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Standing, Stagnant Water Can Cause All Kinds of Problems for Oceanside Homeowners

August 22, 2023

Parasitic protozoans Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis in tachyzoite stage, 3D illustration

Standing water inside your home can cause significant structural damage and create a health risk for you and your family. Whether the standing water is the result of a hidden water leak or an inundation of flood water, it’s a problem that needs to be addressed ASAP. In this post, we’re going to discuss the hazards of standing water in the home and the steps Oceanside, CA homeowners can take to mitigate these dangers.

If you’re experiencing standing water from a water leak or flood, contact 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration without delay. We’ve been providing expert water damage repairs to home and business owners in Oceanside, CA, and surrounding communities since 2012. If you have standing water in your home, the sooner you get the problem fixed the better. Our team of licensed Oceanside, CA plumbers have the training and tools to locate and address the source of the standing water and repair any mold or water damage the standing water has caused.

Health Risks of Standing Water

Standing water provides a home for a wide variety of harmful organisms. These organisms can cause respiratory problems, illness, and even death. Here are a few of the health hazards found in standing water:

  • Bacteria & Viruses. Dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, as well as viruses like the Norwalk viruses, thrive in standing water. These organisms can cause stomach pain, fevers, diarrhea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Some infections can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
  • Moisture triggers mold growth. Mold spores can affect the air quality inside your home, giving it an unpleasant odor and creating a health risk for infants, young children, seniors, and persons with respiratory problems.
  • Parasitic organisms. Parasitic protozoan organisms like Entamoeba, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium are often found in standing water.
  • Standing water provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Mosquitoes can infect humans with the West Nile and Zika viruses.

Structural Damage Caused by Standing Water

Standing water can cause significant damage to the walls, ceiling, and floors inside your home. Drywall is especially susceptible to water damage. Carpeting and rugs can be ruined by standing water. It can even damage your foundation. In addition to structural damage, standing water can create electrical hazards as well.

Removing Standing Water from Your Home

The sooner standing water is removed, the less the chance of contamination and structural damage. The first step is to address the source of the standing water, such as a hidden water leak. The next step is to remove the water and dry out and clean the affected areas. Using bleach and other cleaners reduces the risks of mold and germ growth. Wet dry vacs and special ventilating equipment are used to dry the affected areas. Items such as carpets and rugs may have to be removed if the damage is too extensive.

Once the cause of the water leak has been fixed and the mess cleaned up, a remediation plan is created to fully repair the damage caused by the standing water.

Professional Water Repair Damage in Oceanside, CA

A water leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage and even endanger your health. If you have a water leak or suspect you have a water leak, reach out to 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration without delay. We can prevent a minor plumbing problem from turning into a major disaster. Our team of Oceanside plumbers and water damage specialists are available 24/7 to tackle your standing water problem. You can schedule a visit through our website or call us at 866-437-0205.