For many residents, water damage has become the most nerve-racking problem. It’s because of the prolonged unsettled issues. By the time you perceive the situation, it would have destroyed everything in its path, leaving you in a mishmash state.
Unnoticed water damage can cause mold growth leading to health issues like asthma and colds. In worse conditions, it can also cause structural damages to your home which will cost you thousands of bucks.
Before it gets too late, you must identify the water damage signs at your home and act quickly to avoid further destruction. Keep reading the blog to become aware of 5 common signs of water damage.
1. Look at the changes in flooring, walls, and ceilings:
Generally, people give a quick look at home’s flooring, walls, and ceilings during cleaning and renovation. Therefore, destruction due to water damage gets overlooked. But the truth is, a change in flooring, walls, and ceilings is one of the common signs of potential water damage.
Below given are a few early warnings which may alert you of the water damage at your home:
- Walls and ceilings:You may observe that paint is peeled off on your walls. Do not neglect this as it is giving you the early sign of water damage. Later on, that will bulge and may even buckle. Ideally, you shouldn’t wait for an alarming situation. But if you start experiencing sponginess on touching your walls and ceilings, then pull up your socks as the storm has come.
- Flooring:Usually, you may fail to notice the wet flooring around the edges of the rooms or in the infrequently used rooms. By the time you observe the wet rugs or peeled tiles, it would have already ruined the sub-flooring. You should have knowledge on how to save flooded carpets as they are the costliest investment of your home.
Different tiles give distinct signals. For example, ceramic tiles will show you signs of mold and crack whereas Vinyl and Linoleum will start to peel off and crack when they are wet. On the other hand, wood and laminate floors will begin to disfigure.
As soon as you come across any of the above signals, get it fixed as soon as possible.
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2. Evident spots and mould:
Another potential symbol of water damage is spots and mold. You will be able to see stains in areas where there is a slow and constant leakage. Whereas, mold will develop in moist areas.
The yellowish-brown color stains are mostly discovered in watery areas or where there are more pipes like basements and bathrooms. The reason is these areas go through a repeated cycle of getting wet, then drying and then getting wet again.
Mouldgrows where there is a constant source of moisture. It may appear in your carpets, walls, ceilings, etc. where moist remains for a longer period. They often appear in blue, green, or black color and can pose severe allergy attacks.
So, whenever, you see visible spots and mould, save yourself from the future mess.
3. Stale smell:
Have you ever smelled a wet newspaper or wet cardboard? The same stale smell comes from the area where they could be water damage. And such smells are another way to recognize water damage at your home.
Whenever you notice such stale smell at your home, quickly start the investigation and watch for other signs like stains or mold. People residing in older homes typically have a variety of smells from basements and attics. But if suddenly, it gets increased, then that’s a warning.
Stale smell develops mostly during monsoon; hence, you need to be more cautious at that time.
4. Increase in utility bills:
If anytime you notice an instant increase in your water or sewage bills, then that is another major sign of water damage. In such a scenario, compare your latest bill with the earlier ones and recollect the events of the rise in water use.
Generally, an increase in water usage is because of holidays, guests at home, or summer days. If that is not the case, then look for leaks in various pipes and check whether your toilets are working properly or not. Also, inspect stains and mold at habitual places.
5. Obsolete pipes and plumbing fixtures:
In most of the cases, pipes last for a lifetime but connections, faucets, and valves are likely to wear out over a while. Even, the life of the air conditioner and hot water tanks is limited so regular checks of these things are needed.
Proper inspection of pipes, faucets, and valves is important to ensure that there is no leakage. Since many of your pipes go through your walls, you can recognize the leakage by listening to them. The sound of dripping water will help you to know the problem.
Also, check under the sinks and around toilets to make sure water supply and drain pipes are in good condition. If you find any damage to your cabinets near sinks, then impromptu repairing is needed.
You must have got an idea about ways to identify the water damage problem at your home. Further, we have listed down 3 points to practice continuously at your home to discover the problem. Have a look at it.
- At home; always keep your eyes, nose, and ears open
- Investigate your home for an hour or two every month
- If you think there is some water issue, then touch the area with your finger for confirmation
Keep Your Senses Alert:
Whether your home is flooded by leaky pipes or roofs, it’s important to actquickly. There are many water damage restoration companies that can guide and help you to deal with the remediation process.
However, in worse situations, you can claim insurance companies to cover the costs. Even if they reject your claim, incur expenses by yourself. Because you cannot live in a house which is escalated with fungus and microorganisms and most importantly your first wealth is your health.
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Author Bio:
Erika Rhein, a professional writer, and blogger by profession. I write on various niches, however, I prioritize writing on Flood and water restoration. I always strive to provide users with useful and informative articles in a readable format. I aim to achieve a difference in my writing.
