Your Business is Underwater, Literally: Preparing for the Water Clean Up

9/26/2021 (Permalink)

Your business is underwater because of a burst pipe, and now you are wondering how to salvage what’s remaining. While it can be easy to become overwhelmed, the steps below may help you start the water clean-up process right.

1. Assemble the Appropriate Supplies

Depending on the broken pipe, the materials and supplies needed for the cleanup process may be various elements of protective clothing – gloves, masks, boots, and safety glasses – in addition to various cleaning supplies - mops, trash bags, pails, pumps, detergents, etc.

2. Turn Off Power to the Damaged Area

If you want to avoid the possibility of electrocution, you may want to turn off the power to the damaged areas before any water clean up. While the power may be out in the area before turning it off at the breaker, there may still be power running to outlets, so it is better to be safe.

3. Turn on the Pumps and Begin Removal Process

Using extension cords, plug in any pumps to remove the excess amount of water; additionally, once the water is removed, you can use wet vacs to suck extra water out of carpeting and office furnishings. Beyond removing water, you can begin discarding damaged items and tearing out drywall and insulation. As mold growth can set in up to 20 inches above the waterline, you may want to remove wallboard and insulation up to this point.

4. Clean and Disinfect

While you may want to find a local restoration specialist in the Lake Ida, FL, area for the more extensive business repair, you can begin the cleaning process on your own, using mops, squeegees, and disinfectants, like tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) and water.

A water clean-up can be a massive undertaking, and, as a business owner, you may not know where to begin, but the above steps can help you through the process. Keep in mind that, while it may seem like you are on your own, there are companies and people more than willing to help.