7 Signs of Water Damage

Water damage is one of those problems that can spiral out of control when it goes unnoticed. The sooner you detect an issue like this, the less damage your home will undergo and the less money you will have to spend in fixing it.

• Look for signs of water stains. If your home begins to suffer from this pesky issue, you will find indicators of it in various places. The most common places where you can find water stains are the windows, doors, flooring, and the ceiling. Regularly check your hardwood floors for evenness. Lift rugs to check floors thoroughly. One way to check your wood floors for water damage is by observing if they are beginning to warp and buckle.

• Warped flooring or water stains on any of the flooring in your home. The culprit may be an appliance. Inspect the areas around things like your washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator. It is common for these items to spring leaks from time to time, but you may not know until it is too late. 

• Water stains on your window and door frames. This can be an indicator that water is leaking into your house from the outside. Also inspect ceilings for spots, which show signs of water damage, especially where the ceiling joins to an exterior wall. A ceiling stain may indicate a roof leak and must therefore be given attention.

• Don’t forget the bathroom. Leaks may appear in places not immediately visible, such as the sink or toilet. Do a thorough inspection of the area underneath the sink to ensure there are no leaky pipes causing problems. Check behind and around the base of the toilet.

• Sounds of running water. You might not see water damage all the time but you might hear it, too. If you hear a dripping sound or maybe running water, then that could also be a sign that you are dealing with water damage in your home. It’s better to locate the source of the sound and fix any broken pipes if the source is from a broken pipe.

• Increase in utility bills. Was there a spike in your water bill recently despite not having any changes in your daily consumption? Then you might be dealing with water damage somewhere. 

• A strange and new odor. Have you ever smelled a strange musk odor at home? It might be a sign of water damage. Usually, this smell will indicate that there is a budding growth of mold somewhere in your home. Humidity and the presence of water are perfect growing conditions for mold, and unfortunately, the smell will linger if left untreated. Without removing the excess water and the mold, the smell will likely stay.