Water damage, such as flooding and sewage backups, is a problem that needs an immediate response. Right after it occurs, it already poses numerous dangers. Imagine what it can do when left unaddressed.
If you live in an area prone to flooding or sewage backups, you need to know how to act quickly and appropriately once such disasters occur. Every second you delay calling for water damage restoration services puts you, your family, and your property in greater jeopardy.
To fully understand the importance of acting with urgency, we’ve listed all the reasons not to ignore water damage.
Common Causes of Flooding and Sewage Backups
Many things can cause flooding and sewage backups in residential and commercial spaces. Some of the most common ones are:
1. Faulty Plumbing System
A poorly designed plumbing system can be the cause of water disasters. Aside from having the potential to cause damage to plumbing fixtures, it can lead to different complex issues, such as:
- Clogged Toilets, Sinks, and Showers
- Low Water Pressure
- Water Heater Issues
- Leaky Pipes
- Dripping Faucets
- Sump Pump Failure
- Running Toilets
While some of these only need a quick fix, some of them can increase the likelihood of flooding and sewage backups.
2. Natural Factors
Incessant heavy rains are one of the leading causes of flooding and sewage backups. When the amount of rainwater becomes too much for sewer systems to handle, it can either lead to system overflow or cause sewage to flow back into the sewer lines of residential and commercial spaces.
Another natural factor that can lead to water disasters is tree root infiltration. Not only do those roots protruding from your lawn destroy the look of your yard, but they can also damage your sewer pipes and cause sewage backups.
3. Poor Practices
Poor practices at home and offices can also be a source of water disasters. Some of which are:
- Flushing wipes, tissues, and small objects down the toilets, sinks, and drains
- Pouring grease and oil down the drains
- Improper disposal of food particles
- Not opting for routine plumbing inspection and maintenance
Doing these things can lead to plumbing issues, which, in turn, can cause flooding or sewage backup to occur.
3. Neglect
Sometimes, water damage manifests in small ways. Some indications include:
- Exorbitant Utility Bills
- Water Puddles
- Wet and Dark Spots on Ceilings and Walls
- Cracking, Flaking, and Bubbling on Walls
- Musty Odors
Neglecting these signs increases the risks of flooding and sewage backups. It’s best to call a water damage restoration company to address them as early as possible.
Reasons Not to Ignore Flooding and Sewage Backups
If you notice any sign of water disaster in your property, call cleanup experts right away. Otherwise, flooding or sewage backups might occur anytime. Here are some reasons for you not to ignore such water disasters:
1. They inflict structural and aesthetic damage to your property.
One of the things that flooding and sewage backups do is stain your property, especially the floors, interior and exterior walls, furniture, and other furnishings. The longer you delay calling for cleanup and restoration services, the stains get harder to remove.
Aside from aesthetic damage, your property might also suffer from structural deterioration when exposed to water disasters for long periods of time. Moisture and water can corrode the steel reinforcements of your beams, columns, slabs, and foundations, resulting in delamination.
2. They worsen quicker than expected.
When appropriate actions are not taken as soon as water disasters occur, the condition worsens quicker than anticipated. The longer you put off calling for restoration services, the more extensive the damage becomes. Not only does this translate to more expensive repair costs, but it can bring more potential hazards.
Another reason you need to call for water damage restoration services right away is because of your insurance. The more extensive the accrued damage, the more difficult it is to make a claim. Besides, your insurance company won’t be too happy once they learn that you’ve been putting off repairs.
3. They can drive your utility bills up.
If the flooding or sewage backup in your property is a result of some plumbing problems, such as leaky pipes or dripping faucets, you have to take action immediately. Call in professional plumbers to fix the problem. Choosing to neglect it might leave you surprised when your monthly utility bill arrives.
4. They are an indication of other problems.
In some cases, it’s hard to pinpoint the cause of water disasters just by looking. If you don’t call for water damage restoration services, the underlying problem won’t get addressed. This translates to an increased risk of water damage occurring in your property again.
5. They promote mildew and mold growth.
Water damage brings excess moisture and makes properties damp. With these conditions, mildew and mold easily grow and proliferate. Not only do they look unpleasant, but they can also cause you to experience different symptoms, such as:
- Runny or Clogged Nose
- Lung Irritation
- Eye Irritation
- Rashes
- Sneezing
- Sore Throat
- Coughing
6. They bring foul odors.
Foul odors from floods and sewage are a source of annoyance. When left unaddressed, they sometimes get worse and become hard to get rid of. If you don’t want them to linger in your property any longer, that’s another reason for you not to delay cleanup services from experts.
7. They can cause severe health issues.
Flood and sewage carry a plethora of waterborne diseases, including:
- Coronavirus Disease
- Campylobacteriosis
- Leptospirosis
- Typhoid Fever
- Giardiasis
- Cryptosporidiosis
- Hepatitis A
- Dysentery
- Gastroenteritis
- Salmonellosis
Some of these diseases are fatal, and you and your family are at risk of getting infected if you don’t call for water damage cleanup experts immediately.
8. They pose electrical hazards.
Standing water from flooding or sewage backups poses electrical hazards, especially when the level reaches your electrical outlets. Since electric shocks can be fatal, it’s essential to get rid of standing water right away. Take note that standing water can also damage your electrical fixtures and appliances.
9. They can cause pest infestation.
Moisture and water attract pests. Some of which can damage your furniture and appliances, and some of which carry diseases. Here’s a list of pests you might encounter if you don’t put cleanup and restoration at the top of your priorities:
- Mosquitoes
- Camel Crickets
- Cockroaches
- Rats
- Mice
- Book Lice
- Termites
- Flies
- Carpenter Ants
- Silverfish
Call Kelly’s Dry Cleaners Today
If you’ve recently encountered water damage in your property, Kelly’s Dry Cleaners can help you!
We provide water damage restoration for the contents of a water-damaged property. Our team of damage restoration experts has the required experience and knowledge to restore your clothes, upholstery, home textiles, furniture, appliances, and other stuff to their pre-damaged condition. We also provide Durango laundry services and fire damage restoration. Reach out to us if you have any inquiries.
