Flooding in the kitchen caused by a pipe burst or sink overflow is not a pretty site. For one, it can cause panic since water accumulated can cause a lot of damages. Thus, there is the need for a speedy water removal and cleanup.
A water cleanup actually deals with more than just removing any accumulated water. It also involves disinfection and complete drying. Without these later processes, bacteria and mold growth may occur.
At the sight of accumulated water, it is not new for a homeowner to panic. One of the mistakes commonly made is to start removing the accumulated water first when what should be done is to stop the source of water. For a pipe burst, there are two things that can be done. When the crack on the pipe is not too big, it can be temporarily be sealed with a non-absorbent material. If not, turning off the main water supply control switch can be best.
During water removal, keep in mind a few safety tips first. Ensure that electrical outlets or wirings are not contaminated with water and may not cause electrical shock. Secondly, check for any sewage and wear proper cleanup gear to avoid ingestion or inhalation of harmful fumes and substances. Lastly, be careful when moving around to avoid accidental slipping; rubberized footwear may help.
A kitchen that opens to a backdoor may be easier to clean especially when the accumulated water is clean. Water can just be swept through the door to the outdoors for a faster water removal. If not, a homeowner can use absorbent sponges, rags and mops to remove the water. It is best to have another pair of hands help during the water removal as well.
When dealing with a contaminated or dirty flooding in the kitchen, spraying the floor and affected areas with a disinfectant solution should be done after water removal. Further scrubbing and washing should be done next followed with a final rinse with clean water.
The drying process needs to be done as fast as the water cleanup or removal to avoid mold, bacteria and mildew growth. Aside from wiping surfaces dry or natural aeration, homeowners may also make use of fans or blowers that can speed up the process.