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Standing water is any water that has nowhere to go. This poses numerous threats to a home and its occupants. These are the risks of having standing water in your home:

Water Damage

Your house could suffer severe water damage due to standing water. Your home's appearance and overall structure are both at risk. After a flood or heavy rain, check your basement for any water damage. Take immediate action to prevent the problem from worsening.

The first step is to make sure the water is out of your basement. A sump pump is essential for this task. However, you should still call a water damage remediation company to ensure everything is safe, and that no additional risks are present.

Mold

One of the biggest risks of standing water is mold accumulation. This is the perfect place for mold to develop and spread. Black mold, recognized by its foul odor and usually dark color, can often follow standing water. It can lead to severe health problems, such as triggering allergies and asthma and even causing vomiting and coughing blood. As a homeowner, it's your responsibility to make sure you address a mold problem right away.

Purchase a respiratory mask to wear while inspecting your basement. If you have confirmation or any apparent signs of mold, call a mold remediation service. Follow any instructions they give about preparing for their visit. You may need to avoid your basement for some time before their arrival.

Bacteria

Here's a little biology refresher: bacteria grows in moisture. So, standing water can soon turn into a bacteria pool. Things could get even more unsanitary if any of the standing water in your basement came from your toilet. But it could be the purest water imaginable and still develop bacteria.

Bacteria can form in standing water in as little as two days. And it can lead to some serious diseases, including cholera. Do not let anyone in your household make any contact with standing water, as even touching it can lead to health problems.

Infestations

Mold and bacteria are their own type of infestation, but we're specifically talking about insects and rodents drawn by standing water. These creatures aren't going to care about how sanitary your water is, and they can make things even worse for you by spreading diseases of their own. To avoid having to call an exterminator as well, take care of standing water as soon as you possibly can.

Some of the creatures that can invade your home after a standing water emergency include mosquitos, cockroaches, mice, and rats. Remember that all living creatures need water for survival, and a little bit can go a long way. The sooner you get rid of standing water, the easier it is to avoid an infestation.

Causes of Standing Water

While it's good to have a floor drain, there are other things you can do to prevent standing water from becoming an issue. Perform these basic duties whenever necessary:

Water Heater

Is there water pooling around your water heater? If so, take a look for any leaks. A leaking water heater won't run nearly as effectively and can cause significant water damage. It can be even more dangerous if you have a gas model, with gas dripping onto the active flame. Consider switching to a more-energy efficient tankless water heater.

Burst Pipe

It's crucial to keep at least a semi-regular eye on your pipes. You might not realize a pipe has burst until you see the damage. This isn't a random accident; if a pipe bursts, it means it's been under significant strain for a while.

Old, clogged, and corroded pipes are at substantial risk for bursting. Have your pipes replaced or relined if you've noticed visible damage. Pipes also burst frequently in the winter, due to the drop in temperature. To prevent your pipes from bursting in the cold, you should run all of your faucets at a trickle and open your cabinets in order to better circulate warm air.

Rain Damage

Storms can be a nightmare for an ill-prepared homeowner. That's why you need to do everything you can to protect your home from the rain. Clean out your gutters regularly, make sure your lawn doesn't slope in the direction of your house, and set up an automatic sump pump, which works by instantly sucking up any water it can find.