Obviously, when anything goes unaddressed for a long period of time, there can be a large number of issues that arise- especially if the unaddressed topic is water damage. Water damage can occur easily in any home or building, and can cause irreversible damage in some cases, but not in all. It’s important to know and understand the risks of leaving destruction from water  to “figure itself out”, and understanding the different types of water damage that can occur in your home. 

There’s Different Types of Water Damage?

There’s 3 different kinds of water damage that can occur, and once you understand them, it’s fairly easy to understand why you should repair any water damage as soon as you are able to. The first kind of water damage is from clear water. Clear water can be from sinks, taps, anything, as long as it’s clean(ish) water. Although this is the least harmful, it can still lead to mold growth and cause damage to your home. The second type of water damage is from “grey water”. Just because it is called this, does not mean that it only occurs when the water is literally grey, since  the water is not clean, but not so dark that it carries harmful bacteria. The final, and most harmful kind of water damage is black water. Black water can carry bacteria that can spread illnesses to you and your family. If grey water damage goes unaddressed, it can turn into black water, and cause more damage than it should have.

The Risks of Leaving Water Damage Unaddressed

1. Mold growth

Unaddressed water damage can foster an environment that is perfect for mold growth. Mold can be harmful in many different ways, not only to your body, but to other structures of your home as well. If you have unaddressed water damage, there is a huge chance that you also will be dealing with damage from mold, and potentially exposing yourself to harmful germs and bacteria that can get you sick.

2. Structural Damage 

Structural damage can occur when water damage goes unaddressed. This is because the water can weaken the supports you have in your home, such as drywall, wood, and other materials that can be damaged by water. If this happens, you could have to completely rebuild your home, as the materials that were once strong can become weak and unsalvageable.

3. Damage of personal items

Although this is not as impactful as the health or safety of a loved one, most people have something in their home that they think of as “priceless”. Maybe your grandmother’s necklace, or a painting from an old friend. If these items aren’t secured, water damage can ruin these priceless items, and can cause emotional damage that is irreparable. It’s important to move items of great worth away from any area that could be a source of leaking, or where water damage could occur.

4. Contamination of water

Not only can the dirty water make a mess of your home, but it can contaminate the water in your home that was once clean, leaving you with no usable water. This is an issue because water is imperative for life, and if there is no clean water in your home, you have no drinking water, bathing water, or cooking water. Essentially, once the clean water becomes contaminated, all of it is unusable.

5. Finances

All of the risks that come with water damage are expensive, so the financial risk that you run is unparalleled. You may have to replace a few slabs of drywall or a picture, but if you leave the water damage unaddressed for too long, you could end up having to replace your entire home, which can send anyone into mountains of debt.

Water Damage: Wrapped Up

Water damage can impact anyone, and can be especially harmful to those who choose to ignore it. There are many ways to check your home for water damage, like finding dark or wet spots in walls, finding cracked paint, or the smell of mildew. If you find any signs of water damage, your best bet is to inspect your home for water damage, then contact professionals immediately to ensure you have services set up to rid your home of water damage. 

Help Us Help You! 

If you have water damage in your home, don’t leave it unaddressed. Let someone who is trained and professional come help you out and take the weight off your shoulders. Americon Restoration is taking all necessary precautions before entering our customers’ homes and closely following CDC guidelines. We want you and your family to feel safe and stay healthy! Please contact us through our website or by phone at (216) 221-5200.