In June 2024, The Weather Channel reported 447 emergency cases and 49 rescues in New South Wales due to flash floods caused by heavy rains. Despite no casualties, residents from Cringila, Fort Kembla, Warilla, and Wollongong had to deal with water damage to their homes, businesses, and livelihoods. 

Flooding can damage furniture, appliances, electrical, and HVAC systems. It can also affect a building’s infrastructure, plumbing, water supply, and sewage. Untreated water damage due to flooding or plumbing issues can result in thousands of dollars in repairs.

This is why homeowners and business owners must contact an expert water damage specialist immediately after flood waters recede for assessment and repairs. Call our experts at The Link Plumbing at 02 9150 8779 today!

Health Risks Associated with Untreated Water Damage

Water can quickly damage property and belongings, including bursting frozen pipes, rain leaks, overflowing sinks, leaking appliances and sewage damage.

When water damage goes untreated, it opens your property to various health risks. The following are the most common health issues related to untreated water damage:

Mould Growth

Mould and fungi grow in damp and dark places and can multiply at an accelerated rate. These can grow on any kind of material and may contain neurotoxins that can cause respiratory issues. In a water-damaged home, you can find mould on the surfaces of

• Walls, flooring and ceilings.
• Mattresses and sofas
• Clothing and linen
• Toys, books, and artwork
• Cabinets and drawers
• Basements, bathrooms and kitchens
• Garages, decks, and sheds

Mould-infested homes have a distinct rotten, musty smell, similar to old books. There is also visible damage to materials and fixtures such as fuzzy, slimy or discoloured patches that grow in number. 

Respiratory Issues

Mould exposure can lead to upper and lower respiratory problems, especially in susceptible people. Most issues are mild, with symptoms similar to hay fever, such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose. In worse cases, mould can worsen asthma, making it hard to breathe. There is mould called Aspergillosis, which can cause severe lung infections requiring immediate medical treatment.

Exposure to Sewage and Contaminants

Flooding that affects plumbing and sewage systems exposes you to water containing parasites, bacteria and viruses. Parasites can cause diarrhoea, cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Wading in sewage water causes Hepatitis A, a severe liver disease that causes yellow eyes and skin. Sewage also contains roundworms that cause breathing and gastrointestinal problems and hookworms that cause anaemia, rashes and stomach cramps.

Structural Damage to the Home

Water will start to damage your home and belongings within one to 24 hours of exposure. The drywall will start to bulge and peel, wooden furniture surfaces will begin to swell, and metal pieces will start to tarnish and fade.

In a week, damage to your home will be compounded. mould will spread and mildew will settle. All wooden surfaces swell while metal surfaces start to rust. Returning to your home becomes a health risk as mould may have already spread indoors.

After two weeks of untreated water damage, your home will start to show structural damage. Delays in clearing up water and removing contaminants will further deteriorate your property, making it unlivable.

The Financial Impact of Delayed Repairs

Procrastination can be costly when it comes to untreated water damage. Factors like the size of the property, the extent of the water damage, and the cost of labour and materials all affect the cost of water damage restoration. Let us break the costs down:

Increasing Structural Damage

Water seeps through various sections of your home including those that you cannot see. For instance, the floors and walls may be dry but inside, the foundation may be deteriorating. This is why restoring your home from water damage is a tedious and often, costly process, including all the sections, structure and spaces. There is no time to wait!

Considering Health Risks

Once mould and mildew spread, it may be very challenging to control. Mould remediation is an invasive and costly solution, especially in water-damaged homes. And the more you wait, the worse the situation gets. 

Potential Electrical Hazards

Water-damaged electrical appliances and equipment become fire hazards. If you delay repairs and restoration, your electrical systems and appliances could become seriously damaged. Also, you not only pay for costly repairs, you may also need to replace these as well.

Skyrocketing Utility Bills

If your home’s insulation has been seriously damaged, you need to replace it right away. Damp insulation can be ineffective making your heating and air conditioning system work harder leading to higher electricity bills.

Worsening Property Value

Homes that have been water-damaged can lose their value. Buyers may also become wary of homes that have a history of flooding, water damage, and restoration repairs. Thus, it is very important that homeowners address water damage immediately if they plan to sell their homes in the future.

Insurance Cancellations

Insurance companies require homeowners to report water damage ASAP to file a claim. If you wait too long, your claim can be denied or your premiums or policies cancelled. You will be left to cover the entire cost of the repairs.

Real-Life Example of the Consequences of Untreated Water Damage

The Department of Veterans Affairs Defence Service Homes reported that Australian homes are at risk of internal damage due to flooding. The study also revealed that 77 per cent of homeowners were present during the incident.

The DSH also narrated the story of Geoffrey Dunning to support their study. Geoffrey was one of the victims of unexpected water damage. One night, he initially discovered something damp underneath his feet and was surprised to find that his kitchen was already deep in water.

Further inspections revealed that water had collected in most rooms of his house from a busted pipe. Geoffrey recalled that he had a malfunctioning steel-braided hose, which he thought was just a small issue.

His efforts to stop the leak only made matters worse. The leak further spread downstairs, collapsing the ceiling and destroying his furniture, electronics and television. Geoffrey contacted DSH Insurance ASAP and he and his wife were brought to a nearby hotel as the insurance company helped them repair their damaged home.

FAQs

What are the most common causes of water damage?

The most common causes of water damage include natural disasters, plumbing issues such as blocked drains, faulty appliances and HVAC issues.

What do I do after a water leak or flood?

Immediately shut down the water supply and turn off your electrical supply. Move your appliances, furniture and all valuables to the next floor. Take photos or videos of the damage and call a water damage repair and restoration company.

Who do I call for water damage repairs?

Contact a water damage restoration company for help. The Plumbing Wizard offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services, call us on 02 9150 8779!

Can you tell if your home is water-damaged?

You can tell that your home has water damage when it has a musty smell, mould and mildew growth, high utility bills, and changes in the appearance of its walls, flooring, and ceilings.

How long does it take to dry a water-damaged house?

It can take a week to a month to dry a water-damaged home completely, depending on its size and the extent of the damage.

Contact The Plumbing Wizard for 24-hour plumbing emergencies, including untreated water damage repairs. Our professional team can help you assess and repair plumbing issues ASAP. Call us on 02 9150 8779 now!