Floods can happen in our homes for a number of reasons, with natural disasters and leaky pipes being two of the most common. Regardless of the source, floods can severely damage our homes, and what you will do in the next 24 to 48 hours will determine how much of the damage can affect your house’s structural integrity and your entire household’s safety.
You may have already bailed out the water, but it’s not enough. Flood water can quickly and easily get to hidden areas of your home, including the nooks and crevices beneath your flooring and behind your walls. If you miss any of these, the water could cause further damage and promote the growth of molds, which, as we all know, poses serious health risks to you and your family.
For this reason, it is crucial to act immediately right after a flood. And by “acting immediately,” we mean getting the services of a water damage mitigation specialist as soon as possible.
Risks in Delaying Water Damage Mitigation
Delaying any mitigation work on your water-damaged property can only result in more serious problems, which can include the following:
1. Mold Growth
It really doesn’t take long for mold and mildew to infest your walls and other hidden areas of your home once water damage hits. If these affected areas remain moist in the next 48 hours, expect significant mold growth to occur.
We all know how much of a health risk molds are, especially if the spores spread out in other areas of our home. If inhaled, the spores can cause all sorts of respiratory problems; even worse if the affected ones have preexisting health conditions like allergies and asthma. Furthermore, spores can also cause skin and eye irritations.
2. Bacterial Odor
The longer you wait for a water damage inspection, the higher the risk of bacterial odor spreading in your household. The musty smell produced by molds and microbes can penetrate your clothing, upholstery, walls, and furniture. When you allow this to remain for an extended period, the odor will tend to linger, making it more difficult for you to remove it.
3. Contaminated Water Supply
Flood and sewage backup can contaminate your drinking water. If you have yet to call for any water damage mitigation service, it’s best to at least have your water checked. After water damage, it’s likely that harmful pathogens such as E. Coli, Shigella, and Staphylococcus have made their way to your water pipes. These can cause serious skin infections if you’ve come into contact with them and gastrointestinal diseases if ingested.
4. Electrical Problems
A major concern whenwater damagehappens is the possibility of electrocution. Water can enter electrical outlets during a flood, causing short circuits and creating unsafe home conditions for everyone. This can be avoided by turning off the main water and electric supply switches, but only if the area surrounding them is dry. Otherwise, be on the safe side and wait for help to arrive.
5. Weakened Structure
Whenwater damageis allowed to sit for more than 48 hours, it compromises the structural foundation of your home. If your house already has several weak spots, water damage may cause these to collapse.
In addition, drywall and wood surfaces can swell within a day after water damage strikes. Painted walls will also likely blister and peel, which will not only cause serious structural problems but also will be unsightly as well.
6. Difficulty Cleaning
Yes, cleaning a water-damaged property will not be a walk in the park. Moreso if the cleaning was put off longer than recommended. That’s because, as earlier mentioned, water can quickly spread to other parts of your home and cause further damage.
If the cleaning process gets completed within the recommended time frame, it will also lessen the possibility of getting a replacement for your damaged possessions, as many can still be salvaged.
7. Costly Repairs
Delayed mitigation work can mean higher water damage mitigation costs for you in the long run. Depending on the damage your property incurred, you may only need to spend a few hundred dollars if you call for mitigation assistance within the day.
However, if you wait until the following week, the damage won’t only worsen, but the cost could easily reach thousands of dollars in mitigation work alone. That’s because simple repairs may no longer work. Extensive renovation work is possible, as plumbing repairs must be looked into as well. Some parts that were heavily damaged, like the drywall, flooring, and ceiling, will likely need to be thrown away and replaced with new ones.
Key Takeaway
Flooding is not something to be taken lightly. It doesn’t even matter if a natural disaster or a burst pipe causes the flooding. Even after the fact, it could still cause several problems in your home, especially if necessary actions aren’t taken immediately.
As mentioned in this article, some problems you will face when you experience flooding in your home include structural issues and health risks. These situations can even become more complicated (and costly) if you delay doing something about them.
That’s why it is crucial that if you notice water leaking from a pipe, act as soon as possible and do the necessary plumbing repairs immediately. If, however, the flooding was caused by a natural disaster and the subsequent water damage was extensive, there’s nothing much you can do but get the help of a professional water damage mitigation specialist right away.
Contact Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation for immediate action on your water-damaged property.
When water damage strikes, you should never think twice about getting a water damage mitigation service right away. When you do, there’s a greater chance that you can still save your property and prized possessions.
For 24/7 water damage assistance, Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation is the one to call. Our team of experts that offerswater damage mitigation in Denver, CO, and nearby areas is experienced, trained, and equipped to handle all sorts of problems caused by flooding. Call us today, and we’ll send our water damage mitigation specialists to your place immediately.
