Common Myths About Water Damage Cleanup and the Truth Behind It
Water damage is a very common problem facing many homeowners today. A majority will ignorantly neglect its extent until it befalls them. From leaky roofs to burst pipes and natural disasters, water damage has serious consequences if quality cleanup isn’t done properly and promptly. But despite its commonality, several myths and misconceptions still exist around its cleaning process. This could take you to very costly losses, more destruction, and at times create health hazards. We are going to debunk some of the most common myths about water damage cleanup in today’s blog and bring you the truth so that you can protect your home and health.
Water Damage Myth 1: Water Damage Isn’t Serious if It’s Clean Water
Perhaps one of the most common myths is that if the water is clean—say, from a broken clean water pipe or if it is rainwater—it’s not that much of a problem. Most people think that no danger is associated with clean water and that it’s simply a matter of drying the area out. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Truth: Even clean water is problematic if left unattended for too long. If water is allowed to linger, it will seep into drywall, flooring, and insulation, further weakening and breaking down these building materials. If clean water is allowed to linger, it becomes contaminated with dirt, dust, and other materials in your home and can breed mold. Mold growth can begin within 24-48 hours of water exposure, and it can bring related health issues, especially for individuals with allergies, asthma, or low immunity. Therefore, water damage, even from clean water, should still be taken with proper concern and urgency and should be addressed by professionals to prevent it from causing more damage and health concerns.
Myth 2: Water Damage Mitigation Can Wait
Myth: You can take your time cleaning up water damage. Perhaps in an effort to lessen the sense of urgency surrounding a water disaster, owners often think that as long as the water goes away at some point, a few days or more before cleaning up wouldn’t matter anyhow.
The Truth: Time is of the essence with water damage. Water has the potential to do significant damage the longer it remains. Failure to quickly implement water damage cleanup can create the danger of structural impairment to your residence, as well as the danger of mold development. As discussed earlier, the growth process of mold can start within 24 to 48 hours after the first water exposure. Once it starts to germinate, the spores are very hard to kill and expensive to get rid of. Standing water will always damage electrical systems and create the potential for a fire or electrocution hazard. The sooner the cleaning process is started, the less the damage will be, and the greater the protection of your home and health.
Myth 3: All Water Damage Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance
A lot of people think that the conventional homeowner’s insurance policy can easily cover any kind of water damage, regardless of what has caused it. This is just a big misconstrued thought leading to a nasty surprise when it comes time to file an insurance claim.
The Truth: Not all water damage is covered by the typical homeowner’s policy. Most policies do cover sudden and accidental damage—say, a pipe or appliance malfunction. However, they typically don’t cover damage that results from negligence or failure to maintain the property. For example, let’s say there is water damage in your house because the roof leaked, but the roof was not maintained in good repair for years despite your knowledge of the damage. In this case, the insurance may very well deny your claim. In addition, the majority of standard homeowners policies don’t provide coverage for flooding. Flooding typically describes water in your house that comes from an outside source, such as a river, lake, or heavy rain. This means having a flood insurance policy that is separate in covering damages due to a flood. Take time to go over your insurance really carefully. Different coverage may be needed to protect against all types of water damage events.
Myth 4: You Can Clean Up Water Damage Just as Well on Your Own as the Pros
Many will begin to think that they have the solution in their hands with all the DIY internet guides on restoration. They think that once they pump out the water and dry out what got wet, the job is just about done.
The Truth: DIY cleanup of water damage may seem like a cost-effective process. However, it usually does not hold a candle to the depth and professionalism of quality restoration services. Professional-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and other technical materials will be used to make sure every possible bit of moisture is sucked from the area. They are also trained to detect hidden damage, particularly water entrapped behind walls or under flooring. All moisture, if not taken care of, will continue to cause damage through water spots, mold growth, and then ultimately lead to problems with your structure. Besides that, the professional will assess the extent of damage and will take due measures to prevent further complications. Though DIY cleanup appears pennywise initially, leaving damage behind leads to more costly problems down the road.
