Most of us like to think that we will be able to spot signs of water damage in our homes. But water damage isn’t always immediately apparent. Water can cause extensive damage to our homes and surfaces. It can cause serious structural damage and can lead to the development of mold, risking the health of the occupants of the home and requiring specialist mould remediation experts.
Even if you follow best practices for protecting your home from water damage, we have put together a few signs to keep an eye out for, to help in spotting the early signs of water damage.
1. Sounds of Dripping Water: One of the earliest signs of water damage can be heard before it
is seen. Look out for dripping water, leaky faucets, creaking floorboards, or even sounds of rushing water. These sounds may have been present from the beginning when the plumbing system was functioning well. What you should notice is changes in these sounds or new sounds you haven’t heard before.
2. Pools and Puddles: If you have noticed some dripping or leaking, then this can leave pools
of collected water. In case of any unusual puddles clean it up and come after a while to check if the puddle comes back. If it does, then you may have a leak or seepage.
3. Persistent Damp Odour: If you start to smell different odors, it could be a sign of water
damage. Dampness has a distinct smell. Mold may smell like newspapers or old cardboard. If these smells persist inspect the area to check for water damage.
4. Damaged Walls or Ceilings: Water damage to walls and ceiling surfaces may seem like it is
obvious to spot but it is easy to miss the earliest signs of damage. The first signs are bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper. Cracks may appear in the drywall as water within the walls may cause it to swell and retract without appearing soaked. This can escalate into sagging, saturated drywall, or walls and ceilings that may feel spongy to the touch.
5. Water Stains: Visible signs of damage are seeping water, curled wallpaper, and even discoloration. Look for patches of yellow-brown on walls and ceilings, streaks of water on the
side of your home. This could be a sign of an overflowing gutter. When stains and spots start to show these may be permanent or appear and then fade. These discolorations could also be due to seepage or mildew or mold that indicate hidden moisture inside the wall. Leaky water supply lines or a roof leakage that has migrated down the wall could be the cause of this.
Water stains are usually yellowish-brown in color and expand over time. These types of stains first show up in rooms with a lot of pipes and water supply lines like basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms.
6. Mold Formation: Mold is a variety of airborne fungus that is found in places with excess
dampness and persistent sources of moisture. Any surface in your home — walls, ceilings, wood, carpets, or any other materials — that remain damp for extended periods of time could develop mold.
A musty odor is a giveaway sign that the mold has developed. It smells similar to newspaper or cardboard that is strongest in places where there is water damage. If you notice any odor, inspect the area and look for any dampness, humidity, or spongy or wet surfaces. It is commonly thought that mold may appear blue, green, or black. It often appears fuzzy and can also grow out of sight. It may be under carpets, behind bathroom tiles, or inside walls or ceilings. It is most commonly found in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and anywhere with excess moisture.
7. Damaged Flooring: Flooring usually starts to show signs in corners or in rooms that are
used infrequently. If water is seeping into subflooring it may be due to a saturated foundation or pipe leakages. Tiles may eventually loosen without explanation and you may even notice wetness. Wood and linoleum will begin to show signs of warping or bucking, carpets will feel wet to the touch and soggy.
8. Damaged Exterior Walls: If you suspect water damage, walk around the exterior of the house. Check the roof for damages, cracked, or missing shingles. If you see stagnant water anywhere outside the home it could be a sign of water damage. It could be due to poor drainage in the yard, damaged and leaky gutters or gutter spouts. A house should also be situated at the highest point of a property with the grounds sloping away from the home.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HOME SHOWS SIGNS OF WATER DAMAGE?
Checking for water damage that is hidden behind walls or floors requires special equipment such as moisture meters. However, you can easily check for smells and visible signs yourself every couple of months. Mold from water damage poses severe health risks so it’s best to fix any water damage when you find it.
We recommend calling your local plumber to get the water leak fixed immediately. Then call A-Jet Services to carry out water restoration services with expertise and at affordable costs. Our technicians are specialists in their field. We’re are registered with the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), Restoration Industry Association (RIA), and the Carpet Cleaners Association of New Zealand (CCANZ).