Water damage is a serious issue that can cause more problems than just property damage, wet walls, and wet floors. The real risk of moisture in your home is the potential for mold growth. Stains are an indication of a water problem and, therefore, of the possibility of mold. Unfortunately, not all water damage is visible.
It can be hidden inside walls, under floors, and on ceilings. Evidence of small, continuous leaks may not be seen until the mold has started to grow. Mold growth is a natural result of water damage. After a leak or flood, water can penetrate the floor, baseboards, furniture, and drywall. Drywall is one of the main places where water can penetrate and cause mold damage.
Water stains can be a sign of mold growth and water damage. That is, if you see water stains, you will most likely have mold on your walls. Water stains can be yellow or brown. Another indicator of mold growth is discoloration, which can appear even on freshly painted walls. It's useful to identify where the smell is coming from to detect signs of mold or water damage inside walls.
The longer you go without discovering and repairing the leak, the more damage it will cause and the more money it will cost you to restore your home. In this case, it's recommended that you call a licensed plumber or a trusted water damage restoration company to assess the damage and fix the problem before it gets out of control. Since water damage to the wall can go unnoticed before damage occurs, it's best to have an expert check your home if your water bill has increased unexpectedly. It's also a good idea to check the rest of the house for other signs of water damage to identify which areas have been affected. If you find what appears to be efflorescence in your home, you should look for signs of water damage.
If you have darker colored walls or ceilings, you can check for water damage by looking for an area that may be deformed or sunken. There is no time to waste when it comes to water damage as it can cause mold and mildew to grow and compromise the structure of a home. Drywall will show signs of water damage to the wall as it deforms, swells, or sags as it succumbs to the weight of the water it absorbs. If the walls or ceilings are white, you might notice a beige or brown stain, which is a clear indicator of water damage. If you can hear the water running when no one is showering or the dishwasher and washing machine aren't in use, you can try to determine where the sound is coming from and check for water damage to the wall to confirm it. If you don't have experience treating water leaks or if the leak is actively dripping through walls or ceilings, the best thing to do is cut off the water supply until a plumber can get to your home and find the source of the leak.
