“It will dry out with time” and “let’s just wipe it up with a towel” are famous last words in the water damage restoration industry. Sure, we’ve been smelling must for a few days and the wall looks a little gray and moist, but a towel will do the job, right? Wrong! Water is a powerful force. Just take a road trip to the Grand Canyon if you’re not convinced. And while your home isn’t in danger of becoming a channel of empty chasms across the state of Arizona, it may be wise to mitigate any lingering water damage before the problem multiplies itself.
Water is Sneaky
After any leak, internal or otherwise, there is potential for hidden water damage. Hidden water damage occurs when excessive amounts of water reach further than you think. Water isn’t only powerful, it’s sneaky!
For example: As you’re running out the door (probably in a hurry because that’s what we humans do) you quickly grab a bite to eat, snatch up your keys, and throw some detergent in the dishwasher and rush into work. On your lunch break at home, you realize that your dishwasher has malfunctioned and there’s water everywhere! There’s just a thin layer on the floor, and it’s only been a few hours, so you wipe it up and put some fans nearby. This sounds to you like a master plan. Remove the water, dry the area, call it good. Unfortunately, in the weeks to come your floorboards start to wrinkle and the kitchen smells moldy. What’s that you say? Unfortunately, it’s a nasty case of hidden water damage.
Water is a seasoned pro at leaking into every nook and cranny in your house. Even many years after a water damage incident, there can be lingering effects like mold and weak drywall. Well, there’s nothing any of us can do to change that. What we can do, however, is take care of the problem completely. Calling a professional water damage restoration company is a necessary part of reclaiming your damaged home. Whether the damage is brand new or years old, Commercial Cleaning and Restoration can help negate any signs of internal water damage in your home.
Causes and Prevention
Since internal water damage sounds downright tiresome, where does it come from and how can I prevent it? The short answer is that anything in the home that involves water, is close to water, or holds water can cause internal water damage. This includes pipes, dishwashers, washing machines, bathtubs, kitchen and bathroom sinks, freezers, and more. You can prevent it by correctly using appliances, regularly maintaining your kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and calling a professional if you suspect any internal water damage.
Dangers of Hidden Water Damage
Hidden water damage isn’t only annoying, it’s dangerous. Here are some hazards associated with hidden water in your home:
- Compromised structural integrity of your home
- Rapid mold growth
- Decreased retail value of your home
- Illness due to mold exposure
As you can see, it’s important to thoroughly clean up from any water damage incident. If you experience any degree of water damage and fail to properly remediate the damage, it could haunt you years down the road. Call Commercial Cleaning and Restoration if you suspect hidden water damage. It’s better now than never.
