5 Risks of Standing Water After Basement Flooding

Posted in Flood & Water Damage, on October 07, 2024

Basement flooding is far too common, and in cities like Toronto, heavy rains and plumbing failures can overwhelm homes without much effort. Flooding presents the homeowner with the challenge of removing the water once the flood has come. Still, standing water presents some immediate and long-term dangers that have to be taken into consideration right away. Not being able to remove standing water will bring significant structural damage, health hazards, and will most likely result in the homeowner requiring mold removal in Toronto. Whether it is a small leak or a significant flood, being aware of the potential dangers of standing water will facilitate the reduction of the damage. Professional services such as Canada's Restoration Services are well-versed in dealing with water damage in Toronto effectively and safely. So why wait? Call today to book your restoration services.

1. Mold and Mildew Growth

One of the more immediate risks from standing water is mold growth, which could take place rather quickly. These fungi love damp, wet environments, and a flooded basement serves as quite the ideal environment to set root. The growth of mold can start within 24 to 48 hours after water exposure.

Mold, at first glance, does not pose much of a problem, but it may cause problems with your health. Mold spores can be released into the air and cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions and exacerbate diseases like asthma. In extreme conditions and long-term exposure, mold is able to result in more severe health issues, especially among people with compromised immune systems. If there is water damage, then mold removal services in Toronto need to be engaged to ensure the mold is contained and removed correctly.

Canada's Restoration Services provides professional mold removal services so your home remains safe from this hazard.

2. Structural Damage

Water does more damage the longer it sits in your basement. The water seeps into the wood, drywall, and concrete, causing these items to decay. This will weaken the integrity of the material involved. Other than weakening the structure of your house, the results of having standing water in a home can be very costly to repair since structural damage isn't always visible and often worsens with time.

If you suspect your home has endured structural damage due to basement flooding, it is very important to hire a professional to take a closer look. Canada's Restoration Services can help in diagnosing the extent of the damage and suggest the proper measures to take to restore your home.

3. Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity simply don't mix well. The moment standing water reaches electrical installations, it creates tremendous risks concerning electric shock, fires, and short circuits. Basements that become flooded often have many different electrical outlets, wiring, and appliances that, if submerged or even just exposed to moisture, can all become very hazardous.

In case of flooding in your basement, the very first thing to do would be to immediately cut off the electricity supply to that part of the house to avoid any kind of accident. Also, refrain from trying to handle the electrical components by yourself. That is a job for the pros who have the experience and equipment to navigate safely in this situation. Canada's Restoration Services is fully equipped to deal with water damage in Toronto and can work with electricians to make sure the electrical system in your home is safe and working effectively after a flood.

It is crucially important that electrical systems are thoroughly examined, even after the water has been removed before power is restored. Water corrodes wiring and electric components. This may lead to lingering dangers over time after the incident.

4. Contaminants and Bacteria

Flooding waters are rarely clean. Be it through a burst pipe, sewage backup, or hard rains, water can carry a host of contaminants, including bacteria, chemicals, and sewage. These contaminants are deeply dangerous to anyone exposed, with the possibility of standing water allowing them to settle deep into the structure and materials of your house.

Irritations of the skin, gastrointestinal complications, respiratory problems, and several other complications can occur as a result of this dirty water. The moment this water is drained, bacteria and other disease-carrying pathogens in carpeting, drywall, and other materials continue to pose risks that render the area uninhabitable for you and your family.

Proper sanitization and decontamination are necessary immediately after flooding in the basement. In fact, do-it-yourself cleaning is usually not effective in fully removing harmful bacteria; professional services should be engaged. Canada's Restoration Services offers complete decontamination services, so your house will be safe and free from potentially threatening bacteria once the water damage has occurred.

5. Pest Infestations

Standing water is a magnet for pests. Rodents, insects, and mosquitoes alike can be drawn to wet environments, and a flooded basement is practically a dream home for them to breed. Once inside your home, these pests can cause even more damage and transmit disease. For example, mosquitoes can breed in less than an inch of standing water, creating more profound chances of mosquito-borne diseases. Rodents may like to take shelter in the damp and dark corners of your basement.

Once an infestation is underway, it can be very hard to deal with, so it's crucial to eliminate standing water and dry out the basement. For this reason, Canada's Restoration Services will help prevent the occurrence of pests inside one's home so that they can ensure their home is safe and pest-free after a flood.

Don't Let Basement Flooding Destroy Your Home - Call an Expert Today!

Canada's Restoration Services provides full-service water damage restoration throughout Toronto and across Canada. We specialize in helping homeowners navigate the many risks that come along with basement flooding-from mold remediation and structural repair to decontamination. We have extensive knowledge to bring your home back to a safe and livable environment.

If you have standing water in your basement, don't wait until it is too late. Call Canada's Restoration Services today and our team of experts will evaluate the situation by providing an effective solution to make sure your home is saved from the risk of water damage and mold.

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