By Daniel Brunes, Director of Reztor Restoration & Restoration Warehouse, Master Water, Fire and Mould Restorer
Whether you’re overseeing a residential tenancy, managing a commercial asset, or protecting an investment property, one truth remains: water damage is a time-critical emergency. If not addressed immediately, what begins as a minor leak can evolve into a costly, hazardous, and legally complex issue.
This article explores how water damage rapidly escalates, the real risks to landlords and property managers, and why access to certified 24/7 emergency restoration services is non-negotiable.
Why Time Matters: The First 24–72 Hours
Water damage starts quietly. A leaking pipe, appliance overflow, or unnoticed roof breach can introduce moisture into structural cavities, subfloors, and walls. According to the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard, damage begins within minutes, and microbial growth may begin in as little as 24–72 hours, especially in warm, humid environments.
Water is categorized by contamination risk:
- Category 1 – Clean water (e.g. pipe bursts)
- Category 2 – Grey water (e.g. dishwasher leaks)
- Category 3 – Black water (e.g. sewage, floodwater)
Left unattended, even clean water quickly degrades into higher-risk categories, increasing health hazards and remediation complexity.
What Happens If It’s Left Untreated?
When water damage isn’t addressed promptly, consequences multiply:
🔸 Structural Compromise
Moisture degrades plaster, subfloors, cabinetry, and wall linings. Swelling, warping, and delamination can occur, requiring full replacement—not just drying.
🔸 Microbial Growth
Mould thrives in damp, unventilated spaces. It can spread behind walls and under floors, often unseen, triggering respiratory issues and long-term health complaints. According to the IICRC S520 Standard, mould remediation requires containment, clearance testing, and in some cases, hazardous material handling.
🔸 Health and Safety Hazards
Unaddressed moisture can lead to slip hazards, electrical faults, and compromised indoor air quality—posing legal risks if tenants or visitors become unwell or injured.
🔸 Insurance Complications
Most policies require prompt action to mitigate loss. If delays are considered negligence, claims may be reduced—or denied entirely.
🔸 Escalating Costs
The longer water sits, the more extensive the damage becomes. Restoration moves from drying to demolition, reconstruction, and microbial decontamination—potentially increasing costs by three to five times.
Real-World Case: Fast Action Prevented Escalation
Reztor Restoration recently attended a property where the occupant returned from a short trip to find water pooled across a hallway. There was no visible mould, but a strong odour suggested prolonged saturation—possibly beyond 72 hours.
Our certified technicians conducted a full moisture assessment and acted immediately:
- Removed the saturated carpet due to microbial risk
- Applied antimicrobial treatment to cabinetry kickboards and adjacent materials
- Installed drying equipment and monitored humidity and temperature to ensure controlled evaporation
By responding fast, the property was stabilized, major reconstruction was avoided, and documentation was prepared to support a clean insurance claim.
Why Property Managers and Owners Need 24/7 Restoration Access
Water damage rarely strikes between 9 and 5. That’s why professional restorers must be available around the clock. It’s not just about extracting water—it’s about implementing an evidence-based drying plan, documenting every step, and returning the property to a dry, safe, and insurable state.
Having a trained team available 24/7, like Reztor Restoration’s Emergency Water Damage Service, ensures water damage is addressed within hours—not days—protecting both property value and legal standing.
Qualified restorers follow IICRC standards using:
- Thermal imaging and moisture meters to map hidden water
- Air movers, dehumidifiers, and containment to accelerate drying
- Antimicrobial agents to prevent microbial growth
- Detailed reporting for insurance, tenancy, or legal use
This is not just cleanup—it’s risk management.
Key Takeaways for Real Estate Professionals
✅ Act Fast – Every hour matters. Waiting risks more than just property damage.
✅ Use Certified Professionals – DIY or general trades are not equipped to assess water categories, contamination, or psychrometric conditions.
✅ Document Everything – Moisture logs, photos, and drying reports protect all parties.
✅ Prioritize 24/7 Coverage – Delays can cost thousands and lead to insurance complications.
✅ Don’t Assume It’s Fine – Odour, minor staining, or surface dryness doesn’t mean it’s safe or dry internally.
About the Author
Daniel Brunes is the Director of both Reztor Restoration and Restoration Warehouse, and is a certified Master Water, Fire and Mould Restorer. With deep experience in emergency restoration, structural drying, and insurance-compliant documentation, Daniel and his team support property owners, managers, and real estate professionals with fast, reliable service.
References
- ANSI/IICRC S500: Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration (2021)
- ANSI/IICRC S520: Standard for Professional Mold Remediation (2024)
About the author
Daniel Brunes is the Managing Director of Reztor Restoration, a Brisbane-based company specializing in 24/7 emergency water damage restoration, mould remediation, structural drying, and sewage clean-up services. With over 15 years of industry experience, Daniel is an IICRC-certified Master Restorer in Water, Fire, and Mould and leads a team of experts dedicated to protecting properties across Southeast Queensland.
He is also a founder of Restoration Warehouse, a national supplier of professional restoration equipment and consumables. Restoration Warehouse provides commercial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, moisture meters, and PPE to restoration technicians, builders, and insurers throughout Australia.
Daniel is passionate about raising industry standards through evidence-based restoration practices and innovative technologies. His companies are trusted by homeowners, real estate professionals, and insurers for fast, compliant, and cost-effective damage mitigation solutions.