No homeowner wants to deal with water damage, but sometimes accidents can happen, and when they do, you’re going to want to be able to recognize the signs.
Water damage can occur, and the effects can be seen and unseen, which can make it a difficult problem to deal with. You might think you’ve dealt with a problem on the surface, but underneath there could be more damage than you know.
For your benefit, below is a list of five tell-tale signs of water damage in your abode. Also, check out https://businesspartnermagazine.com/causes-water-damage-office-buildings/ to find out the main causes of water dame in office buildings. View here to learn more about address.
1. Discoloration, bubbling, or flaking
Dark spots or watermarks on your ceilings, walls, or floors, whether on the interior or exterior of your house, are very telling. These are signs of water damage from within the structure of your homecoming to the surface. In fact, any discoloration in these areas is an indicator that there might be water damage somewhere in your home. The change in color could also be signs of mold forming where the water has done the most damage. If you do find mold in your home, it’s important to seek the help of professionals. Look for companies in your area, for example; Mold removal company West Palm Beach.
If water damage is present in your drywall, paint on your walls or ceilings, it can show signs of cracking, bubbling, and flaking too.
2. Puddles or pooling water
Any leaks, major or minor, can lead to pools of water. If you notice a puddle and it returns after you’ve cleaned it up, that could mean you have a leak somewhere that is causing this. If you can’t see where the leak is coming from, chances are the problem is within the structure of your home. If water is getting through into your home, it’s probably leaking elsewhere too.
At the first sign of pooling, you should take action. Water damage can create problems within minutes, cause harmful damage to your property within hours and if it reaches days, mold can grow, and any wood damaged can warp or cup, making wooden floors unsalvageable. (1)
3. Sound of running water
As indicated above, there are times when you won’t be able to see the water damage, but you may be able to hear it. Any dripping, creaking, or even rushing or running water could mean you have sprung a leak somewhere or that water from the outside has gotten inside your home. These noises can also be the sounds of a perfectly functioning system, so it’s important to listen for changes in sound. Your house might make sounds whenever someone flushes the toilet or uses the shower, but if these things aren’t happening and you can hear a similar noise, you might just have water damage.
4. Damp, musty, or moldy smell
Dampness has a very distinct smell, like the odor of damp cardboard or paper. It’s very hard to miss and will be strongest near the site of the damage, where it could also be humid as well as damp. If you’re smelling dampness anywhere in your property, it’s important to inspect the area for other signs of water damage, such as stains or mold.
Many older homes have different odors, especially in attics or basements. In this case, it will be any abrupt changes in odor that might mean water damage. In a newer house, bad odors are more likely to indicate straight away that there’s a problem. If you can smell any musty or damp odors not long after a winter thaw or a big rain, you might have water damage in your foundation.
Discover how professional services can help you eliminate mold in your home:
5. Increase in water bills
A sudden spike in your water or utility bill could be a sign of a leak you didn’t know you had. The average U.S. family uses around 660,000 gallons of water over 6.5 years. A portion of this usage could be linked to plumbing leaks. It’s important to watch your water bill and take note of any sudden increase. If you couldn’t nail down the issue through any other cause, it would be prudent to call a plumber to look into it. (2)
Final thoughts
If you recognize any of the above signs in your home, chances are you are experiencing water damage. When this happens, you should call a plumber or a water damage expert as soon as possible to assess your home and the damage done. Water damage can stain your furniture and carpets, but it can also be harmful to the structure of your home and lead to mold, which is very unhealthy.
Ensure you inspect your home on a regular basis for indicators of water damage to protect the property and all who reside in it. The longer you leave it, the harder the damage might be to fix.
References
- “Water Damage Statistics [2021]: Claim Data & Facts,” Source: https://ipropertymanagement.com/research/water-damage-statistics
- “Some Salem households use millions of gallons of water – in a year,” Source: https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/tech/science/environment/2015/11/15/some-salem-households-use-millions-gallons-water-year/74638140/