Water damage in homes occurs when there’s a significant leak in your plumbing system or a leak in the roof or walls. Both can be bothering, and if not repaired on time, they can cause severe structural damage to your home. Often, these issues are hidden under the wall, so how do you spot them? By looking out for these water damage signs in your house.
1) Dampness and Musty Odour
If you notice dampness or humidity in your house, and your thermostat and HVAC system are working fine, it is likely due to water damage. The water may seep into your walls or ceiling and cause humidity fluctuations, and sometimes, odour.
If the musty odour is strong, it is a strong sign that there is either mould growth (as discussed below) or a leak in your sewer drains. Both can be damaging to your house.
2) Cracking or Flaking of the Paint
Nowadays, wall paints are designed to withstand a variety of conditions and household chores. In fact, many are designed so that they can be cleaned using soap and water to remove stains. That is a great benefit, but the same water resistance can be damaging. Here’s how.
The water leaking within the wall tries to find its way to the surface, but the paint may restrict its flow. This causes cracking, flaking, or bubbling of the paint. If you notice a portion of a wall that looks raised compared to the rest of the wall, it is likely due to water damage.
3) Pooling or Flooding
Another sign is that the water may start collecting near the base of your home’s walls, causing pooling or flooding in the basement. Pooling is caused in minor water damage in homes where water drips, but flooding is severe, comparatively. It can not only ruin your flooring but it can also be expensive to repair. Always look out for pooling in your house, especially near the bathroom and sink, and in the basements as they are more prone to water pooling.
4) Running Water Sounds
Sometimes, there may be water damage in the walls, but you may not see any physical signs. This is because the water may be dripping down the gaps. If you hear water dripping sounds but can’t find the source, don’t chalk it up to the water sounds from within the pipes. That is a possibility, but most probably, the cause is a leak.
5) Mould Growth
It is the worst sign of water damage, and it can occur within 24-48 hours of water damage in homes. You will notice mould growths on kitchen and bathroom walls, near the ceiling, and around the connection of the flooring and walls. What makes it worse is that it can be difficult to get rid of, and it can cause severe health conditions like wheezing, red or itchy eyes or skin, allergic reactions, and even asthma or upper respiratory tract syndrome.
If you notice any of these water damage signs, it is crucial that you repair the cause of the water damage immediately. The water damage itself cannot be restored using DIY methods. In that case, Nationwide Restorations can help you. Our water mitigation and restoration services are the best in the industry, and we cater to your needs 24/7, just give us a call at 1844-364-9433.