The Dangers of Standing Water

Water is critical to sustaining life, but when it infiltrates areas where it shouldn’t be, and no one cleans it up, it can become a health hazard and a danger to structures. Water cleanup as soon as possible after a disaster is critical to preventing a long list of potential issues, from illness to pests.

Here, Superior Cleaning & Restoration, a family-owned water removal and water damage cleanup company in Plover, WI, explains the dangers of standing water.

Why Homeowners Need to Deal with Standing Water Right Away 

Standing water doesn’t need to be deep to create hazards inside a building. Even just a small amount can harbor a host of safety issues.

Water cleanup starts with water extraction to eliminate the source of the hazards and stop further damage. After removing and disposing of contaminated material, water damage crew dry, sanitize, and deodorize the affected area to restore its previous condition.

Going through this cleanup process as soon as possible will prevent consequences from the following dangers:



Bacteria

Even “clean” flood waters may contain bacteria like E.coli and salmonella, and the contamination will only increase as the water comes in contact with other surfaces around the property. The longer water goes unaddressed, the more bacteria multiply, creating a major health hazard to anyone who comes in contact with it. 

Mold and Mildew 

It doesn’t take long for mold and mildew to start growing when water is present. Standing water creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew to spread, and in just a few days, it can completely infest a home. In addition to causing unsightly stains, odors, and structural damage, mold is a health hazard that can contribute to a long list of symptoms, including respiratory problems, rashes, and skin irritation.

Structural Damage 

Even without mold, standing water can cause widespread structural damage, destroying wood, drywall, and more. Wood floors and structural beams will rot and decay under prolonged exposure to flood water, sometimes to the point where the building is in danger of collapsing. Although saving materials like drywall or carpet may be impossible after a flood, cleaning up the standing water and drying the underlying structures often allows for a full restoration.

Wet basements are a significant concern because excess moisture can damage concrete foundations. When moisture seeps into the walls, it can compromise the structural integrity and cause cracks that, over time, can lead to warping and sagging. Eventually, without cleanup and restoration, the structure can deteriorate to a point where it’s in danger of collapse. 

Pests and Rodents 

Standing water attracts many unwanted guests, including mosquitoes, mice, and rats. Mosquitoes breed in water, which means that puddles could become an incubator for the pesky bugs that can carry harmful diseases. Moisture also attracts rodents looking for a steady water source, and they, too, can cause structural damage with their constant gnawing on wood and wires, and they harbor viruses that cause illness. 

Viruses and Parasites 

Stagnant water from a flood or burst pipe can become a prime breeding ground for viruses that make people sick, such as norovirus, Norwalk virus, and rotavirus. Insects that breed in the water can also carry these viruses. Gray water (the dirty water that comes in from outdoors) and sewage are also likely to contain harmful parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, which can cause extreme gastrointestinal illness. 

Fall Risk 

Water cleanup is critical to preventing accidents where people slip and fall on wet surfaces. Failing to remove the standing water and dry the affected area can make it slippery, and people can lose their footing and sustain serious injuries. 

Leave Water Cleanup to the Professionals of Superior Cleaning & Restoration 

Standing water is often a major health hazard and requires careful removal and cleanup. Since simply coming in contact with contaminated water creates a risk of illness and injury, water damage cleanup and restoration require professional assistance. A professional crew has the equipment and know-how to safely remove the water and restore the affected area to a clean, sanitary, and safe condition. 

Superior Cleaning & Restoration is a Plover, WI-based professional water cleanup company that provides restoration, mold remediation, smoke and fire damage restoration, and more. Local home and business owners trust them for prompt emergency response surfaces that preserve their properties and protect the community’s health and well-being. 

The sooner cleanup starts after a disaster, the less devasting it will be. To get help with water removal and restoration, call Superior Cleaning & Restoration at (715) 768-6030 or fill out their online form to get a free quote.