8 Common Signs of Water Damage

After a severe storm your home may begin to display signs of water damage. Here’s what to look out for.

As a homeowner, are you aware of the potential damages your home could face in the event of a large storm? Do you know how to spot the signs of water damage? Some signs are obvious while others are not. It’s beneficial to you and your family to learn them all. Early detection is one of the best ways to fight the negative effects of excess water.

It’s worth your attention. 500,000 Texas homes were at risk of damage from storm surges during hurricane season. The most endangered areas are home to almost 7 million people! Was your home affected by this devastating prediction? Keep reading to learn more about how to spot the symptoms of water damage.

1. Obvious Discoloration 

This usually occurs on your ceilings but could be anywhere in your home. It could be on walls that are near pipes or on the floor. Wherever it is, this is one sign that points to water damage.

The stains tend to be darker than the original color. Dark browns, dark yellows, oranges, and greens are common. As water evaporates, minerals and salt left behind turn into unsightly discoloration.

2. A Strange and New Odor 

Have you ever left laundry in the washing machine too long after the cycle was over? Rather than smelling fresh detergent when you open the lid, you’re greeted with a strange musk. This odor is what happens when moisture has a chance to sit and cultivate. This is an ideal breeding ground for mold.

Humidity and the presence of water are perfect growing conditions for this bacteria, and unfortunately the smell can linger. Without removing the excess water and the presence of mold, the smell will stay.

3. Warped Flooring

This is a sign that you’ll be able to see and feel. Wet subfloors will cause your flooring to start warping. Depending on the material of your floor, this can present itself in many ways. 

Some floors begin to break away from the foundation and expand. Some floors become soggy and begin sinking. Others buckle, cup or start to rise up like a tent. Are you walking on uneven ground? Assume that the layers beneath your floor are harboring moisture. Early detection and treatment may save your floors.

4. Peeling or Bubbling Walls 

This is akin to warped flooring, but on your walls. Walls with moisture or mold can begin to bubble and peel. The walls themselves will be soft and discolored. 

This is a dangerous discovery. Excess moisture in your walls is an obvious sign of a water damage problem in your home. This means the walls will no longer be sturdy and can cause baseboards to break and paint to be damaged. When water damage appears on your walls, this means the leak has managed to remain out of sight for awhile until this point. By the time you can see the signs, the damage is there.

5. Standing Water, Puddles, Etc.

Does your washing machine, fridge, water heater, or other appliance have a leak? If so, you’ll probably notice a puddle of water beneath them. If your pipes have suffered damage, you may be able to see standing water collecting in your home.

Don’t forget to check your crawlspace, either. This small area allows you access to the pipes and wires that run through your home. If there is standing water in this area, you may have water damage in your home.

6. Mold Growth

According to the CDC, mold grows where there is moisture. Not all mold is bad — and in fact, it’s pretty common. But excess mold can be bad for your health, so don’t let it go untreated.

Exposure to damp environments can be harmful to our health. It has the potential to cause irritation in the eyes, nose, throat and skin. Damp environments indoors can lead to upper respiratory tract problems or asthma symptoms. If you see any type of mold growing in excess in your home, this is a sign of too much moisture. Try using these steps to detect places in your home that are causing this growth of mold. Simply cleaning or removing the mold without professional help won’t guarantee that it isn’t coming back.

7. A Flooding Basement

This is one of the larger symptoms of water damage. Does your home sit in an area prone to flooding? Is it equipped with gutters and downspouts that send water away from the base of the home? If not, your home may be a collection place for water.

A basement can flood for many reasons, from leaky pipes to a flooded appliance. Check the exterior of your home for any leaks, cracks, or areas where you notice water may seep in.

8. A High Water Bill

Has your water bill been more expensive in recent months? If you compare this water bill to last month’s, the price tag should be about the same, give or take a few dollars. But an excessive water bill could be the sign of leaking pipes or a broken appliance.

Do you think your water bill is higher than usual? Perform the above checks on your home to determine whether there may be water damage.

Does Your Home Have These Signs of Water Damage?

Then it may be time to consider professional restoration. The severity of the damage determines whether replacement or restoration is necessary. Often, companies will restore items if the cost to replace them is higher.

Have you spotted any of these signs of water damage? What’s the next step? Get an in-depth idea of what the restoration process entails here.