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The First 24 Hours: What Happens If Water Damage Isn’t Addressed Immediately?
3/19/2025 (Permalink)
Water damage doesn’t wait—and neither should you. Call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood today!
Imagine waking up to the sound of dripping water. A burst pipe in your kitchen has been leaking all night, and now, water is spreading across your floors, seeping under cabinets, and soaking into the walls. What happens if this water isn’t removed right away?
Many homeowners and business owners assume they have plenty of time before serious damage sets in. The truth is, water starts causing damage immediately, and the first 24 hours are critical in preventing expensive damage.
At SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood, we specialize in rapid water damage response, ensuring that small leaks don’t turn into major disasters. Let’s take a look at what happens hour by hour when water damage is left untreated and why fast action is important.
The First 24 Hours: A Timeline of Water Damage
Hour 1: Water Spreads Rapidly
As soon as water starts leaking, it spreads fast and soaks into porous materials like wood, drywall, and carpet. Within minutes, hardwood floors begin absorbing moisture, drywall swells and weakens, and carpets trap water deep within their fibers. Electrical wiring may also be exposed to water and can increase the risk of short circuits and potential fire hazards.
If the source isn’t shut off quickly, the damage continues to move into other areas of the home or business, making restoration more challenging.
Hours 2-6: Structural Damage Begins
As water sits, it seeps deeper into building materials, affecting walls, floors, and subflooring. Paint may begin bubbling or peeling, wood furniture swells and weakens, and humidity increases, creating the perfect conditions for secondary damage. The longer water lingers, the harder it becomes to remove completely.
At this stage, professional water extraction and drying can still prevent major destruction, but time is running out.
Hours 6-12: Increased Mold Risk
At this stage, humidity levels rise, creating the perfect environment for mold spores to activate. While visible mold may not appear immediately, the excess moisture sets the stage for mold growth.
Hours 12-24: Mold Growth Can Begin
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, mold can start developing on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. If water isn’t extracted and drying doesn’t begin promptly, mold can take hold in walls, carpets, and furniture.
By the end of the first 24 hours, you may notice:
- A musty odor developing in damp areas
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Materials like drywall and wood absorbing moisture and increasing the risk of mold formation
This makes immediate drying and dehumidification crucial in order to prevent full-scale mold infestations.
What to Do in the First 24 Hours
If you experience water damage, follow these steps immediately to minimize the destruction:
- Shut off the water source if possible to stop further flooding.
- Move furniture and valuables away from the affected area to prevent further damage.
- Avoid using electrical outlets near water-damaged areas to prevent hazards.
- Call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood immediately for professional water extraction and drying.
The longer you wait, the worse the damage will get.
FAQs About Water Damage Restoration
How soon should I call a professional after discovering water damage?
Immediately. The first 24 hours are crucial in minimizing damage and preventing mold growth.
Can I dry out my home with fans and dehumidifiers?
For small spills, household fans may help, but for significant water damage, professional-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, and moisture meters are required to ensure full drying.
Will insurance cover water damage restoration?
Most homeowners and commercial property insurance policies cover sudden water damage (like burst pipes) but not flooding. SERVPRO works directly with insurance providers to help with claims.
How long does the drying process take?
It depends on the severity of the damage, but professional drying typically takes 3-5 days. Quick action can reduce the restoration timeline.
Call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood for Rapid Water Damage Restoration
Water damage doesn’t wait—and neither should you. The first 24 hours determine how much damage occurs and how expensive restoration will be.
At SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood, we provide:
- 24/7 Emergency Water Extraction
- Advanced Drying & Dehumidification
- Mold Prevention & Structural Repairs
- Direct Insurance Assistance
Don’t wait—call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood now at 310-390-7540 for immediate water damage mitigation and restoration services.