Flood & Disaster CleanUp Services in Utah

The Utah Department of Public Safety estimates that just one inch of water equals about $26,000 worth of damage in the average home. Many homeowners in Utah assume that their insurance will take care of any damage stemming from a flood, but the vast majority of policies only cover damage from a pipe breaking. If damage is caused by a flood, melted snow, water backup from a subpar drainage system, hurricanes, or a number of non-pipe related conditions, there’s a good chance you’ll be stuck with the bill. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about it.

First, talk to your homeowners’ insurance agent. It’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers—and what it doesn’t. You may be able to upgrade to a more inclusive policy or purchase an additional policy to protect your home and belongings from flood damage. However, there’s only so much even the best policy can do. It’s also critical to know how to take action when it comes to flood disaster cleanup in Utah.

Fast Flood Cleanup

Thousands of homes are flooded every year, and how quickly you take action will make a big difference in damage severity. Did you know that mold can start to grow within 24 hours after a flood? The only things that mold needs to grow is moisture, oxygen, and some organic material. That’s why it grows and spreads so fast, and a flood can provide the perfect environment for a number of different kinds of molds including the toxic variety. Aspergillus or Stachybotrys (black mold) can be deadly. Also keep in mind that mold won’t necessarily grow in the most visible places. It’s very common for a flood to lead to “hidden” mold that only an expert can pinpoint.

 If your flood is caused by a broken pipe, you might be surprised at the size of the crack. Even the tiniest of cracks can easily spill over 250 gallons of water in just one day. A crack just 1/8 of an inch doesn’t sound very big, but it really doesn’t take much for water to flood your home. Plus, floodwater might be electrically charged so watch out. Outlets, power cords, and baseboard heaters might be on the floor or just an inch or two above it. If you notice a flood, immediately evacuate the area because there’s no telling if the standing water is electrified.

What to Do with a Flood in Utah

There are three types of flood waters and all can be biohazards. Whether you have clean, gray, or black water, all it takes is time for it to become even more dangerous. Clean water from tub overflows, rainwater, or clean water supplies doesn’t need to sit very long to become dangerous to your health once it becomes stagnant. It can also be difficult to gauge just by looking at water whether it’s clean or black. That’s just one more reason to avoid it.

The quicker you call in the professionals for flood cleanup, the faster it can happen and the more affordable the service. Keep Pristine Carpet Cleaning’s contact information readily available because you can never be too prepared.