Water damage poses a serious risk to property owners and tenants alike. The destruction along with deterioration caused by water disturbance are a horrific mix. Beyond just the visible signs of property damage, the effects can be seen through finances, daily life, and even health. The cost of water damage, in both restorations and impact on health, can be staggering if you are unable to resolve the issue fairly soon.
In this post, we will go over the effects of water damage and explore how it strains finances, disrupts lives, and harms both property and people's well-being. Finally, we will briefly address a solution that is sure to make life easier for your tenant and yourself.
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?
Water damage statistics indicate even a minor leak can increase the average household water bill by 10% and the average home insurance claim due to water damage is $11,098. The cost of restoration can range from $150 to upwards of $100,000.
Many factors can influence the cost of water damage: the first being the severity of the damage and the extent to which the water spreads. For example, if there is a water leak in only the bathroom, the cost will be minimal, however, if the water spreads to the bedroom and living room, the cost will increase.
The second factor that can determine the cost is the type of water that leaks. The pricing for restoration of damaged property will increase based on three categories of water contamination. Category 1 water damage is clear water, which is from a sanitary source and contains insignificant amounts of chemicals and hazardous contaminants.
Common sources of clean water include precipitation and leaks from steam pipes, water heaters, or plumbing. The second category is gray water. This water contains contaminants that may prove harmful to humans and animals, and ingestion of such water may cause discomfort and/or illness. Overflowing appliances can also be a source of gray water.
Black water, or category 3, is the worst category of water contamination. Black water is highly contaminated and unsanitary. If ingested, black water can cause illness or even death. The most common source of black water is sewage. The cost of repairing houses damaged by black water is particularly high. The reason for this high price is that the damage from black water is extremely harmful, and everything that makes contact with the water—including furniture, flooring, carpeting, and more—will need replacing.
The last factor that influences the cost is who you hire to repair the damage done by leaks. If you are hiring professionals to deal with water damage, the cost will likely depend on the skill level of the technicians and the hours required.
Why Is it Inconvenient to Deal with Water Damage Repair?
While it may take 72 hours for all water to evaporate, it only takes about an hour to damage your building. Taking time out of your day is inconvenient to deal with water damage. It is a time-consuming process and will need to be attended to by trained professionals. The process of assessing and repairing water damage can be split into two stages: mitigation and rebuilding.
Mitigation is known as the cleanup stage, where water is extracted, the area is cleaned, belongings are moved out, and the drying begins. The timeline for mitigation varies depending on size, how quickly the source was identified, and what type of materials were affected. Mitigation could take up to 12 months at worst (in most cases it is only 1 to 2 weeks).
The rebuilding process can take anywhere from 1 month to 4 months. Now, you are probably thinking, all that and I am finally done. Unfortunately not. After all that is finished and a couple of months pass, now you need to go through the disinfection process—and then yes, you are finally done.
Property Damage from Water
One type of damage that will occur to your building because of water leaks is structural damage. This damage constitutes cracks in walls and the ceiling, weakened support beams, and wood rot.
The next type of damage that you will need to deal with is damage to personal items and electronics. These items will take a few days to dry out. However, some electronics will need to be replaced depending on how severely they were damaged by the water. Other personal items will also be damaged, though some, like photos, are not so easily replaced.
Interior finish materials, such as drywall, plaster, carpet, and ceiling tiles will also need to be replaced.
Water leakage is one of the most common reasons for home insurance claims. Some insurance companies will exclude water leakage from their coverage but this can be prevented. The longer the water goes without being treated, the worse the damage. Water sensors are critical to keep in any building because they will notify you and your tenants as soon as the leak happens, cutting costs considerably.
Dangers and Health Risks Associated with Water Damage
Here are a select few of the large variety of dangers and health risks that water damage exposes you to:
Mold may begin to form within days after the leak occurs. This mold will then produce spores that in turn produce mycotoxin and cause respiratory issues, allergies, irritation, and other health issues. Mold is known to grow in apartments, making it important to prevent mold from forming when there is a water leak.
Water contamination is another issue that can occur especially when dealing with category 2 and 3 water. Infections from polluted water commonly occur from leaks. There are also numerous chemical hazards associated with water leaks, due to water bringing in toxic chemicals.
Indoor air quality is also negatively affected by water leaks. The damage from these leaks can cause mold, changes in humidity, and VOC (volatile organic compounds).
Electrical hazards are another thing to look out for when dealing with water leaks. When water comes into contact with an electrical socket or wiring, water conducts the electricity, potentially causing permanent body damage or death.
Pets may also find themselves in danger during water leaks. The effects of water damage on a pet’s health are capable of being long-term if the leak is not resolved quickly. Please take some time to learn more about how to safely prevent health issues for pets. Pets, like humans, may also experience respiratory problems, trouble breathing, allergies, and dermatological conditions.
Final Thoughts on the Negative Effects of Water Damage on Multi-Family Housing
Water damage over time could lead to serious effects. It is important to take action immediately when you notice the signs of water damage. Otherwise, it could lead to a substantial amount of water damage costs, risks to your health, and damage to your property. The consequences of multi-family home damage range from health risks like mold and mildew growth to structural damages in the manner of weakened walls or beams. If not careful, water leakage is also capable of damaging your possessions, like furniture.
It is best to address the issue of water damage with a professional. Perceptive Things® provides solutions that would reduce the risk of water damage using sensors, in particular, leak sensors. This is beneficial to you as early detection can drastically limit the negative effects of water damage and associated consequences.
Perceptive Things’® main goal is to prevent water damage. The sensors can detect water leaks, providing you with an alert to make sure any damage doesn’t go undetected. With sensors, water leaks can be treated immediately, minimizing damage and reducing costs.
Perceptive Things® offers 4 types of Water leak sensors, Droplet Solo™ (top left), Droplet Duo™(top right), Droplet Pro™ (bottom left), and Droplet Zone™ (bottom right)
If you had a water leak today, how long would it take for you to notice? Are you financially prepared to deal with the leak? Do you feel comfortable living with mold?
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