The occasional leak during heavy rain. 

That stain on the floor from when the washing machine overflowed. 

A little water damage indoors is nothing to worry about… right? 

While many Connecticut home and business owners feel this way, the truth is not as reassuring. More often than not, even “a little water damage” can mean big trouble below the surface. 

Whether from ongoing moisture exposure or a one-time leak, untreated (or inadequately treated) water damage can have dire consequences—for your property and its inhabitants.

What are the risks of untreated water damage?

There is a reason humans work so hard to create sound structures that are resistant to moisture. From the roof to the basement flooring, the goal with every home or commercial business is to keep rainwater outside and the water we use indoors for our sinks and appliances confined to where it belongs. 

However, buildings get older, drainage systems break down, and plumbing and appliances sometimes malfunction as the result of prolonged use. And when that happens, moisture will take every opportunity to wreak havoc. 

Mold growth

Mold loves moisture. In fact, it’s one of only a handful of conditions it needs to flourish, along with oxygen and a suitable food source (typically anything organic). If the water-damaged area is not dried and treated properly, even a small amount of water indoors can be a catalyst for mold spores to colonize and flourish—often in as little as 48 hours. Check out these Top 10 Mold Myths to learn more about how mold can be harmful to your health.

Structural damage

Water damage indoors can have wide-ranging effects on your home or business. On the surface, it can leave ugly stains and discoloration or cause walls and floors to warp. It may also saturate your belongings and render them unusable. On a deeper level, hidden mold can begin to eat away at organic materials such as wood and drywall, which can impact the structural integrity of your property and ultimately bring down its value. 

Health risks

In addition to increased allergy symptoms and respiratory issues triggered by indoor mold growth, water damage attracts plenty of unwanted pests that can impact the well-being of your family or your patrons. Insects such as mosquitoes, termites, ants, and cockroaches flock to damp environments, eating away at building materials and insulation. Likewise, opportunistic rodents may take advantage of structural weaknesses to get inside your home or business, where they can chew through wiring (a potential fire hazard) and spread bacteria and disease through their droppings. 

Can you DIY water damage repair?

Typically, water damage is broken down into one of three categories based on the source of the water and whether or not it may be harmful to humans. Category 1 (clean water) includes rainwater, sink and tub overflows, and other “sanitary” water sources, while Category 2 (grey water) and Category 3 (black water) have some degree of chemical, biological, or physical contamination, such as from sewage or floodwater.

Because water damage is often far more extensive than what we can see on the surface, taking care of the problem is best left to the experts. Unless it is a very small leak that you can fix immediately and ensure the area is completely dried, the best way to guarantee the safety of your property and its inhabitants is to contact a professional.

A qualified water damage restoration expert will be able to:

• Locate the source of the leak and neutralize the flow of water
• Identify how far and how deeply the moisture has migrated 
• Remove all water and completely dry the affected area
• Safely remove and dispose of all water-damaged materials 
• Develop a water restoration plan for your home or business

We put your water damage worries to rest. 

CT Mold Pros is the name home and business owners trust for top-notch water damage restoration services. Our highly trained technicians utilize the most advanced tools and technology to restore your water-damaged property to its original dry state. If you recently experienced water damage, call us right away to ensure the problem is handled effectively and with the utmost care. 

Call (203) 920-0265 or fill out our online form to learn more.