Common Signs of Water Damage & How to Spot Them
Water damage can have a variety of sources, from flooding and overflow toilets to burst water pipes - with the small leaks often going unnoticed until they become a larger issue. So to maintain the value of your home and save you thousands on accrued water damage costs, here are a few signs so you can address them early on.
1) Visible Stains & Streaks
One of the first signs of water damage is the visibility of irregularly shaped yellowish-brown stains on your ceilings, walls, or floors. They’ll show up in moisture-heavy areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms - where most of your water pipes are present. This often indicates a potential plumbing leak, as the surfaces go through both wet and dry stages.
TIP: To figure out the age of the leak, touch the surface gently. If it’s hard, it’s likely a newer leak. If it’s soft and mushy, this can indicate an older leak as the surface has absorbed a lot of moisture over an extended period.
2) Mold Growth
If you get a whiff of musty or rancid odors when you walk into a room, odds are you might have mold. When an area is consistently damp or wet, various airborne fungi can show up - often in places like drywall, ceilings, wood, or sometimes growing out of sight under carpets or behind bathroom tiles. Mold can be highly hazardous, so it’s essential that the issue isn’t prolonged - it can cause severe and life-threatening health issues.
TIP: Look for mold in moisture-heavy environments - it will often appear in fuzzy or thread-like strands and blue, green, gray, or black in color.
If you suspect mold growth, contact a specialist immediately to prevent persistent health issues.
3) Old Pipes & Leaks
The tricky thing about pipes is that most of them aren’t visible, so if you don’t see the issue, it can be easy to ignore. Most pipes will last the lifetime of a home, but certain pipes like faucets and valves should be monitored over time. By checking them regularly you can save yourself inordinate amounts of money in the long run.
TIP: If you can’t see the water damage, you might be able to hear it. Try turning off your appliances at night and listening for the sounds of dripping water.
4) High Water Bills
One of the most obvious signs that you might have water damage in your home is a change in your utility bill. If your water bill skyrockets or you notice unusual charges, it might be time to check for a leak.
When water damage gets out of control, it can jeopardize the value of your home, including your personal possessions. At QwikResponse, we believe that your home should be a safe place, protected, and held to the highest safety standards. Our seasoned team of professionals is skilled in assessing and repairing all types of water damage, including reconstruction, mold removal or remediation, and faulty pipe repairs.
Don’t wait for water damage expenses to accrue - contact us today for a consultation and assessment so that you can be confident your home is in good hands!