For homeowners, water damage can be both a safety concern and a nuisance. Overlooking the warning signs of this damage is something that most homeowners do, which can eventually cost more to repair in the long run.
So, if you don’t want to end up paying more to repair your home due to water damage, don’t hesitate to consider hiring service providers who can provide the right solutions for your water damage concerns. In addition, make sure to start looking for these signs to prevent any severe possible damage over time:
- Foul Odor
Unseen moisture may create a perfect breeding ground for mildew and mold. Typically, water leaks create a musty odor. If you notice an unusual smell, inspect the area to know if it intensifies. Also, the area may feel slightly damp or humid, depending on the cause of the damage and room temperature.
Even if older homes have particular odors, especially in the basement and attic, sudden changes in the smell can be a bad sign. Since a new house should be odor-free, any foul odor may indicate mold or mildew buildup. So, when buying a house, don’t forget to keep this in mind or hire a home inspector instead.
- Sound Of Dripping Water
The signs of water damage are not always visible to the naked eye, but some of them can be heard. Be wary for sounds of dripping water, creaking floorboards, or leaky faucets. Your hidden pipes might be having problems, and you need to address that as soon as possible. In addition, if your home has portable vehicle or truck wash bays, you might want to check it regularly if the excess water is draining properly.
- Bubbling Or Peeling Walls
Same with warped flooring, walls with mold or moisture may start to peel and bubble. The walls may also become discolored and soft.
Too much moisture in your walls is an obvious sign of water damage in your house. It means the walls won’t be sturdy and may cause the baseboards to break, and the paint will be damaged. When water damage appears on your walls, it means the leak has remained out of sight for a while. By the time you notice it, parts of your home are already damaged.
- Puddles And Pools
If you’ve noticed leaking or dripping of water, it may leave small pools of water. In case there are unusual puddles in your home, make sure to clean them up and check if they come back. If there are still puddles after a few hours of getting rid of them, you may have seepage or leak.
- Mold Growth
Mold growth is the result of too much moisture. It’s common, and it isn’t always bad. However, excess mold is not good for your health, so make sure to remove them as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that exposure to any damp environment is harmful to one’s health. It can irritate the throat, nose, eyes, and skin. Indoor damp environments may also result in asthma symptoms or upper respiratory tract problems.
If you see any kind of mold growing in your home, it’s a sign of a high moisture level, which is due to water damage. You can get rid of the mold without hiring professionals, but you can’t guarantee that it won’t come back.
- High Water Bills
Another sign of water damage is a sudden increase in your sewage or water bill. Check your bill, and don’t forget to compare it to your recent bills. Think of the things you did that led to increased water use. Although minor fluctuations are normal, a sudden increase in your water bills may mean that there’s a problem.
For that reason, check if your toilets are running properly and ensure that your faucets aren’t leaking. If you can’t find the leak, it’s best to ask help from professionals to install a leak detection system to determine whether or not there’s a sign of water damage in your home.
- Damaged Flooring
Typically, flooring starts to show signs in rooms that aren’t used often or in corners. If the water seeps into your home’s subflooring, it can be due to pipe leakages or saturated foundation. If you have tile flooring, it may loosen without explanation, and you might notice wetness. This is also the case with linoleum or wood flooring as you’ll see signs of buckling or warping. If you have carpets, they may feel soggy or wet.
- Cold Temperatures
Water damage could make it hard to keep your home warm. If your heater runs a lot, it’s a sign that your walls are damp. Moisture may draw the heat out of the walls as it evaporates. With this, water damage may affect your home’s temperature negatively.
Conclusion
If you notice any of the above signs, don’t wait for weeks or months to take action. If possible, contact the best water damage professionals in your area to resolve your issues. Depending on the severity of the water damage, restoration or replacement is necessary. To avoid costly repairs, don’t try to fix water damage on your own and let the experts do the job instead.
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