How Do You Know If You Have Water Damage

How do you know if you have water damage at home or just a simple leak? A leak might be easy to spot from appliances like washing machines. However, the signs of water damage are not always apparent, especially where the leak is coming from inside a wall or under the flooring. 

The unseen damage is the most hazardous for property owners, especially where the first clues are little more than a musty smell or random water stains. The water can seep into the walls, foundation, and electrical systems in the home, with excess moisture increasing the humidity levels and fostering mold growth. Proactive maintenance is crucial for anyone who wants to save time and money on expensive repairs and structural damages that are only visible when professionals open up the walls.

Which water damage might a professional need to restore? Services like The Restoration Group can tell you more about the water damage restoration process, including why the six important signs below indicate an extensive water damage issue that needs urgent attention. 

Six Signs To Help You Know If You Have Water Damage 

Water damage is often challenging to spot because of the properties of water in its liquid form. Water is able to flow down to the lowest point of a room or outside area and pool or soak into the nearest available mediums. It also uses heat to evaporate and can spread into anything that will absorb it, making the source of a leak incredibly difficult to locate.

Unless the cause of the problem is a visible gushing pipe, water leaks also take time to show up around the property. It might not cause a big enough pool to notice, and the damage is often underway before residents or employees notice any of the potential signs below:

#1 Dark or Damp Spots

Discoloration is a tell-tale sign of hidden moisture issues, particularly on walls and ceilings. These wet spots may appear to be a light beige to brown color. Darker areas usually indicate more extensive leaks.

#2 Flaking, Cracking, or Bubbling

Water interferes with the adhesion of paint and wallpaper. If the walls are showing signs of cracking, bubbling, or peeling, the surface underneath might be damp. 

#3 Pooling Water

Water flows to the lowest point on its journey and stops right there. If you see a puddle and it reappears, no matter how often you clean it, there is likely to be a leak nearby. 

#4 Water Sounds

You might hear water dripping or running at quiet moments in the day or night. If you check all the faucets are off and still hear these noises, they could indicate a problem within the plumbing system. 

#5 Sudden Increases in Utility Bills

If the property’s monthly water bill is suddenly higher than average, it could indicate an unseen leak. Check the issue by switching off appliances and closing all the faucets. Then, take a reading of your water meter and wait around three hours to take another look. 

If the water reading increases while all the appliances and faucets are off, leaky pipes are likely.

#6 A Stale or Musty Smell

A distinct musty or stale odor points to mold or rising dampness. The smell develops when materials do not have a chance to dry out. 

Overall, there is a lot that property owners can do to detect the early signs of water damage or mold growth. Why not schedule an inspection with a service like The Restoration Group to be sure?

How do you know if you have water damage? If you are unsure, contact The Restoration Group at (973) 355-6966 today for professional water damage restoration services.