Water Damage – what we do
We will come to your property/business and determine what water damage that has occurred, and what needs to happen to restore the building and contents (if possible) to normal.
- Please switch off the electricity to your home if the water has entered via the roof or has wicked up the walls. Please do not use any electrical devices that are wet or are located in the area affected by water.
- Take care not to slip when walking in wet areas. Avoid walking in any water as it may contain bacteria or have unseen trip hazards. Avoid walking in water if the electricity is still on.
- Please remove as much out of the wet area if you are able. Wooden furniture will stain the carpet as will most other items. If you are unable to move items out of the area, try to place items on plastic by sliding clear plastic or aluminium foil under furniture legs.
- We will take photos of the water damage to the building and contents and use them in our report to be sent to the insurance company; so that they are aware of the extent of the damage caused by the water.
- The attending technician will extract as much water as possible, so the drying process can begin. This step will prevent most further damage to the building and contents, as the main body of water will be removed.
- Once the main body of water is extracted, moisture testing will be conducted to determine how wet walls, ceilings or the flooring under the carpet is. This helps us determine what drying equipment is required in order to speed up the drying process as much as possible. We will then install the required drying equipment specific to your situation.
- We will spray antimicrobial over the surfaces that were affected by water to help prevent against bacteria.
- Generally, after 48 to 72 hours we will return to take moisture readings to monitor the drying process. (PLEASE NOTE: Where a major event has occurred, we may not attend to monitor the drying process for up to five days. If you have any concerns, please contact us directly instead of your insurance company. Thank you)
- If the affected area reads as dry, we will remove our equipment.
- Please do not switch off your equipment until we have confirmed the area is dry. Although the area may feel dry on the surface, the equipment needs to dry all layers of the building including the floor, structural timber and concrete. This cannot be determined without specific moisture measuring equipment.
- If the readings show that the area is still wet, we will run through the appropriate steps that need to be taken to assist in drying out your home.
- In a large proportion of situations, the carpet will be restorable. Once your carpet is dry, we will arrange for a carpet layer to attend to repair and relay your carpet and to replace any underlay that may have been removed. We will then arrange to clean and sanitise your carpets after the carpet has been relayed.
- If the carpet requires replacement Carpet Choice Moonah is our recommended supplier. The can be contacted on 62282925.
- Any contents that have been affected by the water will be restored where possible. Some contents may have to be taken to the Abels Cleaning and Restoration warehouse to be restored. This may include washing of clothing and linen, dry cleaning or general cleaning and sanitising.
- Please do not throw any items out without obtaining approval from your insurance company.
- Any items that are considered not restorable will be photographed and catalogued for insurance purposes. We will report this to your insurance company once completed. Once the catalogue list has been provided to the insurance company, please contact them to discuss what happens next.
- Curtains may be taken to be cleaned. If this is not successful or they are considered not restorable, this will be reported to the insurance company. Please contact your insurer once we have have provided them with a report to discuss what happens next.
- Occasionally we will need to arrange for other trades to assist with the water damage. These may include a builder, electrician or plumber. When we identify what is required we will contact your insurance company to arrange to have the appropriate trades person appointed to assist with your premises.
