A house fire can start unexpectedly. Hopefully, emergency services can quickly be called to put out the blaze and mitigate fire and smoke damage. However, most people don't consider the water damage that often comes with these outbreaks. The guide below looks at some common examples. 

What Water Damage Can Occur During a House Fire?

1. Appliance Leaks

If the electrical connections behind your dishwasher, water heater, or other appliances aren’t installed properly or they develop arc faults, an electric fire could start behind the device. Arc faults are weakened points in electrical lines' insulation, allowing energy flowing through the line to create ultra-heated electrical arcs that can spark a fire quickly. If a fire breaks out, the water lines behind your appliance can burst, creating a leak. 

2. Damaged Plumbing Lines

As fire moves through your home, it can melt through PVC plumbing lines. Since fires can cause collapses, they can also force metal pipes to break, allowing water to spray your living spaces. When carpet, wood floors, baseboards, and drywall soak up water, building materials can warp or become structurally unstable. Mold may also grow in as little as 24 hours. All of these pose safety concerns. 

3. Water From Hydrants 

Firefighters access water from nearby fire hydrants to put out blazes, resulting in wet building materials. Since water tends to move downwards with gravity, low-lying areas, such as basements, are at the highest risk of developing problems from this. Fortunately, water damage restoration teams can drain any standing puddles and use air blowers to encourage evaporation to prevent as much secondary water damage as possible. 

Whether you are dealing with the after-effects of a fire or water damage, the team at Arkansas Restoration can help. Based out of Russelville for more than 30 years, this team of trusted professionals has been committed to breathing life back into homes through careful, thorough restorations. With a commitment to never cutting corners, they are heavily recommended by their previous clients. Read more about how they can help by visiting their website. Call (479) 967-2018 to schedule service.