A malfunctioning plumbing system – faulty appliances, cracks or crevices within the pipe – can lead to flooding even without rain. Flooding can be caused by lose washing machine hose, frozen or burst pipes, blocked drains, sewer backups, etc. Preventing the occurrence of a flood is the best, it is cost-effective and it saves time.

However, if flood occurs in your home, there are steps that must be taken to protect your family, save your valuables, prevent health hazards, etc. The steps to be taken include:

• Shut off your water supply – This is the first step to prevent the flood from getting worse. If the water leak is caused by a faulty appliance, shut off the water supply to it. If the source of the flood can’t be found, shut off the water supply to your house. The stop valve is usually located in the kitchen, bathroom or garage.
• Switch off the electric power supply – It is also important to switch off your electricity supply pending the time is safe to switch it on. Water conducts electricity and it can cause electric shock or other serious hazards to you or your family members, so it is crucial you turn off the fuse box. If you can’t find the power box or it is unreachable due to the flood, call an electrician and ensure all residents are out of the wet area.
• Contact your insurance company – Ensure you take pictures of the flooded area and the extent of damage to your properties; this documentation is necessary to get insurance claims. This should be done before draining the water. Although not all home floods are covered by the basic homeowner’s insurance policy, it is necessary to call your insurance company and follow their instructions.
• Remove the water – As soon as you get the go-ahead to remove the water, you can drain it out by using a wet vac, industrial fans, or sump. This equipment can be rented at hardware stores around. Depending on the scale of the flood, getting a home restoration professional like Collins Plumbing services can save you time, prevent hazards, save cost and help you prevent further damage. If you want to remove the water yourself, open up windows and doors to allow air into your home. There is a likelihood of water contamination, so it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent health hazards. Precautions may include wearing protective gear and removing your kids from the home. Molds or mildew may likely set in 24 -48 hours, it is important to get your belongings out of the wet area as soon as possible. You might need to remove your flooring so as to assess your sub floor. Depending on the type of flooring, there may be need to discard, replace or keep the floors exposed for months to allow it to air-dry.
• Disinfect your home – use disinfectants to get rid of germs that your home may have likely been exposed to
• Prevent future flood – You can prevent future flood occurrence by:

1. Ensuring your gutters are clean.
2. Preventing frozen or burst pipes by keeping your heat on.
3. Ensuring your plumbing repairs, works and installation are done by licensed plumbing professionals like Collins Plumbing service.

If your home is flooded or you need to talk to professionals to prevent the occurrence, please contact Collins Plumbing Services on (323)643-6206. Our specialist will be delighted to help you.