Flooding and plumbing leaks can cause extensive water damage in your home or business. In addition to damaging the contents therein, water damage can also leave your home or business structurally compromised when left unchecked. To minimize damage and save costs, immediate action is required.
Water Damage Mitigation
The first and most important stage in water damage restoration to mitigate the damage is water removal. It is important for home owners to take immediate steps towards water removal as soon as plumbing leaks or flooding has occurred. This will make the subsequent process of water damage restoration easier and more efficient.
Water removal can be done in a number of ways including using pumps and buckets, mopping the water away using rags and towels, using dehumidifiers and large fans and opening doors and windows to enhance the circulation of air within the affected area.
Problems Posed By Lingering Water That is Not Cleaned Up
Water removal should be treated as an emergency, and completed as soon as possible, after water damage has occurred. Failure to do so may lead to a number of problems including:
Health Issues From Mold Growth
Failure to remove water, after water damage has occurred, within 24 to 48 hours can lead to the development of serious health hazards. When not attended to quickly, water damage can lead to the growth of mold and mildew – which can render your home or business uninhabitable.
Mold can grow on ceilings, floors and walls. Its presence can cause health issues – especially in people with various allergies and chronic conditions such as asthma.
Safety Issues From Standing Water
When water is left to sit and penetrate various parts of your house or business, it can cause a number of safety issues. Apart from the health issues outlined above, standing water can expose you, your pet(s), family members and/or customers to the risk of electrocution.
With time, the water can also cause serious structural problems in and around your home or business, as the water penetrates and soaks ceiling boards, drywall, flooring, and foundations among others, significantly weakening their structure.
Escalating Water Damage Restoration Costs
On top of the costly structural damage described above, standing water can seriously damage the contents of your home or business, leaving you with a hefty bill at the end of it all. You may be able to salvage some of your belongings if you act fast, and have the water removed as soon as water damage has occurred.
Hiring a Professional Water Damage Cleanup Company
If you are a victim of water damage, consider hiring a seasoned water damage restoration specialist.
Such a professional will be able to help you remove the water as soon as possible; and with it, minimize the risk of encountering the above problems.
Give us a call if you need help removing water from your home or business. First Call 24-7 has been serving this area for many years and we’re available around the clock so we can start mitigating the damage caused by water right away.