11 Signs of Water Damage in Your Home

The question is there water damage in my home is a frightening one. Your home is a valuable investment, and the last thing a homeowner wants is water damage to undermine their home’s value, safety, and stability. Leaving you in a financial and physical mess; water damage is hazardous.

Any leaky pipe or roof will cause structural damage and can cause severe problems if not addressed. Interestingly, a study done by the American Insurance Associate found that over 90% of issues caused by water damage are avoidable when performing regular, proper maintenance and addressing small problems immediately. However, it is challenging to always spot signs of water damage – sometimes signs aren’t present!

If you are asking, is there water damage in my home, you are in the right place. Luckily, we discuss the top 11 signs of water damage here.

1. Colorful Streaks on the Walls

If you see brown, yellow, or white streaks or spots appearing on the walls, this often indicates older water damage. While these spots usually mean the water damage is old, it doesn’t mean the water damage is gone. For example, in many cases, the streaks and spots indicate a repeating problem, such as water damage that occurs every rainfall or storm. When inspecting the surface of your walls, make sure to closely inspect the corners where the walls meet the ceiling, floors, and each other.

2. Visible Wet Spots

One of the biggest signs of water damage is visible wet spots on the walls of your home. The dark spots usually appear within 24 hours, meaning that there is recent water damage. The location of the water spots does not mean that it is the location of the leak. You may need a professional to find the origin point.

3. Bubble Walls

Paint bubbling on your walls is another sign of water damage. When plaster or drywall experiences water damage, eventually, it will saturate the paint, causing the paint to stretch to hold the water before bursting. While it might be tempting to pop bubbles you see in your paint, resist the urge. The bubbles can potentially contain large amounts of water or could have an active leak pumping water into the area.

4. What’s That Smell?

A damp, moldy, or musty smell often means there is water damage. Damp material has a very distinct smell, making it hard to miss. Many times you will smell water damage before you can see it.

5. Cracking Walls

Drywall and plaster are common materials used to build walls and ceilings. If you notice cracks forming in your walls, you might want to call a professional to determine if water damage is causing them. Cracks in the walls can also hide toxic mold, making your family feel sick.

6. Wait? How Much Water Did We Use This Month?

Higher water bills can mean a water leak is present. Checking for sudden and seemingly unjustifiable increases in your water bill can help you determine if there is a leak in your home. An excellent way to check is to turn all the faucets and the main water supply off. Then, note the number on your water meter. Next, wait three hours and recheck the meter. If you notice a considerable increase in the water meter, you likely have a leak.

7. Soft Walls

Some walls can crack apart after and when experiencing water damage. Sometimes, they can become soft. Soft drywall or plaster can be another sign of water damage. If you press on the wall and it leaves an indentation or (worse yet) a hole, you might have water damage.

8. Unexplained Humidity

Are you noticing places in your house that are very humid or damp where they usually shouldn’t be, this can indicate a water leak. Check for wet surfaces (like walls and counters) where water normally doesn’t accumulate.

9. Running Water Inside Your Walls

You might have water damage if you hear water running even when none of the faucets are on. Try to listen closely when your house is at its quietest (usually in the evening when traffic inside and outside the home is slower). Depending on how extensive the damage is, you could hear anything from dripping to rushing water. Remember that sometimes water leaks don’t sound like what we associate in our minds with water. For example, sometimes water leaks sound like a scratching or rushing noise.

A temporary solution, if you hear running water in your walls, is to turn off the water supply. Then call a professional water restoration company immediately.

10. Mold

Found anywhere moisture and oxygen are present, mold is dangerous and toxic to your health. It can also begin as a nearly invisible brown or black spot on your walls and is one of the most unfortunate indicators of water damage. Mold is extremely hazardous to your health, and if you see visible mold, it is best to call a professional mold remediation service.

11. Health Issues

Sudden respiratory health problems can indicate the presence of mold (often caused by a water leak). Contact with mold causes various health issues, including asthma, respiratory infections, and severe allergic reactions. If you notice unexplained bouts of sickness, a continual cough, or a never-ending headache, you might want to check for water leaks.

What appears as small amounts of visible damage is usually just the tip of the water damage iceberg. If the damage is visible, that means that the majority of damage is already present deep in the structure of your home. In addition to damaging your home’s structure, water damage also causes mold to grow. Mold causes many health problems, making it important to have professional remediation to help repair the damage.

It is vitally important that you hire a professional and knowledgeable company to ensure that your home and your family are safe. Don’t wait until you see a problem to begin preventative maintenance. Identifying water damage can save you money in repairs and serious health concerns. Hopefully, you can now answer the question, “is there water damage in my home?” with confidence.

Klean-Co specializes in water damage restoration and mold remediation. We have the skilled team, tools, and knowledge to help. If you see any suspicious signs of water damage, contact us today for a free quote!

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What Does Water Seepage in New Construction Look Like?

Keep a lookout for small pools of water at the bottom of a wall or a drip line along the ceiling. This indicates that the concrete has not been properly sealed against moisture resulting in moisture seepage.

How Do You Identify Water Damage on Wood?

Water damage on a wood surface, such as a hardwood floor, often appears through staining and discoloration. In addition, it can cause the floorboards to lift and shift the nails trying to hold the boards in place.