One of the biggest hassles and headaches a homeowner has to deal with is water damage. Water damage can wreak havoc on your house and can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Catching it early and finding the root of the issue is imperative. However, knowing what to look for can be tricky. Today we’re talking about things to look out for when identifying water damage.
Read more about five signs your home has water damage below.
Musty Smell
A dead giveaway that your home might have water damage is a musty, moldy, or mildewy smell. After a considerable amount of time, wet or damp areas will begin to stink. You know that smell your clothes get when you forget to move them from the washer to the dryer? Or when your kid forgets to hang up their wet towel, and you pick it up a few days later? Yes, that’s the smell we’re talking about. Unfortunately, this smell is often accompanied by mold and water damage.
Old Plumbing and Appliances
Outdated plumbing and appliances are not necessarily signs of water damage; but, they often go hand in hand. Old pipes, connections, faucets, and appliances that have rusted out or burst can be a significant cause of water damage. Make sure to inspect your water supply system at least once yearly, and keep to a regular maintenance schedule for your appliances.
Higher Than Normal Water Bill
Because water damage is not always visible, you sometimes have to look out for other signs of potential issues. Is there a sudden and unexplainable spike in your water bill? A higher than usual utility bill could be a sign of a leak which can quickly lead to water damage.
Discoloration or Stains on Ceiling or Walls
Other times, water damage is totally apparent. Discolored ceilings or walls are a clear and obvious sign of water damage. Keep your eyes open for wet or dark spots on your ceiling and walls, especially a few days after a substantial rain or snowstorm, once it has had time to dry.
Bubbling, Cracking, or Flaking Paint and Drywall
You may notice bubbling, cracking, or flaking paint or drywall in the same areas in addition to discolored and stained walls and ceilings. Or it may not have any discoloration at all. You may notice a portion of your ceiling is beginning to sag, much like a water balloon. This is likely caused by a constant leak or another plumbing issue. On top of fixing the leak, you’ll need to replace the drywall and paint, too.
Contact Rapid Response Restoration
If you find water damage in your home, it is crucial to handle the issue right away. The experienced team at Rapid Response Restoration is available 24/7 to help you in your time of need. Our specialists provide emergency repair services in the event of water and flood damage, fire and smoke damage, mold remediation, and more in the Utah County area. Contact your local remediation experts at Rapid Response Restoration today.
