By: Leah Campbell for Third Loft Marketing

Water damage happens incredibly fast. As water saturates everything it comes into contact with, the damage is often immediate and continues to worsen if left untreated. What makes water damage even trickier is that you don’t need a large-scale flood to cause damage. A leaky pipe can cause damage to your home, leading to mold and mildew growth.

In the event that your home experiences water damage, you will want to contact professional water damage restoration services. Even if you live in an arid region, such as a desert, you should still address water damage ASAP.  Waiting too long can cause:

• mold and mildew growth
• compromised structural integrity of your home
• irreparable damage to your residence and possessions

The sooner the damage is addressed, the better. Knowing the timeline of water damage can help you better understand why water damage should be addressed immediately.

Immediately After A Water Damage Event

You don’t need a flood to cause immediate harm to your possessions. A leaky pipe or burst pipe can cause immediate deterioration of certain materials. This is especially true with porous materials, which easily absorb and hold onto water. Paper items, such as books and notebooks, are immediately affected by water.

Signs of water damage are not always so glaringly obvious. For example, a leaking pipe in your basement may go unnoticed for some time. Signs of water damage can include:

• moldy odors
• dampness
• bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper
• higher water bill

If you notice any of these signs, the source of a potential leak needs to be located.

24 Hours After Water Damage: Continued Saturation

A day after water damage, paper products cannot be saved. Upholstery and carpeting are now waterlogged, whereas insulation, drywall, and wood are swollen. As a result, these materials begin to break down. Metal objects start to tarnish.

Mold and mildew can start to grow in as little as 24 hours after a water damage event. If you note a musty odor coming from the affected areas, that’s a sign that mold and mildew are already forming.

48 Hours After Damage: Continued Mold Growth and Start of Black Water

The mold that started growing within 24 hours of the water damage event? That same mold is now beginning to spread, and may even be visible, appearing as areas of discoloration.

Materials such as drywall, insulation, and wood continue to deteriorate. At the 48-hour mark, standing water often becomes category 3 water, also known as black water damage. This means water contains harmful bacteria and microorganisms, which can further contaminate your home. Ingesting black water can cause severe illness and even death.

A Week After Water Damage: Structural Damage

The longer water damage goes untreated, the greater the damage and the higher the cost of repairs. One week after water damage, your home is likely contaminated by the harmful bacteria present in standing water and mold. As a result, you may experience health problems, such as respiratory issues. Any existing respiratory issues you have will likely be further aggravated by the contaminated environment. 

Not only is your health at risk, but your home itself may no longer be structurally sound. For example, warped, water-damaged floorboards are not only a trip hazard, but may buckle and give way.

And of course, electricity and water are a deadly mix. Your home’s electrical systems, such as wiring, outlets, and circuit boards, pose significant safety concerns when water damage is present.

As a week has gone by, waterlogged items are very difficult to salvage. Carpeting and upholstery likely need replacement.

Address Water Damage ASAP

It’s worth contacting professional restoration services as soon as possible after water damage. Professionals will assess the damage and begin the extraction, drying, and dehumidification processes. The sooner the damage is addressed, the more that can be saved, regarding your property and the cost of restoration. It’s crucial to remember that water damage can occur no matter where you live, even if you live in a desert. Safeguard your property and your health by taking quick action and calling restoration experts.