A lot of instances of water damage are evident. If you’ve experienced damage from floods, you’ve had a burst pipe, or any utility damage, there will most likely be obvious signs that your house needs water restoration services. This can include water covering the floor, rotting walls and perhaps even collapsing walls, ceilings and floors.
However, if you experience a minor internal leak, the signs may not be that obvious. Thankfully, there are certain signs of water damage that you can look out for, and this article will cover five of them.
#1: Mold
If the inside of your walls or ceilings are damp, mold will grow over time. It may be subtle, but it’s important to look out for.
However, mold is not a direct sign of a leak, it may just be the product of a high moisture level in the air. Dehumidifiers are worth purchasing if the moisture level in your house is high in order to prevent mold from growing. This can be particularly useful for those who live in older houses, where dampness is more likely.
If you do discover mold around your house, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible. If the mold is mild, there are ways in which you can remove it yourself. This involves cleaning the surface thoroughly, allowing it to dry completely and then sanitizing the area. Make sure to research this in detail before you try this yourself.
#2: Damp Smells
Musty smells will most likely accompany mold, but these smells can be sign of dampness even without any noticeable mold. You may find that damp smells are more noticeable in dark rooms that struggle with air circulation.
If you notice rooms in your house beginning to smell damp, do not just cover it with air freshener. You will need to find the damp source and dry it out before it causes further issues.
#3: Uneven Wall, Floor, or Ceiling Surfaces
Water can cause materials to warp and expand. This should be visible and may cause your walls to deform. This could trigger large bumps in your walls or could even cause the corners to deteriorate.
The water can also cause adhesive to weaken, so watch out for paint and wallpaper coming loose, bubbles in the paint or cracks in your drywall. If this happens, do not attempt to stick it back to the wall or paint over it. If you can find the source yourself and it is mild enough to deal with it at home, then please follow reliable instructions and carefully manage it yourself.
If you cannot find the damp source or it is too severe for you to deal with yourself, call for professional help. Experts have access to moisture measuring devices, which can source the issue directly and they have other professional equipment that can help with water restoration.
#4: Discoloration or Stains
If you notice stains begin to form on your walls or ceilings, it’s most likely a sign of internal water damage. If your walls are white, the stains may be yellow or brown and you might even notice that the stains have a dripping shape.
If the discoloration is upstairs or in your loft, it could be a sign of a leaking roof, if they’re downstairs, particularly in bathrooms or near sinks, it’s probably the result of leaky pipes.
Please do not try to fix discoloration or stains yourself and definitely do not paint over them. If water has made its way through the drywall and onto the wall’s surface you will need to seek professional help.
#5: An Increase in Water Bills
Although it is normal for utility bills to increase around winter if you notice any sudden upsurges in your bills, particularly your water bills, it may be a sign that you have a leak somewhere.
It’s important to keep an eye on your monthly expenditures and become acquainted with the usual annual patterns, this way any jumps will be obvious and you’re more likely to find the leak before it causes major damage.
