Basic Advice When Performing Water Removal Service by Chris Blastoyout
With the increase of tropical storms hitting parts of the country in the past few months, several homes were affected with severe flooding requiring water removal service and cleanup work.
The following are some advices for homeowners faced with this dilemma to help them in their efforts for restoration and water removal service for their flood-damaged homes.
* Always wear protective clothing when performing water removal service particularly if it involves flood water. Floods can contain sewage which bring along a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms that may be harmful to occupants of a home.
* Follow safety precautions when handling equipment for water removal service. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners, pumps and other cleaning equipment can either be electric or gas powered. Do not stand on water when using electrical equipment. Ensure that that either the electric supply is situated outside and away from the area to prevent risk of electrocution when using electric powered tools. For gas-powered tools, ensure that exhausts are located outside to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide which may be lethal to humans.
* Remove mud and dirt residue from floods first. These may need shoveling if amount is excessive. Wash out remnants with pressurized water. The bottom of walls may have the largest accumulation and should be cleaned thoroughly. Clean out ducts from heating furnaces.
* As part of water removal service, scrub out contaminated surfaces with heavy-duty brushes and strong detergents mixed with bleach. However, do not use bleach on materials susceptible to damage from this chemical. Do not try to mix different types of cleaners. Ammonia based cleaners when mixed with bleach can cause a chemical reaction resulting to fumes that may be toxic. Rinse the affected area with warm water laced with bleach.
* Disinfect contaminated areas with industrial fungicide. Take note of the chemical properties of these disinfectants and follow instructions on proper handling from the material safety data sheet.
* Water removal service also includes restoration of valuable items. Clean items before they dry out. For paper-based items such as photos, books and other documents, store them in no-frost freezers to stop further damage from the water. These can then be thawed at a later time through air drying.
* When dealing with ceilings and walls during water removal service, there may be a need to discard wooden paneling that have been severely soaked in floodwater. Plasterboards and plaster based panels can be restored by drying. Styrofoam insulation inside walls or ceilings can be dried out and re-used, however, heavily soaked fiberglass insulations need to be discarded and replaced.
* Carpets and rugs should be immediately dealt with. If small enough to be cleaned outdoors, hang them out then hose down with pressurized water to remove dirt and grime. Use carpet shampoo if necessary. For carpets that cannot be removed, use wet/dry vacuum cleaners or sub-level extractors to remove water. Dry out by air movers and dehumidifiers. Ensure good air circulation into the area during the drying process.
Chris Blastoyout writes about what's important for homeowners for Atlanta Flood Water Removal and Boise Idaho Water Removal Service
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory
With the increase of tropical storms hitting parts of the country in the past few months, several homes were affected with severe flooding requiring water removal service and cleanup work.
The following are some advices for homeowners faced with this dilemma to help them in their efforts for restoration and water removal service for their flood-damaged homes.
* Always wear protective clothing when performing water removal service particularly if it involves flood water. Floods can contain sewage which bring along a variety of bacteria and other microorganisms that may be harmful to occupants of a home.
* Follow safety precautions when handling equipment for water removal service. Wet/dry vacuum cleaners, pumps and other cleaning equipment can either be electric or gas powered. Do not stand on water when using electrical equipment. Ensure that that either the electric supply is situated outside and away from the area to prevent risk of electrocution when using electric powered tools. For gas-powered tools, ensure that exhausts are located outside to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide which may be lethal to humans.
* Remove mud and dirt residue from floods first. These may need shoveling if amount is excessive. Wash out remnants with pressurized water. The bottom of walls may have the largest accumulation and should be cleaned thoroughly. Clean out ducts from heating furnaces.
* As part of water removal service, scrub out contaminated surfaces with heavy-duty brushes and strong detergents mixed with bleach. However, do not use bleach on materials susceptible to damage from this chemical. Do not try to mix different types of cleaners. Ammonia based cleaners when mixed with bleach can cause a chemical reaction resulting to fumes that may be toxic. Rinse the affected area with warm water laced with bleach.
* Disinfect contaminated areas with industrial fungicide. Take note of the chemical properties of these disinfectants and follow instructions on proper handling from the material safety data sheet.
* Water removal service also includes restoration of valuable items. Clean items before they dry out. For paper-based items such as photos, books and other documents, store them in no-frost freezers to stop further damage from the water. These can then be thawed at a later time through air drying.
* When dealing with ceilings and walls during water removal service, there may be a need to discard wooden paneling that have been severely soaked in floodwater. Plasterboards and plaster based panels can be restored by drying. Styrofoam insulation inside walls or ceilings can be dried out and re-used, however, heavily soaked fiberglass insulations need to be discarded and replaced.
* Carpets and rugs should be immediately dealt with. If small enough to be cleaned outdoors, hang them out then hose down with pressurized water to remove dirt and grime. Use carpet shampoo if necessary. For carpets that cannot be removed, use wet/dry vacuum cleaners or sub-level extractors to remove water. Dry out by air movers and dehumidifiers. Ensure good air circulation into the area during the drying process.
Chris Blastoyout writes about what's important for homeowners for Atlanta Flood Water Removal and Boise Idaho Water Removal Service
Article Source: ArticleSnatch Free Article Directory