We have all heard that if you drop your phone in water, you could put it in a bag of rice to absorb the moisture. Well, what do you do when your home has been flooded? Is there a magic fix?
Water causes thousands of dollars worth of damage by to electronics and household appliances. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle; these companies are experienced to know the best ways to recover damaged items instead of throwing them out.
When faced with saving or replacing, your decision will be influenced by the length of time in the water, the level of contamination, and (definitely) your insurance policy limits.
Some other things to consider are:
Warranty- Is a repair covered under the warranty? If you repair it, will it void the warranty? Manufacturers usually recommend that all motors, electrical components, safety controls, and gas valves be replaced. Check your paperwork or manufactures websites for more information.
Age of the Appliance- Are the replacement parts available? Will replacing an appliance with a new, energy-efficient appliance save you money in the long run? Are there rebates offered by your city for upgrading to Energy Star options?
Cost- Will repairing it cost as much (or close to) a new one? Will the repairs be guaranteed?
Safety- Could corrosion or clogs cause a short circuit or a fire? Will it still be reliable?
Contamination- What category of water had contact with your belongings? Water damage is assessed by the type of liquid involved: was it liquid from a sanitary source or contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements? ?Blackwater? contains significant pathogens, is grossly unsanitary, and could cause severe illness or death if ingested.
Refrigerators and freezers with wet insulation cannot be salvaged. If there were only a few inches of water in the house, refrigerators and freezers are probably fine. Ovens and ranges are usually salvageable; wet controls should be replaced. Damaged appliances with water trapped in insulation or inaccessible cavities cannot be salvaged. Neither can any electrical equipment exposed to saltwater.
According to NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, the electronic components of appliances are subject to corrosion that can damage the component itself. Wire and cable that is listed for ?only dry locations? may become a shock hazard after being exposed to water. Consult the manufacturer.
To safely remove contaminants, all active mold must be cleaned and all mold spores treated. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or acids and avoid use in the heating and air system, since it is corrosive. Instead, use non-phosphate detergent solution, since any remaining phosphate residue provides food for mold. Even better, consider other less corrosive disinfectants, such as alcohols, hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium.
If you determine that the appliances are not worth saving, organize their disposal. Find out about your community’s disaster debris guidelines. Monitor the local media or check with your area’s Department of Health, Sanitation or Waste Management. While you are waiting for pick up, all large appliances should be taped shut, locked or have doors removed to prevent child entrapment.
Hazardous waste should be separated from other waste. Make sure that all lead, asbestos or mold is wrapped or bagged, sealed, labeled and disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal requirements. Construction waste, furniture, large appliances, and electronics may also have specialized disposal rules, especially after a disaster.
And lastly, seize this opportunity to ?Restore for More than Before? by incorporating improvements in the new design. Can the work, time and expense that goes into repairing your damaged home have a silver lining? If so, you can be rewarded with a stronger, safer, more resilient, durable, comfortable, convenient and healthy home.
When you contact Sierra Restoration for your water damage clean up needs, you don’t just get a highly-experienced team that specializes in high-quality water removal and cleanup services, but you are choosing a company that is fully licensed to handle all reconstruction work that may need to happen after a water disaster.
Since 2010, they have provided our neighbors in Logan, Ut with quality property restoration and reconstruction services. Sierra Restoration restores dreams– one home at a time with value, quality, and timeliness. Call today at (435) 563-4007.
If you have a question or would like to request a free estimate, please contact us using the form below.
If this is an emergency, please call (435) 563-4007 for 24/7 service.
