Subtle Signs of Water Damage

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes water damage and its source are easy to identify. For example, when a pipe bursts or a major storm causes flooding. Sometimes the problem can be more subtle, which can lead to more damage over the long-term if you don’t recognize a problem before it becomes a potential disaster.  

If you’re concerned there may be a water problem in your home or business, here are five common, but not-so-obvious signs to look out for.

Water Stains

If you see pale yellow or brown stains on your ceilings, wall, or floors, that may indicate the presence of a slow, but steady leak.

Many times, water stains will form directly under the water source. However, sometimes water will run along wire, pipes, or other materials and then the drip can cause stains far from the source. Make sure you figure out the cause of the water damage you see.

Mold Growth

Mold grows where there is sufficient wetness for it to thrive, so if you have a mold problem, there’s a water problem.

Sometimes materials in your home will become mold-infested if they’ve become wet and have never been able to dry sufficiently.  This can happen to fabric, wood, insulation, and perhaps even your floors, ceilings, or walls.

Odors

A musty smell can be one of the first signs of a water problem, even if you can’t yet see any leaks.

Be on the lookout (or smellout) for any sudden changes in odor.  Take note if it gets worse after a rainstorm or while you’re taking a shower or running the dishwasher.

Weak Wall, Floors, or Ceilings

Water will weaken your building materials. You might notice that your walls are becoming softer or “spongy,” your floors might be bowing, there may be a crack in your ceiling or a bubble in your paint or wall paper.

A sudden large leak might cause a major, obvious problem, but if the leak is slow these issues might come on gradually over weeks or months.  The sooner you notice, the sooner you can address the root cause.

Higher Utility Bills

If you have a sudden and unexpected surge in your utility bill, that might be an indication of a water problem.

While slight fluctuations month to month are normal, be on the lookout for a sudden rise in the water bill, especially if there’s no corresponding increase in your sewer rates.  If there isn’t a reason you can think of why your water bill might be high this month, it may be that there’s a water damage issue.

Here at SERVPRO of Pike / NE Monroe Counties, we know just how disastrous water damage can be to a home or business.  That’s why we’re passionate about helping the people in this community do what they can to prevent water damage before it becomes a major issue.

However, if you have water damage SERVPRO can help you identify and address the source of the problem and ensure that it won’t turn into an expensive catastrophe for your home or business.

--Michael Smitchel