Some of the common problems Utah residents face are water damage and flooding, resulting in vast amounts of property damage. Even the most experienced homeowners can be thrown into a state of panic at the havoc caused by these floods. 

Instead of worrying about your home, you need to be prepared for your next course of action. Call a residential water damage restoration service to clean up and dry out your home. Doing so will help you save your possessions and avoid further damage. 

You need to act fast because the next 24–48 hours are critical. If you don’t, then you may be faced with many problems. Here are some of the common problems you may face when you delay water damage cleanup services:

1 – Health risks from mold and mildew

Fungal growth in a water-damaged building is an increasing problem in Utah. When left untreated after the first 48 hours, it can cause health risks to grow at alarming rates, as shown in studies proving that water-damaged walls had ample evidence of fungal growth. 

Exposure to mold spores can cause respiratory problems, respiratory infections, and the exacerbation of asthma. Other health risks include skin irritation, skin inflammation, nausea, and immune system suppression. The more you delay help from professionals, the higher your risk from infection. 

2 – Pathogen exposure from stagnant water

Stagnant water from a burst pipe can breed mold and other microbes that result in a horrible sewage smell. This odor can cling to your clothes and upholstery. The longer the scent clings to your items, the harder it is to remove. The worst part is that you might not even notice that it is on you if you get used to the smell.

Moreover, stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other creatures. These creatures carry diseases with them, putting the lives of your family and pets at risk. You need to call a professional cleaning service immediately.

3 – Cleaning and restoration are more difficult

Flood removal is a number one priority after experiencing a disaster. Cleaning your home within the first 24–48 hours is crucial for salvaging your items and avoiding diseases. If you wait too long, then it may pose serious risks to you and your items. 

Cleaning and restoring your home as soon as possible gives you a better chance of saving your possessions. Start with the porous parts of your home, such as ceiling tiles and drywall. These parts, when left unattended, can become host to mold and decay. 

Then, you can focus on the non-porous parts of your home since it is more likely to survive a 24 to 48-hour wait. 

Water Damage Cleanup Process Checklist

Once you have hired a professional water restoration and cleaning service, they will conduct a series of processes to clean your home efficiently. 

1 – Assess the water damage

Once you call the restoration company, they will visit your home and make an assessment. They will check out your home and decide what items are salvageable and what are not. Do make a list of your items to help them through this.

2 – Dry out the house

Removing the water from your home is one of the most critical steps. They don’t want you to live in a mosquito or mold-filled home, so they will remove and dry out any parts that have water in them. Once the water has been removed, they will dry out your air using dehumidifiers. 

3 – Use a moisture test kit

The last step is to check for any hidden mold, mildew, or moisture. This ensures that no moisture is left behind that can stimulate microbial growth. 

Final Thoughts

Cleaning your home is an important step after a flood. Doing so can save your items and help you avoid diseases. Within the first 24 hours, you must call a professional water damage restoration service like AAA Restoration. 

Are you looking for a reliable Utah disaster restoration service? Contact AAA Restoration today! We offer water damage restoration services after flooding to ensure customers can get back to their everyday life as soon as possible.