Yes, unfortunately, water damage can occur almost immediately after a water-related catastrophe, usually within the first 24 hours. Water damage can begin even an hour after the incident, depending on the amount of water involved. For example, a flood that leaves inches of water in the ground is likely to cause water damage long before 24 hours have passed. Conversely, a small, slow, leaking leak from a pipe can take more than 24 hours to cause damage.
Unfortunately, the answer is that water damage cannot be corrected on its own. In fact, it can worsen when water begins to damage the underlying structures of your home. While the initial damage may not be obvious, it's only a matter of time before it's detected, as water and moisture will continue to seep into surrounding elements, causing further degradation. The immediate effects of exposure to water occur within the first 24 hours. During this critical period, saturation can compromise the structural strength of floors, walls and ceilings.
While visible damage may not be immediately apparent, it is essential to address exposure to water by eliminating standing water and initiating drying procedures. The longer the water stays stagnant, the greater the risk of structural deterioration and greater damage to your property. When you experience a water leak in your home, it's normal to have non-stop questions. Can water damage be repaired on its own? How long can water damage last? Do I need to repair minor water damage? The answer to: “Can water damage be repaired on its own? It's no, unfortunately. If you don't take immediate steps to minimize the damage, it can last longer and get worse.
You need a water damage repair company if you have to deal with a broken pipe, an overflowing toilet or sink, a flood, or any type of serious water-related incident. Whatever the case, it is important that the source be addressed to prevent additional water damage. If it's water damage, you should immediately call a plumber (if applicable) and then a water damage repair company. Without early detection and intervention, water damage can quickly get out of control and be incredibly costly, both in the short and long term.
You may often wait until you get home to air dry or think that at first there is no damage because the screen works well, but the damage may only be visible after a few days. Even if you forgot to do it at first, it might be worth turning it off to rest one night and check it out the next morning. Signs of water damage to floors, especially hardwood floors, can include stains, creases, deformations and more. Whether it's repairing a flooded wall or basement, SERVPRO incorporates advanced water damage extraction and inspection to find moisture and remove it from your property as soon as possible.
All Dry uses high-quality cleaning and disinfection products to clean the surfaces of the water-damaged area. All water damage and all signs of water damage must be treated seriously, as water damage, in any quantity, can cause mold. Whether due to a leak in a slab, a broken pipe, or another factor, water damage should not be taken lightly. It is important to know the signs of water damage, and the observation of any sign of water damage must be acted upon immediately, as if it were already serious.
Cleaning up obvious water damage can take a while, especially if you can't stop the leak right away.
