Water Damage Restoration: Hidden Signs Of Water Damage

Walking into your basement in Henderson and seeing water is an obvious sign of a flood. When you can actually see water pooling in places it should not be, you know that there is water damage. But, did you know that water damage could happen without us even knowing?

Water Damage Restoration In Henderson

Here are some signs of hidden water damage that you should be aware of in your own home in order to lessen the costs of water damage restoration:

• Musty odors

A musty odor or moldy smell is a common sign that there is water damage. The smell is often strongest in the area where the water damage initially occurred, but can easily spread throughout the home. Musty smells typically mean there is mold growth present, and mold is very dangerous. If you notice a new smell, or the smell becomes stronger, do not wait to get it checked. 

• Visible mold growth

If you can see mold growth, then there is absolutely water where it should not be. Mold thrives where there is a consistent source of moisture, so areas that remain damp for extended periods of time will begin to grow mold. Mold may appear black, blue, green, or gray, and often looks fuzzy. Mold often grows in places we cannot see (which is why hidden water damage is so important to find), and can be found in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements, along floorboards, in attics, really anywhere. Mold poses serious health threats if inhaled or ingested, and should be handled immediately by trained water damage restoration professionals. 

• Dark or discolored spots on the walls or ceiling

Stains and discoloration are also signs of potential water damage. Most water stains will appear as a yellowish-brown color, and will expand into shapes with irregular borders. Typically, water stains on the walls and ceiling indicate a slow and consistent leak, and can typically be traced to a plumbing fixture or pipe. If you noticed discolored spots in your home, get them checked for water damage.

• Changes to flooring, ceilings, or walls

There are many different things to look for in the walls, floors, and ceilings of our homes when inspecting for water damage. Here are some of the most obvious signs of hidden damage from our water damage restoration experts:

• • Warping walls
  • Peeling paint of wallpaper
  • Bubbling in walls and ceiling
  • Wet spots in carpet
  • Peeling tile
  • Cracked grout lines
  • Warping floorboards
  • Buckling in floors

Look for any changes in your walls, floors, and ceilings, and be sure to get any suspicious or changing areas checked for hidden water damage.

• Sudden increase in water bill or water usage

A sudden, unexplained increase in your water usage or water bill could be another sign of hidden water damage. Review your bill every month in comparison with prior bills.  There will be some months where water usage increases (for example, you will probably water your lawn more in the summer, and not need to in the winter). However, a sudden spike could mean there is a bigger issue. Make sure that appliances that use water are not running water when they are not in use, and check visible pipes for any possible leaks. If there is a sudden increase in your water usage that you cannot explain, look for the above signs for hidden water damage.

If you do happen to find any of the above signs of water damage in your home, do not hesitate to call the water damage restoration experts at ERX. With the proper training, experience, and equipment, we will be able to find the source of the water, get it stopped, and complete the water damage restoration process for your home..