The Dangers of Water Damage

“April showers bring May flowers.”  That’s all well and good, but April showers can also bring flooding outside and even worse in your home.  Water can be very destructive when it gets into areas where it is not intended to be.  It is important that you know the facts about the damage that flooding can do and how to prevent it before you experience flooding in your home.  That way you’ll be ready to act fast in order to minimize the damage.

The Causes of Water Damage.  On a basic level, water damage is caused by water being where it isn’t supposed to be.  This can happen for a variety of reasons.  When there is excessive raining, rapid melting of snow and ice, or flooding of rivers and streams for any other reason, this water can find its way into your house with shocking speed.  But water originating inside your home can also sometimes be a cause of water damage.  Leaky pipes, a malfunctioning dishwasher or water heater, or an overflowing toilet can all wreak havoc on your home.  A third cause of water damage would be water seepage from the outdoors which may slowly make its way into your abode (usually your basement) without you even noticing.

Damage You Can See.  Much of the initial damage done by water, especially a flood or malfunctioning appliance, is visible.  In a way, this is a good thing because it forces you to notice it and take care of it right away.  Carpets or furniture that have been exposed to water must be dealt with immediately to avoid permanent damage.   Any clothing or bedding can usually be washed and dried without any lasting effect.  Wood items should be placed in an area where they can dry out quickly and completely.  As for electronics, any exposure to water will almost certainly ruin them.  (Though I did have a television remote that went through the wash and actually returned to working condition after it dried out.)

Damage Beneath the Surface.  Unfortunately, there is often much more going on with water damage than what the eyes can see.  The problem with water is that it does not stay in one place, but rather it goes into each and every crevice and soaks into any fabric or other porous material.  Once it is no longer contained, water will invade everything!   Exposure to water can cause substances such as wood or fabric to deteriorate and this absorbed moisture can very quickly lead to mold growth.  This is true even of “clean” water, but water that comes from sources such as muddy rivers or overflowing toilets can harbor dangerous bacteria and fungus.  Floods with this kind of harmful potential should be treated with even more careful attention.

Long-term Consequences.  Have you ever dealt with a problem by ignoring it and hoping it will go away?  This strategy is not usually a good one, and with water damage it can be downright dangerous.  While surfaces may eventually dry out, water that is allowed to sit (even for a few days) can cause the growth of mold, fungus, and bacteria.  This growth can go on without you seeing it or knowing about it, and once these organisms have taken hold, it is very difficult to eliminate them.  Obviously, breathing air contaminated by these organisms can cause serious health problems, especially in children, the elderly, or others with compromised immune systems.  This is not a situation that you want in your home or office.

As you can see, flooding and water damage are nothing to mess around with.  When you experience water damage, there is not a moment to lose.  Langenwalter Carpet Cleaning has a team of water remediation experts who will quickly and competently take care of both the visible damage and the dangers that are lurking beneath the surface.  Have our number (317-876-9944) close by and call us with any water emergency you may encounter.  We will be there fast and keep working until your water problem is completely resolved.