, you will be taking positive steps to protect your property.

Water damage can be a nightmare to deal with, but fortunately, you will always have SERVPRO OF NW Bakersfield on your side to help with the cleanup and restoration process.

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (661) 588-3975

What To Do After Flooding

  • Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
  • Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
  • Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
  • Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  • Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
  • Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
  • Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
  • Gather loose items from floors.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

  • Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
  • Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
  • Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
  • Don't use television or other household appliances.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.