Water is extremely destructive. While it’s easy to overlook when it’s coming out of your facet, a flood or busted pipe can cause significant water damage in just a matter of minutes. Within hours, it can ruin carpeting, furniture, and walls. We look at how fast water damages a home as well as the basics of cleaning it up.
How Does Water Damage Your House?
Water is a universal solvent that will eventually dissolve nearly anything. As water seeps into porous materials, it eventually weakens them to the point that they break down. This is most common in paper goods and composite materials like particleboard and drywall.
The type of material involved depends on how exactly how long it takes for water to damage your home. For example, water will damage cardboard in as little as a few minutes but it takes days or weeks to damage hardwood floors.
In addition to the amount of time, the amount of water involved also impacts how quickly it damages items in your home. A few gallons of water will cause significantly less damage than several hundred gallons.
How Much Water Will Damage My House?
Unfortunately, it only takes a small of water to damage your home. Just a gallon of water can ruin flooring if not cleaned right away. However, it usually takes tens or even hundreds of gallons of water to damage walls or cabinets.
Still, it’s not as simple as a specific amount of water that it takes to damage your house. Time, water pressure, and location are all contributing factors to the overall damage.
- Amount of Water – The biggest factor is the amount of water. More water will always do more damage.
- Pressure of the Water Flow – Pressure is the next biggest concern after the amount. High-pressure water from a broken pipe can basically cut through drywall and speeds up damage to carpeting and wood.
- Amount of Time – Another important factor is time. 20 gallons of water will do less damage when cleaned up immediately than 2 gallons that sat on your floor for a week. The longer you wait to clean up, the greater the risk of structural damage. It also increases the risk of mold damage.
- Location of the Leak or Damage – Lastly, the location of the water issue matters. Spilled water on a concrete floor is less of a concern than a burst pipe in a wall or ceiling.
What Items Are Most at Risk for Damage?
Water can damage any item in your home, but porous items are most at risk. This is a list of what water is most likely to damage, starting with the most susceptible at the top.
- Paper goods and cardboard boxes
- Electronics and appliances
- Carpeting and carpet padding
- Fabric and upholstered furniture
- Composite furniture and cabinets
- Drywall and plaster walls or ceilings
- Wooden wall studs
- Hardwood furniture and cabinets
How Quickly Does Water Damage a House?
Depending on the materials and amount of water involved, water begins to damage your home immediately. The longer it sits, the greater the damage and the higher the cost of restoration.
Within Minutes:
- Water soaks into paper and cardboard items
- Walls, furniture, and carpeting face stains and cosmetic damage
- Water shorts out or damages electronics and appliances
Within Hours:
- Water begins to dissolve composite furniture and walls
- Carpet padding starts to fall apart and carpet backing weakens
- Paper and cardboard may dissolve completely
- Fabrics and upholstery develop stains
- Unfinished wood will start to swell
- Musty odors begin to develop
Within Days:
- Wood wall studs and structural beams will swell and warp
- Carpeting starts to dissolve
- Mold begins to grow in the home
- Hardwood floors and furniture develop cosmetic damage
After More Than a Week:
- Mold poses a severe risk
- Hardwood floors and furniture swell and begin to dissolve
- The structure of your home becomes unsafe
Talk to a local pro now. Certified Restoration Local water cleanup specialists offer 24-hour service and fast, free quotes.
How Do I Limit Water Damage in My Home?
The best way to limit water damage is to begin cleanup immediately. Not only does this increase the chances of saving items in your home, but it also saves you money on restoration costs.
How to Clean Up Water Damage on My Own?
If you plan to clean up water damage on your own, you need to remove the water and dry the area as quickly as possible. In addition to a pump, fans, and dehumidifiers, you will also need rubber boots, gloves, and goggles to keep yourself safe. You can get these items from most equipment rental companies if you don’t have them.
- Remove Water – Use a pump to remove standing water. Alternatively, use a bucket to bail out water or a wet-dry vacuum to suck it up.
- Dispose of Damaged Materials – Then throw away any item too damaged to save, as they will only slow down the drying process.
- Dry Out Your Home – Use high-velocity fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home. Check surfaces every few hours and reposition fans for the fastest drying time.
- Clean and Disinfect – Once dry, clean the damaged area with soap and water. Then disinfect with a solution of bleach and water to kill mold and bacteria.
- Rebuild Damaged Areas – Finally, rebuild the damaged section of your home. This may include installing new drywall, carpeting, or cabinets.
Alternatively, call a water damage restoration company. They have the training and equipment to restore your home fast. Plus, they know the signs of hidden damage and can work directly with your insurance company.
Tips for Restoring Water Damage in a House
The best way to reduce restoration costs and save your home is to start cleaning up at the first sign of water damage. Here are more tips to help you limit and clean up water damage in your house:
- Start cleanup as quickly as possible. The longer your wait, the greater the chance of major damage and health risks associated with mold.
- Skip household fans and dehumidifiers and use commercial drying equipment. This will save you time and limit damage in the long run.
- Move furniture and other personal items outside while drying. Put them on a tarp in your garage and dry them separately.
- Open a few windows to increase air circulation. Not only will this help remove musty smells, but it will speed up drying times.
- Put books and papers in the freezer to dry. While it might take days or even weeks, the water will eventually evaporate out of the paper.
If you cannot address the quickly, let Restoration Local clean up the damage. Our restoration specialists are trained to restore your home fast. In most cases, they can remove the water in as little as 30 minutes and begin drying in less than 60 minutes. If you have water damage, call 1-888-443-3110 24 hours a day for a free estimate and emergency water removal and cleanup.
