It seems that every time I turn on the nightly news there are images of flooding rivers, tidal surges, and water sweeping through neighborhoods and homes. It's often shocking to see cars float past the camera people stand on rooftops just peeking above the water line waiting to be rescued. Once the water resides, the real damage can be seen. These homes will suffer significant water damage, with many being a total loss.

These horrible images represent just a small fraction of claims associated with water damage homeowners file every year. It's true heavy downpours and severe weather wreak havoc to our homes, the majority of houses and businesses suffer from water damage more benign than flooding. That would be one simple, small water leak somewhere in the building.

An overflowing toilet or frozen pipe is just enough to cause major water damage. Additionally, slow water seepage in the basement, high humidity levels throughout your home, poor ventilation, leaking roofs or windows, and undetected leaks can all contribute to your homeowner nightmare scenario. It isn't long before your walls are soaked and carpets are drenched. Very few things in life are as unsettling as discovering water damage.

Whether the flooding or seepage is obvious or difficult to detect, quick action is required. Not only will you discover damaged floorboards, carpeting, and walls, but you'll also have the unfortunately pleasure of dealing with mold. Black mold and mildew just doesn't grow, it thrives in a moist environment. As a matter of fact, undetected water damage is usually discovered thanks to the musty odor given off by black mold. As you walk into a room, you'll quickly notice a damp, musty environment. There is a strong possibility there's a water leak or collection of moisture nearby.

It may be shocking at how much damage can be done from as little as one inch of water. If just one pipe bursts in an upstairs wall, you'll quickly discover significant damage throughout the home including the damaged pipe, damaged walls, damaged floors and carpets, upstairs and down, and a damaged downstairs ceiling. Your wall-to-wall carpet will probably need to be replaced throughout the entire home as well. Water restoration becomes quickly a priority.

One inch of water can also affect the entire floor as well as baseboards and drywall throughout the home. In addition, furniture and anything else on the floor will be damaged or ruined. To make matters worse, safety is compromised as water and electricity don't mix.