Water damage can occur due to various factors, such as floods, leaks, broken pipes, and heavy rainfall. Prolonged exposure to this damaging water could spell disaster for your property if left untreated. Because aside from weakening the structure of your home, it encourages mold growth that can bring long-term health issues to your family.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to prevent unwanted incidents related to water damage by understanding the risks if these issues are not addressed immediately.
Is Wesley Chapel Prone to Flooding?
Wesley Chapel is located in the Tampa Bay, Florida area, which is known to be prone to flooding. The region experiences heavy rainfall during the summer months, and storm surges from tropical storms and hurricanes. Similarly, Wesley Chapel is also vulnerable to tidal flooding because of its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which experiences heavy thunderstorms.Thunderstorms can cause flash floods, especially during the rainy seasons. The high water table is also a big factor in the constant flooding of the area; in fact, according to a report from Risk Factor, there are about 2,318 properties in Wesley Chapel that have a bigger chance of getting affected by relentless flooding in the next 30 years.
What Are the Risks of Water Damage?
Water spills and leaks come with various risks—not only on infrastructure, but also on human and organic life. Structural damage is the least of your worries if you leave flood water standing for long periods. It’s important to seek help from certified restoration specialists as they will help you avoid the following potential risks.
- Structural damage to your property, including warping, cracking, or weakening of its foundations
- Mold growth that can lead to various health issues such as allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems
- Ruination of personal belongings and possessions, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing
- Potential fire hazard caused by faulty electrical systems and wirings
- Damage or blockage to HVAC systems and ductwork that can lead to poor indoor air quality and increased energy costs
- Water contamination from sewage or chemical spills that can cause serious health complications
- Increased insurance costs and difficulty in securing coverage
- Disruption to daily life and potential loss of income, especially if the damage is severe enough to make the building uninhabitable
What Are the Early Signs of Water Damage?
Here are the obvious signs of water spoilage you need to watch out for.
- Noticeable water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper
- Warping or buckling of floorboards or tiles
- Musty or damp odors
- Discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings
- Water pooling or standing water on floors or in basements
- Damp carpets or rugs
- Swelling or warping of baseboards, or crown molding
- Dripping or leaking from pipes, faucets, or appliances
- Rust on pipes or appliances
- Condensation on windows or walls
- Increased humidity or moisture levels in the building
- Water leaks around the building’s foundation
Wet rot causes various types of damage to structures, and encourages growth of molds. Molds and mildew will grow after a week, after which they will cause walls, furniture, and appliances to break down within 48 hours. Prolonged exposure to mold and mildew could also be a risk for serious health issues.
When Should You Worry about Water Damage?
You should worry about water damage as soon as you see signs of it. Leaks can quickly spread water in your home and soak everything wet. When water creeps into your carpets, appliances, books, furniture, and walls, it causes stains, bulges, and warpings.
It is important that you act fast when it comes to water remediation because the water won’t wait for you to get it cleaned up before it starts ruining your home and possessions, causing the cost of repairs to balloon significantly. Even worse, delaying the cleanup and restoration process can cause the standing water to allow for mold growth, which poses various health risks.
The Bottom Line
Wesley Chapel is vulnerable to flooding caused by natural disasters and unexpected events like burst pipes, clogged gutters, leaking water heaters, broken sewage lines, etc. Flood water can cause serious problems to humans and buildings if the damage it causes is left unmitigated. Water damage should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent structural and health hazards.
Choose PuroClean of Zephyrhills to help you deal with your concerns about water damage in Wesley Chapel. We are an EPA lead-safe certified property restoration company in Pasco County, Florida, and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau award. Our IICRC-certified technicians specialize in treatment of water, fire, and smoke damage, as well as mold removal, and biohazard cleanup.
Contact us so we can send in our team to assess your situation.