Signs of water damage are overlooked more often than you might think. It’s easy to miss the early warning signs, especially in rooms and corners of your house you don’t frequently use. Water damage can cost a small fortune to repair. So, it’s best to look for early signs of water damage to nip the issue in the bud.
Signs of Water Damage in Different Parts of Your Home
Water can affect different parts of your home differently. Water that sits above your ceiling, trickles down your walls, and settles on your floors will present different warning signs. When proactively checking for water damage, be sure to look behind your furniture and in hidden corners of each room.
Here are the most common red flags of water damage to watch for in your home.
- The Ceiling
Whether water is leaking in through your roof or from upstairs plumbing, water will leave its mark on your ceiling. Dark or wet spots will appear, usually in small patches. But if the source of the water is not repaired, the damage can quickly spread. Bubbling may also occur, especially if a lot of water is introduced at once.
- The Walls
You may see similar dark or wet spots on the wall as you would the ceiling. Though, another tell-tale sign of water damage in the walls is flaky or cracked drywall. The increase in humidity can cause the drywall to warp, which leads to cracks and flaky finishes.
- The Floor
Water can damage not only your flooring, but also your subflooring. The sooner you find it the better! Carpeting will act like a sponge and feel soggy. Vinyl and linoleum flooring will begin to peel. Wood and laminate flooring will likely warp or buckle. Water damage is trickiest to spot with tile since the water is likely built up underneath. But, cracked grout and mold can give it away.
- The Exterior
The exterior of your home is most at risk of water damage due to the natural elements. Before, during, and after the rainy seasons, you should take a close look at your home. You will want to look at your eaves, decks, window frames, door frames, and so on. Look for many of the same signs we have mentioned: discoloration, mold, bubbling, and cracking.
It is also a good idea to poke or put pressure on any wood surfaces. If the wood feels spongy, crumbles, or has dark spots, it may be suffering from wood rot. The damaged wood might need to be replaced as well as more preventative measures put in place to avoid further water damage.
Other Water Damage Signs to Look For
The warning signs we have listed so far depend mostly on sight and touch. You can also utilize your other senses and smarts to detect water damage.
- The Smell
The inside of your home should not smell like an old shed in the backyard. If you are confronted with a moldy or musty smell upon entering a house or room, water is the most likely culprit. Follow your nose and check the ceilings, walls, and floors for the warning signs we discussed.
- The Sound
If you hear water dripping or trickling when everything is turned off, there’s a problem. Put your ears to work and see if you can listen your way to the source. Once you are close, you will be able to look for visible clues.
- The Air
If a room feels damp or humid, there is probably an underlying water issue. It certainly shouldn’t feel wetter in your home than it does outside. If it feels damp, take a deep breath to see if you also pick up on a musty smell. Then, see if you can sniff out or spot the problem.
- The Plumbing Fixtures
You may not be able to examine the plumbing in your walls, but you can check the plumbing in your kitchen and bathrooms. Look for excessive condensation around your faucets, tubs, and toilets. Water might be coming up from loose fittings or cracked pipes. You also want to open your sink cabinets and stick your head under to look for signs of water damage. A slow, steady drip can do a lot of damage over time!
- The Water Bill
A spike in your water bill can be a clear sign of a water leak. If a pipe cracks or breaks under the home, your bill may be the quickest way to tell there is a problem. While your floors, walls, and ceiling might not show signs now, a leak under your home can cause your entire house to shift. Your floors may tilt, and your walls and ceilings might crack.
What Do I Do If My Home Has Signs of Water Damage?
If there are signs of water damage, first try to identify the source or the cause. If the water damage is old, you might just need to replace the damaged area. But if the water damage is new, you need to fix the cause before you repair the damage. Otherwise, you are going to face the same problem again.
In Seattle, water damage is a big concern for every household. Pro Complete Homes prides ourselves on being the best remodeling contractors in Seattle, and we have a lot of experience with water damage repair. If you need help identifying or repairing water damage, Contact Us today.