Untreated water damage in your home will cause significant structural problems. It can also lead to health issues if the water damage causes the growth of black mold. You can address these issues early and avoid more extensive damage by knowing how to identify the signs of hidden water damage.
1. Watch for Stains
When the sources of water leaks are in areas of your home you don’t normally see, it can be challenging to catch the leak before it causes damage. For example, a burst pipe within your home’s walls may leak for a considerable amount of time before you see the signs of damage.
Pay attention to the condition of your walls and ceilings. The sudden appearance of stains or discoloration suggests a water leak in that part of your home. You can also find a problem by feeling the walls for bubbling or soft spots. Turn off the water to minimize damage until a plumber can inspect the problem.
2. Check Your Attic or Crawlspace
You should make a habit of checking your attic or crawlspace for signs of water damage. In particular, inspect this part of your home after a storm or heavy rainfall. Look for warped or soft wood, blackened insulation, or damp rafters.
If you discover these signs of a roof leak, you’ll need to repair the leak before treating the water damage. After repairing the leak, open attic windows or use fans to dry the damp areas. After the attic is dry, you can replace the damaged insulation.
3. Look at Your Water Usage
One reason it’s a good idea to save your water bills is to have a basis of comparison for your water usage. Even if you haven’t seen any signs of water damage, rising water usage can indicate an issue.
While a mild increase might just be a sign that your household has increased its usage, a sharper increase may suggest a problem somewhere in your home.
Look for plumbing leaks in the parts of your home you can access. Even a minor leak can waste gallons of water per day. If you don’t see a leak but discover water damage to the cabinetry beneath a sink, you probably have a leak. You can use a bucket or old saucepan to catch the water until you hire a professional to find and fix the leaks.
4. Look for Flooding
Another part of your home that you should make a point to inspect regularly is your basement. A storm or overly saturated soil can lead to foundation leaks and basement flooding. You might see areas where the concrete looks damp, or there may be standing water in your basement.
Flooding and leaks in your basement can lead to extensive foundation damage. For this reason, you should take action as soon as you discover water damage in the basement or crawlspace.
If you notice these signs, you’ll need a professional water remediation service to restore this part of your home. This type of service can also repair any other water-damaged area in your home before mold begins to grow.
As you wait for a water remediation team to arrive, there are a few things you should do to prepare. If there is significant flooding, turn off the flow of electricity. Next, use buckets or your sump pump to remove excess water in the basement.
Relocate furnishings, equipment, and tools to another area with good ventilation so they can dry. Use fans in your basement to help the foundation dry.
5. Exterior Signs of Water Damage
You can also discover potential water damage by walking around the perimeter of your home. Look for damaged or clogged gutters, missing roof tiles, and loose vinyl siding. These issues indicate a problem with rainwater flow and can expose the interior of your home’s walls to water damage.
You can reduce many types of water damage by taking better care of the outside of your home. Regularly inspect your roof for damage and clean out your gutters. A good gutter system will carry water away from your home before it can do extensive damage.
Pay Closer Attention to Your Home
You can eliminate water damage by discovering it as soon as it occurs. This involves paying close attention to your home’s condition and how certain services, such as your plumbing, function.
Make a practice of visually inspecting your home from time to time. This habit will help you spot problems sooner, and that will help you minimize repair costs.
