Myths About Water Damage In Boston

Water damage is one of the most common types of emergency situations that a property owner can experience.

Whether it is a slow leak, a burst pipe, a flooded basement or an overflowing appliance, the end result is often the same: a lengthy cleanup and costly repairs.

There’s plenty of information out there about how you can carry out water damage restoration yourself. However, there are a lot of myths or misinformation which can actually lead to you having an even bigger problem on your hands. 

Here are just some of the myths about water damage cleanup that you should keep in mind.

1) Water damage cleanup can wait

No! This couldn’t be further from the truth. Quick action is crucial. In fact, the earlier you attend to water damage, the quicker you can limit the damage and salvage your valuables.

As soon as water damage occurs, you need to set to work on removing standing water, drying out the affected areas and sanitizing them as soon as possible.

If you leave your property to soak in the water, especially if it’s contaminated, you risk extensive structural damage and attracting mold, which can be extremely harmful to the health of your building’s occupants.

A company with professional equipment can act quickly and help to mitigate damage.

2) The water will dry by itself

While this may be true in some cases, leaving water damage to “fix itself” is never advised.

Depending on the part of the property that is water damaged, the levels of humidity and the prevailing weather conditions, water damage may just continue to get worse.

And even if the conditions were perfect, it could take several weeks or months for water damage to dry out completely. Not only is this an inconvenience if you need to occupy the building again quickly, it’s also a potentially enormous health hazard.

Dangerous mold needs just 24 to 48 hours to start forming on moist surfaces. Once it starts spreading, it can lead to serious respiratory and other illness.

Using professional humidity and moisture meters can ensure that your property is safe and not a breeding ground for harmful substances.

3) No floodwater, no water damage

Water damage comes in many different forms. It doesn’t always manifest as standing water up to your knees or sodden carpets and furniture.

In fact, water damage can be hidden behind walls, under floors and even in the foundation of your property.

This is why if you have a slow drip or stains on surfaces, you should get a water damage restoration professional to assess your property.

Hidden water damage can cause significant damage if left undetected for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, getting to the source of it is vital.

Water damage professionals have the expertise and the technology to get to the root of these problems before they develop into something much more serious.

4) The musty smell isn’t so noticeable; it will fade over time

Mold and mildew are the most common causes of a musty or stale smell inside a property. This smell is caused by microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs) being emitted as they grow.

So, unfortunately, while the conditions remain optimal for the growth of mold and mildew (they need a water and food source), the smell will persist. And inhaling these smells is associated with various respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

Therefore, for your long-term health, it’s important that you address these musty smells, and the moisture that is feeding them, as soon as possible.

5) Insurance doesn’t cover water damage

Many people delay dealing with water damage because they fear the possible expense. However, in most cases, homeowner’s and commercial property insurance will cover water damage repair.

Water damage restoration companies will work with you and your insurer to process claims as quickly as possible.

United Property Restoration Services, the experts you need

For the best results and to avoid the common pitfalls when dealing with water restoration, you should hire a professional company with years of experience.

United Property Restoration Services is an excellent choice if you’re looking for water damage restoration in Boston, MA. We provide water and moisture removal, in addition to disinfection services and mold remediation.

With our skilled and fully equipped team of professionals, you don’t have to worry about the threat to your home or personal items. We work efficiently to get to the root of the problem and quickly restore your property. Contact us today for professional emergency water damage restoration services in Boston, MA.