Misconceptions about water damage are more than factual inaccuracies — they can also thin your wallet or put your health in jeopardy. Nonetheless, misconceptions abound surrounding water damage. This post will cover four of the common misconceptions homeowners have, as explained by our water damage experts at Rumsey Construction in Columbia, South Carolina. 
Misconception: “I Can Handle the Cleanup Myself”
Water damage restoration is intensive, time-consuming work. Homeowners who attempt DIY restoration efforts often find themselves in over their heads and unable to keep up with all the work that is required. The good news is that you don’t have to handle the cleanup yourself. Quality water damage restoration companies like us at Rumsey Construction are waiting for your call to jump into action after a flood.
Misconception: “Water Cleanup Can Wait a Day or Two”
If your home is affected by a water damage disaster, it will probably happen at an inconvenient time. With other priorities demanding your time and attention, it may be tempting to put off beginning water damage cleanup for a day or two. This would be a grave error. Effective water damage restoration is all about time. The longer you wait to begin the process, the more severe and expensive the damage will be. These aren’t minor differences in damage levels either. Waiting to begin cleanup can mean the difference between saving your drywall, carpets, furniture, etc., or needing to replace them. Delaying can end up costing you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Misconception: “If It Looks Dry, the Damage is Gone”
It’s very tempting to call it a day’s work once the affected area looks dry. However, this is often a grave error. For one, even if an area looks dry, there may still be moisture inside it that could lead to mold damage over time. There is also the issue of contamination from the water to deal with. The water may contain contaminants that, at best, would make your home dirty, and, at worst, expose you to dangerous bacteria and pathogens. So even if the affected area is completely dry, it still must be cleaned and sanitized before the restoration process is complete.
Misconception: “The Smell Will Go Away On Its Own”
A very unpleasant smell may linger in your home following a water damage disaster. This could be from contaminants in the water or mold or mildew growth caused by the flood. While it’s certainly possible that the smell might go away, don’t expect this to be the case. Additional cleaning and specialized deodorizing services may also be necessary to remove the smell completely.
Water Damage in Columbia, SC
Don’t fall prey to these damaging misconceptions about water damage! Follow the advice from the experts, like our team at Rumsey Construction in Columbia, SC, to ensure you and your home are protected during the water damage restoration process. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give us a call if your home is ever affected by a water damage disaster.
