One of the first questions people have after experiencing a house flood is what they can keep. While some items, such as paperwork and food, are total losses, there are some items that can be saved. At Rocky Mountain Restoration, we’d like to help you navigate through what you may be able to keep so not everything has to be thrown away. However, it’s important to use caution and always speak to a professional to make sure you’re saving the right things.
1. Appliances
We have seen many floods in Phoenix that have completely ruined appliances and left them unusable. However, in some situations, appliances can be saved if they are treated properly. This should begin with having the gas and electricity shut off before moving, just in case any wires were shifted during the flood. We also recommend allowing all units to dry completely before they are tested to see if they work normally. In most situations, it’s beneficial to hire a professional to do a thorough appliance inspection first.
2. Furniture
Before you decide if you can keep your furniture, you should make sure it is dried out completely. This is especially true for couches or chairs made with stuffing, as this can take longer to dry to the core. Once this process is done, inspect and smell for mold or mildew. If you see any black specks or something doesn’t smell right, you should exercise caution and throw it out right away. If mold is present, even a small piece of furniture can become a danger in your home.
3. Flooring
When water hits flooring, it can begin causing damage right away. This is why we rarely recommend keeping hardwood, tile, or even carpeting after flooding occurs. However, there are exceptions to this rule when it comes to flooring that was immediately dried and cleaned. If the flooring wasn’t soaked for long and damage wasn’t present, you may be able to save it with the help of a flood damage restoration tech.
How to Save Your Home
While not everything in your home can be saved after a flood, it doesn’t have to be a total loss. At Rocky Mountain Restoration, we help our customers figure out what they can keep after thoroughly drying and restoring their homes. Our priority is to address floods in Phoenix, AZ as soon as possible, so you can trust us to be there when you need us and help minimize the total amount of loss that you experience.
