Troubleshooting Water Damage in a Home

Water damage is a severe hazard and a big headache for homeowners. It can cause extensive structural problems for the property and belongings, which cost a lot to repair and pose a severe health risk to the family. 

Unfortunately, homeowners do not realize they have trouble brewing until it is too late. Significant water damage is avoidable if issues are identified and repaired on time. Many do not know about the signs of water damage, while others often overlook the visible symptoms, costing them a lot of money and effort down the road. 

The key to efficiently handling water damage is to stay proactive and keep an eye out for the following signs:

Stains or dark spots on the wall or ceiling

Water and excess humidity can lead to discoloration, white-chalky stains, yellow-brown patches, wet spots on the ceiling, interior and exterior walls, and inside cabinets. It can also cause the paint, wallpaper, or drywall to swell, peel, crack, flake, curl, warp, or bubble. These signs are easy to spot, and the homeowner should regularly inspect the home for these visible symptoms of water damage.

Water puddles

Another tell-tale sign of water damage is spotting standing water anywhere in the home's interior and exterior. If water accumulates or pools even after wiping the puddle, it indicates a leak or seepage. 

A persistent musty odor

A pungent damp, musty odor in some areas of the house is a clear indicator of water damage. An excessive humid environment is conducive for mold, bacteria, and rot, which causes these earthy smells. The issue usually occurs due to a leak or standing water inside a wall or under the flooring. 

Visible mold growth

Mold can grow on any wet home surface, even inside walls or under the carpet. It can range in color from black, green, and grey to blue and white. Noticing mold in any home area is always a clear sign of water damage. It is more common in areas with high water use like kitchen, bathroom, basement, and laundry room.

Damaged flooring

An expanding, warping, or sagging wooden flooring, loose tiles, wet and soggy carpets can indicate water seeping into the flooring and moving to the subflooring. It is an often-overlooked sign, and by the time homeowners realize, the damage is already extensive. It is best to inspect the flooring regularly if there is a moisture problem in the house.

Sound of running or dripping water

Not all signs of water damage are visible. An apparent and early indicator of water damage is hearing faint sounds of dripping, flowing water, or creaky floors. It indicates a leak somewhere. Never ignore this warning sign, as it can worsen and cause severe damage over time.

High water bills

Water damage is not always apparent. A sudden, inexplicable spike in the water bill can indicate a hidden leak. Check the plumbing for leaks and other issues or call a professional to inspect potential water damage.

Safeguard the plumbing system

Hire a local plumber to perform restoration services if there is any evidence of water damage in the home. Professionals can detect and repair the problem quickly to prevent the issue from worsening and avoid further damage. 

No Worries Rooter of Gilbert offers residential and commercial drain cleaning, leak detection and repair. We recommend Bio-Green drain care for customers who have slow drains caused by buildup in their pipes. Call us at (480) 405-4497.