Help! There's water on the floor—what do I do now?
The first thing to do in the event of water damage is to shut off the water supply. If the source is an electrical appliance, such as a leaking washing machine, you should first turn it off and then immediately turn off the faucet. Next, dry the floor and contain the damage to prevent water from spreading throughout the building and causing further damage.
In the event of an actual pipe burst, and if the situation is truly serious, you must shut off the water supply at the main valve and call for help—perhaps from a plumber on call. In apartment buildings, the property manager or maintenance company is often on call around the clock and will arrange for the necessary assistance to be sent to the site.
The critical situation is over—now it’s time to conduct a water damage assessment
Before starting repairs, the situation and the extent of the damage must be assessed. A professional is called to the site to document the damage and conduct an assessment. This process determines the cause and extent of the water damage. The customer receives a written report that includes, among other things, photographs and instructions for action.
Once the assessment is complete, drying and repair work can begin. Read more on our service page our survey and drying services.
What happens after drying?
After drying, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that all water has been removed and any excess moisture has been thoroughly dried. Once the final inspection is complete, repair work can begin. At this stage, it is a good idea to decide what will be repaired and what will be discarded.
Once a list of repair measures has been drawn up, the renovation work can begin. During the renovation, best construction practices must be followed, and repairs must be carried out in such a way that water damage is unlikely to occur again in the future.
In most cases, water damage is caused by a household appliance
Water damage is common, with about 100 incidents occurring every day across Finland. Sometimes the cause is a burst pipe, but this is not usually the case. The most common causes of water damage are:
- washing machines or dishwashers, along with their hoses, gaskets, and connections
- condensate from a refrigerator or freezer
- leaky faucets, sinks, or toilets in restrooms
- chimney – or roof leaks
- clogging or leakage in the rainwater drainage system
- poorly designed or installed stormwater systems (problems with drainage pipes, etc.)
- poorly maintained pipes or faucets
- poor ventilation, which causes moisture to build up
- windows or doors in poor condition and their seals
Here are a few tips for preventing water damage
Some water damage cannot be prevented, but you can significantly reduce the risk by taking certain steps. It’s a good idea to perform routine maintenance on time, and you shouldn’t put off plumbing repairs indefinitely.
You can purchase a protective tray for under the washing machine if it is located in a place where there is no floor drain nearby. It’s a good idea to check the connections and hoses regularly. Also, don’t leave the machine running unattended; instead, do laundry or use the dishwasher when you’re at home.
Maintain your home appliances and equipment, such as refrigerators, heat pumps, and other devices, on a regular basis.
Make sure the ventilation system is working properly and that the vents are not blocked. Also, be sure to maintain the pipes and floor drains by checking them regularly for clogs.
Check the seals on doors and windows, and also make sure that wet areas are in good condition and that the rainwater drainage system is working properly.
If you suspect that your home has a moisture problem, read more our moisture survey service Please contact us, and we'll look into the matter.
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