When water sits undisturbed and untreated for a long period, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and other health hazards. This undisturbed water, called stagnant water, can appear in your water heater, basement, bathrooms, and elsewhere, so it’s important to understand how it forms and why it can lead to appliance failure or in rare cases, serious illness.
Dry Force’s water damage inspection team can find stagnant water in your home or business and promptly remove it. We also make repairs and recommendations to prevent it from returning. Let’s take a deeper look at what stagnant water is, what its dangers are, and what to do about it.
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What Is Stagnant Water?
Stagnant water, also known as “standing water”, becomes classified as such after it has been left alone for hours, days, weeks, or longer. This means the water hasn’t been moved, treated, or interfered with, making it the perfect environment for microorganisms, parasites, and mold to grow. Stagnant water can shift from harmless to hazardous quickly, so it’s important to address it upon discovery.
Health Risks Associated with Stagnant Water
Water is divided into three classes: category 1, category 2, and category 3. One is the safest, while three is the most dangerous. Stagnant water is category 3, also known as black water.
Category 3 water can transmit diseases like E. coli, rotavirus, and hepatitis E. It is also a hotbed for mold growth. To top all this off, stagnant water also attracts disease-carrying animals like rats.
The mere mention of stagnant water can make someone sick to their stomach, but having it inside your home is a whole other level of stress. Amid these dangers, know that professional water removal services like Dry Force can quickly dispose of this water and restore safety back to your property.
Stagnant Water vs Still Water: What’s the Difference?
Is “still water” dangerous like stagnant water? Typically, the answer is no. Stagnant water and still water are often mixed up, but here’s where they differ:
Stagnant water is undisturbed water that has been contaminated. It can transmit diseases to humans and attracts pests like rats and mosquitoes.
Still water is clean, temporarily undisturbed water. This kind of water often flows within a container and isn’t harmful when properly maintained. Examples include pool water, your toilet bowl water, or water inside a jug.
How Dangerous Is Stagnant Water?
Bacteria
Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so undisturbed puddles and other standing water are their top targets. An abundance of bacteria exposes humans to all sorts of illnesses. Bacteria can also mix with animal waste to become even more hazardous.
Insects
Stagnant water is a common breeding ground for insects like mosquitoes. Mosquitoes carry all sorts of diseases, including West Nile virus.
Vermin
Rats are mosquitoes’ partners in crime. Their presence causes immediate discomfort and they are known for spreading illnesses and diseases.
Mold Growth
Wherever water damage goes, mold follows. Mold can grow 24 to 48 hours after stagnant water appears, so it’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. Dry Force’s mold removal services will eliminate mold from your property, halting structural damage and toxic air in their tracks.
Common Causes of Standing Water in Homes
- Clogged Pipes and Poor Drainage: When water doesn’t flow properly, it can become stuck in your plumbing system. When it sits for long enough, it becomes stagnant.
- Neglected Water Systems: There is little water movement when a spigot or faucet isn’t used. Any remaining water in these systems can become stagnant after being motionless for too long.
- Backed-Up Drains: If a shower or sink drain is clogged, then it takes a while for water to move. Sometimes, water doesn’t move at all. This standing water can easily be contaminated.
- Broken Pumps: A faulty pump struggles to move water throughout your property. This leaves ample opportunity for stagnant water to form.
What To Do If You Have Stagnant Water In Your Home
If you find stagnant water in your home, contact Dry Force’s water damage restoration services. Our experts have the proper water removal equipment and hazard gear to remove stagnant water and its accompanying hazards.
Ideally, you’ll never have to deal with stagnant water. Taking proper precautions and learning prevention methods can spare you from catastrophic illnesses and property damage. Here are a few ways to avoid these issues:
- Install and properly maintain a drainage system.
- Plant bushes, trees, and flowers in places where water typically pools to absorb the excess moisture.
- Fill holes and depressions in your yard.
- Regularly check your gutters and downspouts, removing debris when necessary.
FAQs
Why is Stagnant Water Harmful?
Stagnant water is harmful because it is a hotbed for disease, mold growth, and pests. It can cause severe property damage when unchecked.
Is It Safe to Swim in Stagnant Water?
It is not safe to swim in stagnant water. Stagnant water can be filled with bacteria, parasites, and fungi which transmit diseases like Salmonella and hepatitis E.
How Long Does It Take Water to Become Stagnant?
Standing water can become stagnant after 24 hours. It becomes the perfect environment for bacterial growth in the hours and days after.
How to Tell if Water is Stagnant
Stagnant water often gives off a musty odor. This indicates mold and bacterial growth. Another sign of mold growth is the presence of greenish-brown islands on the surface.
Hire Dry Force For Stagnant Water Extraction & Cleanup
When stagnant water threatens your family’s health and your home’s structural integrity, call Dry Force. For over 20 years, our water removal experts have turned chaos into calm, restoring Texans’ health and safety 24/7/365.
Our team will inspect your standing water, place it in one of the 3 categories of water damage, and begin our water removal. It’s good to catch excess water before it becomes stagnant, so don’t wait for mold and disease to arrive.
Being proactive is your best bet, so choose the crew that acts quickly using scientifically-informed restoration methods. We service Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and more, restoring comfort throughout the state of Texas.