Standing water may seem inconsequential and harmless, especially when it is only a small amount left in a bucket, bathtub, or clogged drain. However, water that sits for too long can create a number of problems both inside and outside your home. From encouraging mold growth to attracting bacteria, insects, and other contaminants, standing water should not be ignored.
Why Is Standing Water Dangerous?
One of the biggest concerns with standing water is contamination. If standing water indoors was caused by a flood, it may contain dirt, sewage, chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful contaminants that were carried in from outside.
Water damage is generally classified into three categories. Category 1 water comes from a clean source, such as a broken supply line. Category 2 water is contaminated and may contain bacteria or other harmful substances, while Category 3 water is highly contaminated and can contain sewage, pathogens, and other dangerous materials. Determining the category of water is important because it affects how the water should be safely removed and cleaned.
Standing water can also create an environment where mold thrives. Mold can begin growing on damp materials surprisingly quickly, particularly when moisture gets trapped in drywall, flooring, insulation, wood, or other porous materials. As mold grows, there can be unpleasant odors and a decrease indoor air quality.
Standing Water Can Become a Breeding Ground
Water that sits outdoors can attract mosquitoes, which may carry viruses and other diseases. Even small amounts of water can provide an environment where mosquito larvae develop.
Indoor and outdoor containers can have similar problems. Buckets, plant pots, pet bowls, and other containers left with water inside can collect bacteria and algae, particularly when the water has been sitting and warming up.
Standing water can also provide an environment for parasites and larvae that may pose a greater concern for young children and pets who could accidentally drink contaminated water.
Another concern is Legionella, a bacteria strain that can grow in stagnant, warm water. Legionella grows particularly well in water temperatures around 77–108°F and can cause Legionnaires’ disease. This disease is a serious form of pneumonia. While not every instance of standing water will contain Legionella, it is an important reminder not to let water sit unnecessarily.
Where Can Standing Water Hide?
Standing water is not always obvious. Some common places where stagnant water can collect include:
- Pet bowls that are not cleaned regularly
- The bottom of a bathtub or shower
- Around or inside a clogged drain
- Behind appliances
- Under sinks
- In basements and crawl spaces
- Gutters and downspouts
- Buckets, containers, and outdoor toys
A clogged drain can be particularly easy to overlook. If water cannot drain properly, it may remain trapped inside the plumbing or around the drain, creating an opportunity for bacteria and unpleasant odors to develop.
Standing Water Can Damage Your Home
Health concerns are not the only reason to address standing water quickly. Any moisture and water left alone can cause significant property damage. Wood can warp or swell, metal can begin to rust, and drywall and other building materials can become weakened or damaged.
If water remains trapped beneath flooring, behind walls, or underneath cabinets, the damage may continue even when the surface appears dry. This hidden moisture can eventually contribute to mold growth and more extensive structural problems.
When Should You Call a Professional At Puroclean?
If water has been sitting for more than a day, has developed a strong or pungent odor, or came from an outdoor source such as floodwater, it is best to avoid handling it yourself. Contaminated water can present health risks, and our professional IICRC certified restoration technicians have the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), containment procedures, and equipment to safely remove and clean affected areas.
Letting us address your standing water quickly can help prevent a small moisture problem from becoming a much larger health or property damage concern. Call us today at (708)708-7876.
