Water damage is a regrettable occurrence in any home. It can be difficult to detect, but there are signs that you can look out for. Stains and slight color discolorations on the wall, floor, or ceiling for no apparent reason are likely due to an undetected water leak. Use a flashlight to inspect pipes under sinks and behind toilets.
Often, hidden water damage in these areas shows up as corrosion around loose connections. The slightest leak can ruin surrounding materials and increase the water bill. Stains are the most common signs of water damage to the roof and are often caused by a clogged air conditioning drip tray or by a leak in a pipe in the attic. You want the peace of mind of knowing how to detect water damage when it's not obvious.
If you notice an increase in your water bill and nothing has changed in the family routine, there could be a water leak. Over time, water can cause serious structural damage, leading to unsafe living conditions and a costly home renovation project. Other signs of water damage include damp or dark spots, cracked, bubbling, peeling, musty, mildew, or musty smells. A hidden water leak in a basement, slow leaks in roofs, and even a leaking faucet can damage a building over time. Not only is your home susceptible to structural damage, but mold can begin to grow rapidly if there has been water damage. We'll be on the lookout for watermarks and water leaks when we conduct home inspections in McDonough, Georgia.
Professional restoration companies have the training, resources and experience to mediate and repair water problems quickly, efficiently and safely. When your homeowner's intuition starts to sound the alarm, start looking for these ten early signs of water damage:
- Stains on walls or ceilings
- Slight color discolorations
- Corrosion around loose connections
- Increased water bill
- Damp or dark spots
- Cracked walls or ceilings
- Bubbling paint or wallpaper
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Musty smells
- Mildew smells
