What Happens If You Don't Clean Water Damage Right Away

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO help dry down your property quickly. Here our team dries out the area between the drop ceiling and the level above.

Whether it’s from heavy storms or a plumbing mishap, water damage is a headache. It’s even worse if you let the problem fester. Here are a few of the repercussions if water damage isn’t taken care of.

Health Issues

Mold loves moisture. If your floors, carpets, and walls are saturated with water and not properly dried out, mold is sure to grow. And it can grow fast. Why is this such a concern? That’s because mold causes a variety of illnesses, and the longer it grows in your home, the larger it gets, causing more health risks. 

But mold isn’t the only health risk from flooding. Water from severe weather brings dirt, germs, and fungi into your house, and water from plumbing accidents can bring even more harmful bacteria (and sewage) into your home. This all needs to be removed as quickly as possible to avoid serious risk of illness. 

Another health risk from excess moisture, especially if it came from outside, is how it attracts pests. Insects love to lay eggs in wet places. Water damage can also make the foundation walls weak and porous, allowing small animals to come in. This can include rats and squirrels. 

Home Value

Flood damage can reduce the value of your house. It can cause your house to fail inspection, which can lose you a sale and lead to costly repairs. It can cause discoloration and deterioration of wallpaper, baseboards, carpets, and flooring that make your house less attractive. It can also cause a musty smell that makes your home less appealing to guests and potential buyers. They will notice this smell long after you’ve gotten used to it.

Structural Issues

If serious water damage is left untreated, it can also cause structural problems that make your house less safe. It can cause rotting of your subfloor, causing instability and even holes. It can damage the foundation of your house, leading to costly repairs to avoid dangerous conditions. It can also damage the electrical system, wiring, and outlets, causing shorts and risk of shock or electrical fires. Water can also damage ceilings and walls, requiring costly repairs. Even your pipes can be deteriorated by excess water, causing plumbing issues. 

If your Northeast Florida home or business has suffered flood damage, call SERVPRO of Jacksonville Beach/Ponte Vedra, at (904) 246-6118. Our highly trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, or Ponte Vedra building and get everything back to like-new condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years.