There are tons of articles on the internet about water damage restoration and how to DIY the cleanup process. The problem is, not all of the information you find online is trustworthy—or even correct.
Since water damage often happens when you least expect it, property owners are usually caught off guard. It’s hard to know how to respond after a leak or flood, especially with all the misleading information out there. Here are 3 common myths about water damage that can actually make the problem worse if you aren’t aware of them.
Myth #1: Water Damage Cleanup Can Wait
Time is precious when dealing with water damage restoration and mitigating further damage. The longer water sits, the worse the damage gets. The window to respond is very small—less than 24 hours. Within 24 hours of a leak or flooding incident, you can start to see mold growth, prompting an entirely new set of problems.
The longer materials in your home are exposed to water, the more saturated they become, greatly decreasing the odds of salvaging them. The best way to minimize losses, mitigate damage, and prevent the risk of mold is to respond immediately to water damage.
We understand that this can prove difficult; water damage never seems to happen at a “convenient” time. That’s why working with a water damage cleanup service like 24/7 Damage Solutions makes all the difference. We can respond quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to your life while we take care of your home. Don’t waste any time when it comes to water damage; call a reputable cleanup professional right away.
Myth #2: The Musty Smell Will Disappear Over Time
As explained above, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. Since mold is a type of fungus, it gives off a strong musty odor. That smell will not stay contained to the area that sustained the damage, but will eventually travel throughout the entire home.
This is not a problem that time will fix; the saying “time heals all wounds” does not apply to mold. Water extraction, drying, dehumidification, sanitization, and other necessary steps are the only way to completely stop mold growth and spread, including the smell that comes with it.
Also, saturated materials like couches, carpets, floors, drywall, and any other items in your home that were exposed to water will hold on to those musty smells unless treated properly. The only way to guarantee that your home is properly restored and smelling fresh after water damage is to have a cleanup crew go through each of the steps to ensure there is no moisture left behind.
Myth #3: If You Can’t See The Water, It Must Not Be There
The scary thing about water damage is that you can’t always see it. Water can hide behind walls, in carpets, under floors, in ceilings—almost anywhere in your home. These materials are all porous, so not only will they hide water, they will absorb it.
Even when the material appears to have dried, the moisture that is hidden in your home can still cause serious damage. Over time, materials soaked with water will begin warping, swelling, bowing, bending, and deteriorating. Just because you can’t see water and moisture does not mean it isn’t there.
This is why it is so important not to let water dry on its own. If left untreated, it won’t simply evaporate; it will absorb. The trained water damage cleanup technicians at 24/7 Damage Solutions know how to find and eliminate hidden moisture and trapped water. We use the best equipment in the industry to ensure your home is thoroughly dried and safe from any further damage.