The Risks of Ignoring Water Damage On Your Property

9/23/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can occur in many ways, from natural disasters to leaking plumbing and bursting pipes. Whether you’ve experienced an overflowing toilet, a rupturing water heater, or, in more extreme cases, an external flood, it’s essential to address the issue as soon as possible. The damage from a water disaster can cause irreversible risks that worsen the longer you wait to restore your property. Let’s look at the risks of ignoring water damage in your home. 

Mold and Mildew Growth from Water Damage 

One of the most significant risks of water damage is mold and mildew growth. If untreated, water can quickly lead to mold growth—in as little as 24 hours after the damage occurs. Mold and mildew grow in dark and moist spaces, such as basements, attics, and walls. Mold specifically can trigger different health issues, such as allergies, lethargy, and even skin irritation. Our water damage restoration team at SERVPRO can look for mold during our restoration process and remove any present.  

Water Damage Can Cause Unpleasant Lingering Odors 

Another side effect of water damage is unpleasant odors lingering on your property. Various things can lead to odors that may be difficult to live with, and they are closely related to mold and mildew growth. If you detect any new musty odors in a particular room or area of your home, this could be a sign that the water damage caused mold or mildew growth. Some other odors may also be present, depending on the category of water damage (i.e., clean water, grey water, or black water). 

Structural Elements Weakened By Water Damage 

When water saturates building materials such as wood, it can cause the structure of your home to weaken rather quickly. Wall studs, wooden flooring, and other elements may begin to rot, making your home susceptible to pest contamination. A weakened floor may not support appliances after a specific time, causing it to give way. Water damage is not something to ignore and can leave your home vulnerable to decay if left untreated. 

Water Damage Causes Faulty Electrical Circuits 

Another significant risk of water damage is its impact on electrical circuits. As we all know, water and electricity do not mix. Water damage can compromise the electrical circuits in your home, and although electrical wiring has a waterproof coating, the connections are not waterproof. Exposed electrical wiring with water damage may cause a power outage or even an electrical fire. If rodents had previously chewed on any wiring, the waterproof coating would be stripped and exposed to water. 

Increased Utility Costs from Water Damage

Believe it or not, water damage can affect your power usage and utility bills. HVAC systems are particularly vulnerable to water damage and require cleaning to ensure no water contamination exists within specific areas like vents and ductwork. Your AC system may work less efficiently than previously, and your heating system can also be left in less-than-ideal conditions from water saturation.     

Work with the Water Damage Restoration Experts in Parsippany, NJ, and Montville, NJ 

At SERVPRO, we provide 24/7 emergency restoration services to get your home back to normal. You can give us a call or fill out our online form to schedule a water damage service and remove the water once and for all from your home. We work with homeowners and business owners to remove the water from your home and restore it to pre-disaster conditions.