My Sump Pump Overflowed. How Long Do I Have to Clean Up the Mess?

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Letting water (from any source) remain in your basement or on your property can be disastrous.

Why It's In Your Best Interest to Address Water Damage Quickly

The midwest has received lots of rain within the past few weeks. We have had several flash floods that have caused flooded basements all over the region. If water has entered your property, the key is to act swiftly with thorough clean up and drying.

Timeline:

First Hour

Within the first hour, water spreads, saturating everything in its path. Taking the least path of resistance, it soaks into the flooring and anything else in contact with the water. Defying gravity, water begins to wick upwards into the walls from the floor through a process called capillary action.  Varnishes from wood furniture can bleed from the water, which can stain flooring. Any cardboard boxes, games, photographs start to swell and warp.

First 24 Hours

Within the first day, the drywall will begin to get soft. Metal surfaces in contact with the water can start the process of rusting - especially if not protected by paint.  Inexpensive furniture begins to swell and crack. Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain. A musty odor will start in some cases - particularly if it has been wet in this area before.

72 Hours to 1 Week:

If no cleanup work has been done, mildew and mold can begin to grow and spread. Musty odors typically begin to get stronger.  Furniture, walls, doors, cabinets, flooring could swell, warp and possibly begin to show visible mold due to the moisture soaking into them for so long. A fair amount of contamination is likely by the time a week passes.  Prolonged high humidity in the structure from the water can also cause secondary damage to pictures, wall hangings and damage on other levels of the home.  Even fresh-sourced water such as a water pipe break would be considered a contaminated level equal to sewage after a week of sitting.  

I Didn’t Catch it Quickly - Now What Should I Do?

SERVPRO of Harrisonville / Belton / Raymore is here to help make whatever water damage situation you find yourself in, “Like it never even happened.” It’s always easier, less expensive and faster to clean up water damage immediately after it occurs, but if you come home from vacation to a murky indoor swimming pool you didn’t know you had, call us today and we’ll make it go away.  Our 24 hour emergency response number is 816-882-2240, or you can contact us HERE.