Things you need to know about standing water

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What is standing water?

Standing water can be defined as a pool of water, no matter what the size, it remains stagnant. Natural events like heavy rainfall, floods or storms often contribute to standing water. But it can also occur due to situations such as leaky pipe or bucket, pipe burst, leaky faucet, sewage backup, if not tackled on time. Standing water becomes hazardous over a period of time due to contaminants present in it, posing a severe risk to your health.

Where can standing water be found?

Standing water can occur in almost any area where the ground surface is not able to absorb the water resulting in water pooling. During excessive rains or storms, water gets accumulated on the ground if there is no outlet thus leading to water stagnation. The same applies to streets, where the drainage system is not sufficient to push out or sop up the water into the ground. In cities, standing water can occur when sewer systems suffer from inadequate infrastructure, thus unable to disperse heavy amounts of rainwater.

Which are the areas most prone to water stagnation?

Water stagnation is a common problem in properties that are not maintained or abandoned. There’s also a good chance of water getting accumulated when broken pipes are not repaired, flat roofs and lawns are not looked after. Homes that have swimming pools which are not in use, collect all the rainwater and eventually become a breeding ground for bacteria, algae, and insects.

What are the threats when it comes to health?

According to research, standing water eventually houses various bacteria and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, etc. It becomes a perfect environment for them to breed. The larvae after maturing carry and transmit deadly diseases. Mosquito breeding is quite common in standing water. It can be a source of diseases like malaria, dengue, etc.

Standing water is also conducive to mould and mildew growth. Mould could give rise to respiratory problems like sneezing, runny nose, cough, among others.

How can one avoid standing water in their home?

It is very important to prevent such a situation from occurring, to keep health issues at bay and protect your property from damage. Having regular checks for water buildup in lawns, on roofs, in the pools and around your home is a must. If you notice any stagnant water in these areas, get help immediately. Avoid cleaning any standing water on your own as this could have been stagnant for an undefined period of time, making it highly contaminated.

See also: Does your septic tank need emptying?

When an event contributes to the accumulation of water in unnecessary areas and causes substantial damage to property, turn to us for help. We provide water damage restoration as well as mould inspection and mould removal services to restore your home. Call us on 0427 411 789 to fix an appointment.