Water damage happens more often than we think. In fact, water damage is one of the top causes of homeowner losses. This hazard can strike your home at any moment, leading to disturbances. In such instances, most homeowners are often confused about the right corrective measures for their problem. For a property or homeowner, water leaks in their property can be a big setback to manage. Leaks and moisture buildup can cause costly damages before you can even notice their presence.
The good thing is that water damage, whether caused by a leaky roof or faulty plumbing, is preventable, as long as you know how to spot early signs. Most water leaks usually show some warning signs. Here are the most common signs of water damage in your home.
1. Visible Stain and Cracking
When water damage is on the cards, you may notice some obvious watermarks. So, you should check your ceiling for any sign of discoloration. Specifically, watch out for stain development on the interior and exterior parts of your house. Water leaks within walls usually get absorbed in the sheetrock and drywall, leading to stains appearing. If these stains get bigger with time, then one of the pipes could be leaking.
Likewise, if there is evidence of cracking, flaking, or bubbling in your drywalls or paint on your walls and ceiling, you could be dealing with a water damage issue. If these issues are not restored in time, they can become swollen or bloated, and malleable to touch.
2. Changes in Flooring
Sometimes water may leak into subflooring because of a saturated foundation. It may also occur due to leakages in pipes that run through the crawl space. Whichever the case, water leakages may cause the floor tiles to loosen without visible wetness. In some cases, the laminated flooring may warp. Actually, linoleum can peel without explanation.
3. Musty Odors
Stagnant water and damp surfaces are a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. The tricky part is that you might not see these issues since they are usually hidden from view inside porous walls or floors. But you can still sense the existence of damp internal parts of your house or stagnant water from the smell. In most cases, you will notice a sharp musty odor that will not disappear, even when you use air fresheners.
To get rid of this funky smell, you need to look into the source of water damage. You can then remove the damaged parts and clean them up. With that said, it is important to note that not all bacteria and mold will give off a bad smell. So, the absence of musty odors is not a guarantee that there is water damage in your house.
Besides the funky odor, you may also notice visible mold growth in moist areas of your home such as the kitchen, basements, and bathrooms. If these mold appearances are not near plumbing fixtures, then that could be a sign of water damage in your home.
4. High Utility Bill
As you know, it can be hard to spot water damage, especially if you are staying in a large house with several attics. So, if you haven’t noticed any of the above signs but there is a sudden surge in your water bills, then water damage could be to blame.
In such situations, check visible faucets and plumbing lines in the house for any sign of leakage. If you can’t find any leaks, then there could be water leaks in your walls, and therefore, you need restoration service.
5. Sound of Running Water
Noticeable sounds of running water can be a sign of water damage in your house. When there is water damage, you may hear subtle hisses of water running in the pipes, especially at night. You may also hear dripping sounds inside your walls or even a creaking floor.
In such situations, you shouldn’t make a rash conclusion. Instead, mark the spot where the sounds are originating from, then investigate the issue.
Testing and Initiating Water Damage Restoration
While the above signs of water damage in your home will alert you to the possibility of water leaks, you may not confirm if the damage really exists from these signs alone. That is why you should test for hidden leaks. In most cases, you will need to use a water meter.
If the source of the water leaks in your walls is caused by harsh weather conditions such as heavy storms, then you might need to consider a full water damage restoration, instead of just water extraction. Engage an emergency water restoration service provider to look into your issue.
How to tell if there is a water leak can be a challenge. If the signs are not so obvious, you might need a lot of testing to figure out the exact cause. This is where a certified water damage restoration service provider can be of help.
