Anytime you sustain
water damage, it’s a serious issue that must be addressed immediately. Even when water damage seems to be relatively minor, it can result in more extensive problems if you let the damage fester without making the necessary repairs.
There are a variety of issues that can develop when water damage is left untreated, and many of these problems can be extremely expensive to fix. Below are some of the most common dangers associated with
untreated water damage.
Mold and Other Health Hazards
When water damage isn’t addressed properly in a timely manner, it can result in serious health hazards, and the most common is mold growth. Any furniture or structural objects in your home that have absorbed significant amounts of water will become a breeding ground for mold. In fact, mold begins to grow within 24-48 hours after water damage occurs.
Mold can result in a variety of adverse health issues for individuals with a mold allergy. In severe cases, it can result in serious respiratory issues. Professional
mold remediation is required to eliminate mold from your home and prevent regrowth.
Another potential cause of health hazards is the source of your water damage. Certain water sources can be highly toxic and can result in severe illness. There are three categories of water damage:
- Category 1 –
This water damage comes from sanitary sources and is considered “clean” water. The most common sources of Category 1 water damage are burst pipes.
- Category 2 – This “gray” water comes from sources such as ground water that has seeped into your basement or broken appliances which leak water containing household chemicals that can lead to bacterial growth.
- Category 3 – This “black” water is the most toxic. It comes from unsanitary sources such as sewage lines and polluted plumbing fixtures, and the harmful bacteria in this water can result in serious health conditions.
While all water damage can potentially result in health issues due to the risk of mold growth, prompt action is particularly critical if your property was flooded with Category 3 water.
Weakened Structural Integrity of Your Property
Many of the materials used to build your home will absorb large quantities of water. If left untreated, this can cause a variety of structural issues to the building, including:
- Rotten wood, which can weaken your walls, floors, and any load-bearing structure
- Ceiling damage, which can create the potential for collapse in severe cases
- Damaged drywall, which can weaken walls
- Warped or buckled flooring
- Damage to the foundation
Electrical System Damage
Any outlets, wiring or fuse boxes that are exposed to water can create significant safety hazards. Even if the flooding doesn’t occur near electrical sources, untreated water damage can move through your walls and floor, ending up in an area that creates an electrical hazard. In addition, you run the risk of an electrical fire. Due to these safety concerns, it’s critical that you have an electrician inspect any components of your electrical system that have been exposed to water damage.
Plumbing Damage
Flood water often contains contaminants that can corrode your pipes if the water damage isn’t addressed in a timely manner. Over time, this can cause your pipes to wear down, resulting in leaks or even flooding if a pipe bursts.
Infestation
Untreated water damage can create a serious pest infestation in your home. Beetles, cockroaches, and other pests flock to damp environments, making a water damaged property a pest magnet. Pest infestations can result in contamination of exposed food and create health issues. If you notice signs of a pest infestation after water damage, it’s critical to address the issue immediately.
Reduced Property Value
Untreated water damage can also negatively impact the value of your home. Water stains and mold are both red flags to buyers, signaling the potential for extensive and costly repairs required to restore the structural integrity of the building. All these issues will be detected on an inspection, placing them on the radar of a potential buyer.
Very few people want to buy a home that will require massive repairs to make it livable. Even people looking to purchase properties as a “fix and flip” will typically be wary of buying a home with extensive untreated water damage, as this will make the home much more challenging to restore before they sell it. The end result is that untreated water damage will significantly lower your home’s value, costing you much more money in the long run than the cost of professional water damage restoration services.
HRS Restoration Can Help
The issues associated with untreated water damage are too serious to leave unaddressed. To ensure all repairs are performed correctly and your home is restored to its pre-damaged condition, it’s critical to work with an experienced water damage restoration professional. At
HRS Restoration, we can ensure the job is done right so that you won’t experience additional problems down the road.
We’ve been the leading water damage restoration company in the Denver area for over 50 years. Our team has the experience to handle any issue, from minor water damage to extensive flooding. Our team offers 24/7 emergency restoration services, and our expert technicians will arrive at your home shortly after receiving your call to begin work.
At HRS, we’ll handle every aspect of the process for you. Our team will:
- Address all causes of your water damage
- Use professional grade equipment to dry out the building
- Pull out all furniture and contents damaged by water to restore it and prevent mold growth
- Perform all necessary repairs to restore any structural damage that has occurred
We’ll also perform moisture level testing and mold testing to ensure the property is safe. If we detect the presence of mold, our team will handle all necessary mold remediation to eliminate this problem and prevent it from reoccurring.
HRS Restoration is a subsidiary of
Haselden Construction, a third-generation, family-owned company serving Denver and the Rocky Mountain region for over 50 years. Our affiliation with Haselden allows us to keep all work in-house. This provides you with several important benefits, including faster turnaround times, a smoother process and highly competitive pricing. You’ll also have peace of mind that all work is performed according to the exceptional quality standards Haselden has become known for.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. HRS Restoration serves customers in Denver and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
Water Damage FAQs
How long does it take for mold to grow after water damage?
Mold begins to grow within 24 to 48 hours after water damage occurs. Any furniture or structural materials that have absorbed water become a breeding ground for mold growth almost immediately, which is why prompt water extraction and drying are necessary to prevent an infestation.
What are the three categories of water damage?
Category 1 water damage comes from sanitary sources such as burst pipes and is considered clean water. Category 2 water damage, known as gray water, comes from sources such as seepage or broken appliances. It can contain household chemicals that lead to bacterial growth. Category 3 water damage, known as black water, comes from unsanitary sources such as sewage lines and polluted plumbing fixtures. It carries harmful bacteria that can cause serious health conditions.
Can water damage affect the structural integrity of a home?
Yes. Building materials that absorb large quantities of water can develop rotten wood that weakens walls, floors, and load-bearing structures. Untreated water damage can also cause ceiling damage with the potential for collapse, damaged drywall, warped or buckled flooring, and damage to the foundation.
Is it safe to have electrical outlets that have been exposed to water?
No. Electrical outlets, wiring and fuse boxes exposed to water create significant safety hazards, including the risk of an electrical fire. Water can also travel through walls and floors and reach electrical components far from the original source of the flooding. Any electrical system exposed to water damage requires inspection by a licensed electrician.
Can water damage attract pests?
Yes. Damp environments created by untreated water damage attract beetles, cockroaches and other pests. A pest infestation resulting from water damage can contaminate exposed food and create additional health hazards for occupants of the property.
Does water damage lower a home's resale value?
Yes. Water stains and mold growth signal to buyers that a property may require extensive and costly repairs. These issues are typically identified during a home inspection, which can deter buyers and reduce the sale price. Even buyers purchasing homes for renovation and resale are often wary of properties with extensive untreated water damage.
How much does it cost to fix water damage if it's not treated right away?
Delaying water damage repairs typically increases the total cost of restoration. Untreated water damage can lead to mold growth, weakened structural components such as walls, floors and foundations, corroded plumbing, and pest infestations, all of which require additional remediation beyond the original water extraction and drying. Addressing water damage promptly limits the scope of repairs needed and reduces the risk of these secondary issues developing.
