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

2/22/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mandarin technician, Rashad, takes care of commercial water damage at one of Jacksonville's local Universities.

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

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 -especially in Florida's humid climate. Mold can grow fast. Mold causes a variety of illnesses, and the longer it grows in your home, the larger it gets, causing more health risks and compromising your structure.

Mold isn’t the only health risk from flooding. Water from severe weather brings dirt, germs, and other types of 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 burrow in. This can include rats and squirrels. 

Home Value

Flood damage can also reduce your home's value. 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. The rotting of your subfloor causes instability and even holes. It can damage the foundation of your home, 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 Mandarin. Our highly trained restoration technicians have the experience and equipment to restore your Bartram, Nocatee, Julington Creek, and Durbin home or business and get everything back to preloss condition. A trusted leader in the industry, we’ve served our community for more than 40 years. Call (904) 636-0044.