Myth 5: Water Damage Is a Concern Only During Floods
Some homeowners believe that water damage only happens during major floods like hurricanes or rivers overflowing. Many think that this is a problem whose existence can only be manifest during a natural disaster.
The Truth: Water damage can happen at any moment, even without a major flood. Among the most common sources of water damage are plumbing leaks, burst pipes, overflowing toilets or bathtubs, leaks in the roof, and malfunctioning appliances. In fact, even a relatively minor leak can cause considerable damage if undetected or disregarded for too long. Besides dripping, leaking water can cause serious structural defects in a home that is not well-ventilated in parts due to high relative humidity. One needs to be very alert and act to prevent water damage, whether it is in the background or due to external weather conditions.
Myth 6: Once the Water Is Gone, the Problem Is Solved
One of the most dangerous water-related myths is that once the visible water flees, the problem goes out the door with it. The typical homeowner may assume that by toweling and fanning everything dry, the job is done.
The Truth: Extracting the visible water is just the beginning of the water damage restoration process. Even after the visible water has evaporated, moisture can stay in porous materials, such as drywall, wood, and carpet, causing further damage in the form of warping, swelling, or mold growth. Additionally, moisture may infiltrate areas inaccessible to drying, like behind walls or under flooring, making it difficult to fully dry the area without professional help. By hiring professional water damage restorers, you can be confident that your home is restored and safe to live in. Only they will have the proper tools for drying your space, dehumidification, and addressing hidden damage.
Myth 7: Mold Won’t Grow in Cold Climates
Many believe mold growth is only a problem in warm, damp climates, and if they live in a colder region, their home is safe from mold.
The Truth: Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and organic material for it to feed on. While mold growth is more common in warm and humid conditions, it can still occur in cold climates. In fact, areas with poor ventilation or where moisture is present—such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics—are particularly prone to mold growth due to condensation and lack of airflow. It’s important to monitor these areas for signs of mold and address any moisture issues promptly, regardless of your location.
Myth 8: Water Damage Restoration Is Too Expensive
The cost of professional water damage restoration can be a concern for many homeowners, leading some to believe that it’s too expensive and that they can save money by handling the cleanup themselves.
The Truth: While professional water damage restoration can be costly, the price is often justified by the thoroughness and expertise provided. Attempting to handle water damage cleanup on your own can lead to incomplete restoration, hidden damage, and ongoing issues that can be even more expensive to repair in the long run. Additionally, many homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of water damage restoration, making professional services more affordable. It’s important to consider the potential long-term costs of inadequate cleanup and the value of protecting your home and health when evaluating the cost of professional restoration.
Myth 9: You Can’t Prevent Water Damage
Some homeowners believe that water damage is inevitable and that there’s nothing they can do to prevent it from happening.
The Truth: While some water damage events, such as natural disasters, are beyond your control, there are many steps you can take to minimize the risk of water damage in your home. Regular maintenance of your home’s plumbing system, roof, and appliances can help prevent leaks and water damage. Installing a sump pump and ensuring proper drainage around your home can reduce the risk of basement flooding. Additionally, addressing any signs of water damage or moisture issues promptly can prevent them from worsening and causing more extensive damage. By being proactive and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of water damage in your home.
Myth 10: Water Damage Is Not a Health Hazard
Some homeowners underestimate the health risks associated with water damage, believing that it’s merely a structural issue that doesn’t pose a threat to their health.
The Truth: Water damage can pose significant health risks, particularly if mold growth occurs. Mold spores can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and other health problems. Additionally, water damage can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens, particularly in cases of sewage backup or floodwater contamination. It’s important to treat water damage as a serious health concern and take appropriate measures to ensure that your home is thoroughly cleaned and restored to a safe condition.
Conclusion
Water damage cleanup is a complex process that requires prompt and professional attention to prevent further damage and health risks. By debunking these common myths and understanding the truth about water damage, you can take the necessary steps to protect your home and ensure a successful restoration. Remember, when it comes to water damage, time is of the essence, and professional help is often the best way to ensure that your home is fully restored and safe for you and your family. Don’t let these myths lead you astray—stay informed, stay proactive, and keep your home safe from the dangers of water damage.