Water damage can be a major headache, especially if you don't know how to deal with it properly. That's why it's important to call in a professional **water damage cleanup** company as soon as possible. But before you do that, there are a few things you can do to assess the damage and start the cleanup process. ### How to Assess Water Damage The first step is to assess the damage. This will help you determine the extent of the damage and what steps need to be taken to clean it up. Here are a few things to look for: * **Standing water:** If there is standing water in your home, it's important to remove it as quickly as possible. Standing water can cause mold and other problems, so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. * **Stained walls and ceilings:** Water damage can cause stains on walls and ceilings. These stains can be unsightly, but they can also be a sign of more serious damage. If you see any stains, it's important to have them inspected by a professional. * **Warped floors:** Water damage can also cause floors to warp. Warped floors can be a tripping hazard, and they can also make your home look unsightly. If you see any warped floors, it's important to have them repaired as soon as possible. * **Damaged appliances:** Water damage can also damage appliances. If you see any damaged appliances, it's important to have them inspected by a professional. Damaged appliances can be a fire hazard, so it's important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. ### How to Deal with Specific Damage Once you've assessed the damage, you can start the cleanup process. Here are a few tips on how to deal with specific types of water damage: * **Standing water:** If there is standing water in your home, the first step is to remove it. You can do this using a wet/dry vacuum or a bucket and mop. Once the water is removed, you need to dry the area thoroughly. You can do this using a fan or a dehumidifier. * **Stained walls and ceilings:** If there are stains on your walls or ceilings, you can try to clean them using a mild detergent and water. If the stains don't come out, you may need to have them painted over. * **Warped floors:** If your floors are warped, you may need to have them replaced. You can also try to repair them yourself using a floor repair kit. * **Damaged appliances:** If your appliances are damaged, you should have them inspected by a professional. Damaged appliances can be a fire hazard, so it's important to have them repaired or replaced as soon as possible. ### How do you know if water damage is permanent? It can be difficult to tell if water damage is permanent. However, there are a few things you can look for: * **Mold:** Mold is a sign of permanent water damage. If you see any mold, it's important to have it removed by a professional. Mold can cause health problems, so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. * **Rotting wood:** Rotting wood is another sign of permanent water damage. If you see any rotting wood, it's important to have it replaced as soon as possible. Rotting wood can weaken the structure of your home, so it's important to get rid of it as soon as possible. * **Cracking paint:** Cracking paint is a sign of permanent water damage. If you see any cracking paint, it's important to have it repainted as soon as possible. Cracking paint can allow water to seep into your home, which can cause further damage. If you're not sure if water damage is permanent, it's always best to err on the side of caution and have it inspected by a professional. A professional can assess the damage and tell you if it's permanent or not.