When Should I Be Concerned About Water Damage?

Water damage in the home can range from a small leak to a major flood. While even minor water issues should be addressed quickly, some signs indicate you have a serious problem that requires professional help. This article explores how to identify serious water damage, the risks of ignoring it, the immediate steps to take, and the likelihood of mold occurring.

How Do You Know If Water Damage Is Serious?

There are several clear signs that indicate water damage in the home is serious and requires immediate professional help:

• Visible Mold Growth – If you see black, green, or white fuzzy mold growing, you likely have a moisture issue. Mold needs damp conditions to form and spread. Any mold requires professional mold remediation.
• Bubbling Paint or Walls – When water seeps behind walls or cabinets, it can cause paint bubbles or bulges in the drywall. This indicates soaked materials that will deteriorate and require replacement.
• Major Flooding – Large volumes of water from broken pipes, appliances, or weather events are emergency situations. Floodwater contains contaminants and can warp floors and walls.
• Sewage Backflow – Water contaminated with sewage is a dangerous health hazard. Sewage carries bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Always call water damage experts for this.
• Lingering Dampness – Surfaces that remain damp for over 48 hours will likely breed mold. Use moisture meters and air quality tests to check for excess moisture.
• Rotting Wood – Wood that turns black and starts disintegrating has been saturated. Rotting structural wood must be removed and replaced.

If you see any of these issues, contact a professional water restoration company immediately. The longer the water sits, the more damage occurs. A water damage restoration quote can help you understand the scope of the damage and the cost of repairs.

What Happens If You Ignore Water Damage?

Neglecting water damage only aggravates the problem. Common consequences of delaying cleanup include:

• Rampant Mold Growth – Mold spreads rapidly when left unchecked on wet materials. It can overrun a home and even spread to neighboring spaces. Remediation costs skyrocket.
• Bacteria and Viruses – Stagnant moisture allows dangerous bacteria like E.coli and viruses to breed. This creates major health risks to occupants.
• Structural Destruction – Wet framing, drywall, and wood warp and deteriorate over time. This compromises the structural integrity and necessitates expensive repairs.
• Indoor Air Quality Issues – Excess moisture fosters mold, bacteria, and airborne particles that degrade air quality. This makes the home hazardous to inhale for those with respiratory issues.
• Property Damage – Floodwater can warp floors and cause extensive damage to furnishings, appliances, and belongings. The longer it sits, the more devastation it causes.

Waiting also allows water to seep into new areas and spread the damage. Don’t take a “wait and see” approach – act quickly to minimize destruction.

What Should I Do Immediately After Water Damage?

When water damage strikes, there are some key steps to take right away:

• Identify and Stop the Source – Locate where the water is entering from and stop it if possible. Turn off the main water valve to prevent further flooding.
• Remove Excess Water – Use a wet/dry vacuum to extract surface water. Open windows and use fans to dry out the area as much as possible.
• Inspect and Document Damage – Look for water stains, mold, warped wood, and other issues. Take photos for insurance claims.
• Call in the Experts – Contact professional water restoration specialists who use truck-mounted extraction systems to thoroughly dry all materials.
• Remove Wet Items – Take out saturated rugs, furniture, bedding, drywall, and insulation. These provide fuel for mold growth. Discard items contaminated with sewage or chemicals.
• Adjust the HVAC – Raise heat and run dehumidifiers and air movers to facilitate drying. Prevent the spread of mold spores through the HVAC ducts.
• Check for Electrical Issues – Make sure appliances and outlets in flooded rooms are dry and safe to use. Watch for signs of electrical damage.
• Clean Surfaces – Clean mud, silt, and residue left behind using disinfectants. Be thorough in inhibiting mold growth.
• Document for Insurance – File a claim as soon as possible and provide information. Take detailed notes of damage and keep all receipts and invoices.

How Likely Is Mold After Water Damage?

Mold growth is likely when moisture persists after 48 hours. Toxic black mold is especially common. Estimates say mold occurs in over 50% of water damage situations that are not quickly and properly mediated.

Several factors influence the chances and extent of mold growth:

• Length of Flooding – The longer water saturates materials, the higher the risk of extensive mold. Call restoration experts immediately.
• Types of Materials – Porous materials like drywall, carpeting, ceiling tiles, and insulation support prolific mold growth. Non-porous surfaces are easier to clean.
• Source of Water – Sewage, stormwater, and appliance leaks have a higher risk of mold growth due to contaminants and greater moisture.
• Season/Humidity – Hot, humid climates encourage faster and heavier mold growth. Summer flooding is riskier than winter.
• Drying Process – Inadequate drying increases mold risk. Professionals use truck-mounted systems and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry all affected materials.

No trace of excess moisture should remain after remediation. Confirm this with moisture meters, air quality tests, and visual inspections. If mold takes root, utilize professional mold testing and removal services.

In Summary, Serious water damage requires immediate professional help to mitigate the extent of destruction and health hazards. Lingering moisture and mold growth should not be ignored. Contacting restoration specialists promptly is crucial to properly drying all affected materials and preventing long-term consequences. Document everything thoroughly for insurance.

Though mold likelihood depends on many factors, hazards are minimized greatly by rapid, expert remediation. Don’t delay – call for help right away at the first signs of extensive water damage in your home.