A Comprehensive Guide to Recognize Hidden Dangers of Water Damage

Water damage and flooding is a problem in many places, including Ogden, Utah. It can occur from a major weather event or from overflowing sinks, toilet clogs, burst pipes, and faulty water-related appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. 

Most people think the extent of flood recovery is water removal. However, expert water damage restoration in Ogden, Utah, is crucial due to the many problems flood damage can cause. Water damage in homes and buildings can lead to several hidden dangers that are not always immediately apparent. Understanding these risks is important for ensuring the safety and well-being of the occupants. 

The Far-Reaching Effects of Flood Damage

Your home doesn't have to be under a foot or more of water to sustain considerable damage or produce problems for you and others. Even minor water damage from a persistent plumbing leak could be problematic.

Here are some of the effects a flood or plumbing issue could produce:

• Mold and mildew: It only takes 24 to 48 hours after water damage for mold and mildew to grow quickly. The increased spores inside a building could trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks, skin irritations, and respiratory illnesses. The colonies could also spread across your belongings, furniture, and building materials.
• Electrical problems: Water and electricity don't mix. If water touches wires, outlets, or switches, it could lead to electric shock or electrocution. In some situations, electrical fires could start.
• Structural issues: Depending on where the water comes from, different parts of your home could sustain varying levels of structural damage. For example, wood floors could warp and rot, ceilings can sag, the foundation could develop cracks, and the roof could weaken due to missing or damaged shingles. 
• Health risks: Though water damage from a sink or water pipe usually doesn't pose health risks, contaminated water from broken appliances, sewer lines, rivers, and streams is full of microbes like bacteria and viruses. 
• Water contamination: Regarding water contamination, the microbes from various water sources can seep into carpeting, furniture, clothing, and other items, increasing the risk of exposure to germs. Even stagnant water can become a breeding ground for microbes. 
• Pest infestations: Water damage restoration in Ogden, Utah, is necessary if you don't want to open your home or business to pests. Cockroaches, beetles, and other insects will travel indoors for water. Aside from seeing bugs inside your building, the pests could trigger illnesses and leave messes everywhere.

How To Avoid the Consequences of Flood Damage

The best way to shield yourself against the many hidden dangers of water damage is prevention. Water damage restoration in Ogden, Utah, is always an option when disasters happen, but the risk of needing the service decreases significantly when you do the following:

• Install a basement sump pump: If your property has a basement, it needs a sump pump to keep the space from flooding. When rainwater and groundwater accumulate inside the sump pit, the device will pump the water out, keeping your basement dry. 
• Schedule roof inspections: Your roof could leak long before you notice warning signs like watermarks on the ceiling and ruined attic insulation. Schedule annual roof inspections to repair and prevent leaks. 
• Maintain your plumbing: A dripping faucet may be annoying, but it could indicate a plumbing issue. Routinely check your pipes and fixtures, and call a plumber to fix leaks. The better you maintain your plumbing, the less likely you'll experience major water damage from a leaky or burst pipe.

Insurance is important for protecting you financially from unexpected problems within your property. You could file an insurance claim for reimbursement on your water damage repairs. Without the service, you could be responsible for paying hefty repair and replacement costs.

Still, most policies have specific restrictions regarding floods, plumbing leaks, and other sources of water damage. Make sure your insurance policy is up-to-date, and speak with an agent to learn more about the policy's water damage coverage. 

Let Swift Restoration and Remodeling Keep Your Home or Business Free of Water Damage

Despite your best efforts to keep your residential or commercial property free of floods and burst pipes, unfortunate water-related events can still happen. Keep your property and its inhabitants safe from the dangers of water damage by taking immediate action when flooding occurs, regardless of its origins and severity. 

We at Swift Restoration and Remodeling offer water damage restoration in Ogden, Utah. Our locally owned and operated company and certified restoration technicians are available 24/7 to help you recover after a disaster. We take the guesswork and stress out of restoring buildings in Ogden back to their original conditions, so call (385) 412-8633 for immediate assistance or fill out the contact form on our website.