- Alexander Rodriguez
The Dangers of Standing Water: Why You Should Act Fast
Table of Contents
Water might seem harmless—after all, we drink it, bathe in it, and use it every day. But when water pools where it shouldn’t, it quickly becomes a major hazard. Whether it’s from a flood, burst pipe, or storm damage, standing water is more than just a nuisance—it can threaten your home, health, and safety if not dealt with immediately.
At ERX (Emergency Restoration Xperts), we’ve seen firsthand how waiting too long to remove standing water can lead to costly damage, dangerous mold growth, and serious health risks. If you have standing water in your home or business, here’s why you need to act fast—and what you should do next.
Why Is Standing Water So Dangerous?
Standing water isn’t just annoying—it’s a ticking time bomb for structural damage, bacteria, and mold growth.
🔴 Health Risks – Dirty water breeds bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness.
🔴 Mold & Mildew – Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours, leading to respiratory issues and costly repairs.
🔴 Structural Damage – Water weakens walls, floors, and foundations, making your home unsafe.
🔴 Pest Infestations – Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes, rodents, and other pests.
🔴 Electrical Hazards – Water near wiring or outlets increases the risk of fire and electrocution.
🚨 The longer standing water sits, the worse it gets. Here’s what you need to watch out for.
Health Risks of Standing Water
It’s easy to think “It’s just water—what’s the worst that can happen?” But standing water can be contaminated with bacteria, sewage, and harmful chemicals.
1️⃣ Bacteria & Viruses
Stagnant water is a breeding ground for dangerous pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus. If floodwater touches your belongings, carpets, or drywall, those bacteria stick around.
✔ Avoid direct contact with floodwater.
✔ Disinfect anything that gets wet.
2️⃣ Mold & Airborne Toxins
Mold grows shockingly fast—within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Once mold takes hold, it releases spores into the air, which can cause:
✔ Allergies & asthma flare-ups
✔ Coughing, wheezing, and respiratory issues
✔ Skin and eye irritation
🚨 Mold spreads FAST. If you see or smell it, call ERX immediately at (866)-217-7903.
3️⃣ Mosquitoes, Rodents, and Other Pests
Standing water is an open invitation for mosquitoes to lay eggs, rodents to nest, and cockroaches to thrive.
✔ Drain pooled water outside immediately.
✔ Check for leaks under sinks, behind appliances, and near foundations.
Structural Damage Caused by Standing Water
Water weakens everything it touches. What starts as a small puddle can quickly turn into a collapsed floor, rotting walls, or foundation cracks.
1️⃣ Warped & Rotting Wood
Water soaks into wood—causing it to warp, swell, and eventually rot.
✔ Look for soft spots in your floors.
✔ Check baseboards and walls for peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper.
🚨 If wood stays wet too long, it may need full replacement.
2️⃣ Foundation Cracks & Shifting
Water seeping into the foundation can cause serious cracks, weakening your home’s structure.
✔ Check for cracks in the basement or around doors and windows.
✔ Look for doors that suddenly don’t close properly—a sign the house is shifting.
🚨 If you suspect water damage to your foundation, call ERX immediately.
3️⃣ Drywall & Ceiling Damage
Walls and ceilings absorb water like a sponge. If you notice:
✔ Brown stains on the ceiling
✔ Peeling paint or bubbling drywall
✔ Soft, sagging spots on walls
🚨 You have hidden water damage that needs immediate attention.
What to Do If You Have Standing Water
If you spot standing water in your home, act fast to limit the damage:
🚨 1. Shut Off Electricity (If Safe)
Water + electricity = a deadly combination. If water is near outlets or appliances:
✔ Turn off power at the breaker box (only if it’s safe).
✔ Avoid stepping in water if the power is still on.
🛑 2. Stop the Source of Water
If the water is from a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or overflowing sink:
✔ Turn off the water supply immediately.
✔ Check for active leaks under sinks, toilets, and near appliances.
🚨 If you can’t find the source, call a professional plumber ASAP.
💧 3. Remove as Much Water as Possible
The faster you remove water, the less damage it causes.
✔ Use towels and mops for small leaks.
✔ Use a wet/dry vacuum for larger spills.
✔ Open windows & run fans to speed up drying.
🚨 For significant flooding, call ERX immediately at (866)-217-7903.
🦠 4. Disinfect & Prevent Mold
Even after removing the water, bacteria and mold can linger.
✔ Scrub hard surfaces with disinfectant.
✔ Throw away soaked carpets, insulation, and fabrics that can’t be dried properly.
✔ Use dehumidifiers & air purifiers to reduce moisture.
When to Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
If water has been standing for more than 24 hours, DIY cleanup isn’t enough. You’ll need professional water damage restoration to:
✅ Extract all moisture – Including hidden water inside walls and floors.
✅ Prevent mold growth – Using industrial drying equipment & air scrubbers.
✅ Sanitize & restore affected areas – Ensuring your home is safe to live in again.
📞 Need immediate water damage cleanup? Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 now!
FAQs About Standing Water & Water Damage
Q: How long does it take for mold to grow in standing water?
A: Mold starts growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
Q: Will my homeowners insurance cover water damage?
A: It depends. Most policies cover sudden water damage (like burst pipes) but may not cover flooding or slow leaks.
Q: How do I know if my drywall has water damage?
A: Look for stains, bubbling paint, sagging walls, or a musty smell—all signs of trapped moisture.
Q: Is standing water dangerous to my health?
A: Yes! Standing water can harbor bacteria, mold, and toxic chemicals. If you have any standing water in your home, remove it ASAP.
Q: What’s the fastest way to dry out a wet floor?
A: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows. For serious flooding, call ERX for professional drying.
🚨 Don’t wait for water damage to get worse! Call ERX at (866)-217-7903 for expert water removal & restoration services. 🚨
