Albany Capital Region Water Damage Do’s & Don’ts

​Whether water damage occurs due to a sewer back up, burst pipes or a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or storm, it’s important to contact a professional water damage restoration company immediately. While waiting for the professionals to arrive, consider these water damage do’s and don’ts. 

​What to Do When Water Damage Occurs

• If applicable, identity the source of the leak and shut off the water to the home or appliance
• Turn off the main electricity supply and remove all appliances and electronics in the damaged area
• Take photos of the damage and any affected areas and items
• Clean up standing water with mops, buckets and towels
• Use fans to circulate the air and to help dry out the room
• Wipe down any furniture, and place foil or saucers between furniture legs and wet flooring
• Remove any area rugs, drapes and wet fabrics, and immediately hang them up to dry
• Relocate all photos, artwork and important documents to a safe, dry place
• Open closet doors and furniture drawers to help dry them out

​What Not to Do When Water Damage Occurs

• Do not enter any room with electrical or structural damage
• Do not use any electric appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets
• Do not use a vacuum to clean up standing water
• Do not place newspapers on the floor to soak up water
• Do not lift up carpeting that is tacked down
• Do not turn on the heat to dry things out, as this can encourage mold growth
• Do not use ordinary cleaning products to clean up sewage or flood water
• Do not attempt to repair or repaint until everything has fully dried out
• Do not delay in getting professional help

When to Call a Water Damage Restoration Professional

One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is waiting too long to call. The fact is, it can be difficult to determine the extent of damage just by looking at it. And the longer you wait, the more likely the chance for unseen moisture to cause structural damage and mold growth.  
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The first step in any water damage situation is to call a professional water & mold damage specialist. While you can do some of the immediate action items yourself – like turning off the water source and electricity, removing access water and relocating your valuables – you’ll need a professional to access the damage and provide industry-accepted, commercial-grade water pumps, fans and dehumidifiers to restore the space to a healthy, stable condition.  

Water Damage Clean Up and Reconstruction in Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls & Beyond

At Cleanbright Surface Restoration, our water damage specialists will not only remove excess water, sanitize, and deodorize affected areas, we also offer full reconstruction services to repair and rebuild. We use detection equipment to find moisture and access the extent of the damage, and will determine what items can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced to avoid health issues from mold or structure collapse in the future.

Unlike the big national chains, we are local, family-owned business. We offer the same experience, technology and equipment as our competitors, but with personal, genuine customer care. We know the process can be emotional, and we are here to help you every step of the way. Call (518) 608-6242 for 24/7 emergency water damage clean up in Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls and throughout the Capital Region.