7 Surefire Signs of Water Damage (And What You Need to Do ASAP)

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Detecting water damage before the problem gets worse.

The main purpose of living indoors is to stay safe and keep away from outside elements like water. However, sometimes those elements still make their way inside and create issues.

If you're reading this article, it's probably because you're currently experiencing that scenario. Luckily, we're here to help. Take a look at the information below to learn how to check for signs of water damage.

The Primary Signs of Water Damage

Normally, the signs of water damage are pretty obvious. However, some signs are more noticeable than others. Here's how you can spot it:

1. Bad Odor

Chances are you'll most likely smell water damage before you see it. The odor is similar to wet paper or cardboard and smells worst as you go near the area where the water damage occurred. It may feel humid in that spot as well.

If you notice a bad stench in your home, don't ignore it. Take a bit of time to investigate and see where it's coming from. 

2. Stains and Discoloration

One of the main signs of water damage is discoloration or stains. Normally, the perimeter of the stain will have a brownish color that's different from the ceiling or paint color. Discoloration happens when the area gets wet and then dries.

Unfortunately, you may not notice a stain until days after the water damage occurs once the moisture has had a chance to dry.

3. Mold

Water damage mold is a serious issue that could be damaging to your health. Sometimes mold goes unnoticed because water damage may take place behind a wall or an area where it's not easily detected.

However, the moment you notice mold, it's vital to get a specialist in your home immediately.

4. Cracked Paint

Water damage causes drywall and the ceiling to swell. When that happens, the swelling pushes against the paint causing it to crack or peel. This scenario usually occurs when you have pipe leakage or plumbing issues.

5. Rotting Wood

Another one of the primary signs of water damage is deteriorating wood. When water gets onto wooden pieces, like the door or window frames, it can cause it to break down and rot.

It only takes a small amount of water to damage wood, and if this happens it has to be replaced. Otherwise, it could become a hazard depending on the location of the wood.

6.  Expensive Water Bill

Even when you don't notice any water damage signs within your home, a higher water bill could be an indicator that there's a problem. In that situation, it's best to look for leaks and plumbing issues throughout your house.

A small amount of water leakage could lead to a larger problem. The sooner you find the root cause of the leak, the better chance you have of preventing water damage cleanup.

7. Rigid Wood or Drywall

Water damage can cause wood and drywall to bulk. It may even create a hole in it. If there's a problem, the area will likely be difficult to walk on and have a difference in texture around the affected area.

Causes of Water Damage

There are several culprits that can lead to leakage in your home. Sometimes the source of water damage is noticeable and other times it's not. Here are some of the reasons why you might have a water leak:

Weather

Rain or snow could become a huge problem for your home if your house is not weatherproof. A bad thunderstorm could cause damage to your roof which inevitably causes water damage.

Make sure that your roof is in good condition and that your rain gutters are clean. Also, check to make sure that the windows and doors don't have cracks in them that can let water in.

The same thing goes for snow. Ice and snow on the roof can become detrimental once it begins to melt and drain down your roof, into your ceilings, and other areas of your home.

It's best to insulate your attic to ensure that there isn't any damage that happens as a result of ice dams.

Plumbing

One of the main causes of water damage is plumbing. It's a good idea to regularly check your plumbing systems in your house at least once a year. Also, be aware that plumbing pipes only have a certain lifespan.

Be sure to check how old the plumbing fixtures are and have them replaced once they reach a certain age.

Pipes

A pipe can burst for many different reasons. Cold weather may cause it to freeze, or there may be issues with the swimming pool or supply line. Whatever the reason, if you notice a pipe leaking, make sure you fix it as soon as possible.

Old Water Heater

Water heaters don't last forever and they should be replaced about every 10 years. To find the age of your water heater, can check the serial number on the manufacturer's sticker. 

If you notice decay, mold, or moisture build-up around the water heater that could be a sign that it's time to replace it.

Keep Your Home Dry and Safe

 Once you notice the signs of water damage, contact a professional immediately. Even if you only have a small amount of damage, it's best to get it taken care of before it leads to bigger issues.

With that said, if you need assistance with getting your home in order, we're here for you. SERVPRO West Hartford offers a variety of services from fire damage to mold remediation.

We're located in West Hartford, CT and we service the surrounding areas. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

SERVPRO of West Hartford
100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.206.6141
24-hour emergency service