Home maintenance – Signs of water damage to look for

19 Jan, 2021

Home maintenance – Signs of water damage to look for

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As a home owner you will be aware of the challenges of managing water flow and plumbing. Signs of water damage can be subtle and sometimes more dramatic. But what should you look for when you are checking your property? Here are some of the common signs of the damage from leaking water most common in domestic environments to look out for.

Home repairs and maintenance — Signs of water damage to look for

water damage
Look for regular drips in an unexpected spot

Although signs of water damage are easy to spot, many ignore them thinking they won’t cause too much of a problem. However, if you don’t find the source of the damage soon, it may end up causing you a lot of stress.

That’s why you should hire an experienced company offering water damage restoration in Rochester MN, or wherever you are, as soon as you notice signs of damage to your home.

 Firstly make sure you are in regular contact with a plumbing business that has fixed hundreds of leaks and other water issues. Then it is important to know what to look for so that the issue doesn’t go unnoticed. A plumber can help to fix it, while you move quickly to acknowledge that there is an issue that needs attention.

What are the signs of damage?

Here are some of the common signs of damage from water that are most common in domestic environments to look out for.

Early signs of  moisture and damage

As a homeowner you know the challenges of managing water flow and plumbing. Noticing early signs of water damage can make the difference between catching any damage early or too late to incur serious costs. So what should you look for when you are checking your property?

Signs of a water leak

If you want to prevent any damage inside walls and ceilings, the best thing you can do is catch the early signs of a water leak. There are a few signs you should pay attention to.

Where’s the drip?

First, you should look out for the sounds of running or dripping water. If you hear the subtle hiss of running water when the house is quiet, you likely have a leak somewhere in your home.

Pools of water

Second, look for pools of water without an apparent source. If you notice puddles in your home, that can be one of the early signs of damage on a ceiling. Reacting early to this sign can help to mitigate water damage.

Signs of unwanted water in walls

If you’re worried about water damaging your walls, here’s what you should look out for. Firstly, you’ll be able to notice yellow staining on your walls. Secondly, parts of your wall will likely start to peel off.

Lastly, if your walls have been affected by water for a while, mould will start forming on your walls. It will likely appear around the discoloured area and spread from there.

water damage
Signs of staining in the ceiling are a giveaway for water damage

Why You Should Repair Water Damaged Drywall As Soon As Possible

If you notice signs of damage from water on your drywall, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. Drywall is porous, so it will absorb water. Over time the wall will grow heavy and pull from the nails that are holding it in place. Additionally, the wet drywall will attract mould, which will spread and further damage the wall.

Hiring professionals

Although you can repair the drywall water damage yourself, it’s better to call professionals to evaluate the situation. A specialist restoration company with a focus on water damage clean up will be able to fix all the damage. They will also find the source of the water leak, making sure you won’t have to deal with the problem again.

Signs of water leakage on ceilings

Unlike the water damage on walls, ceiling damage from moisture is fairly easy to spot. While the damage on walls can be hidden behind furniture, your ceiling is fully exposed, and the damage is likely to occur in a visible place. The signs you should look out for are yellow, copper, or brown discoloration and cracking and peeling of the ceiling paint.

Notice mould or the musty smell

Additionally, you’ll be able to notice mould or a musty odour after a while. If your ceilings are made out of drywall, another thing to be cautious of is the ceiling bulging. If you don’t fix the water issue in time, it may even lead to a part of your ceiling collapsing.

Furthermore, it can lead to water running down the wall from the ceiling, further damaging your home.

A dripping vent is a worry and will cause damage

Why Is Water Coming Out of My Ceiling Vent?

If you’ve noticed evidence of water around your ceiling vent, or you’ve heard water dripping from your vent, here’s what you should pay attention to. Firstly, look at whether your air ducts are insulated. Uninsulated ducts can lead to condensation, which will damage your walls over time.

Check air ducts and drain lines

Alternatively, a clogged condensate drain line can also lead to damage from moisture. If you notice water dripping from the inside of your ceiling vent, take a look at your condenser unit. If the drip pan is full, you’re probably dealing with a clogged condensate drain line.

Damaged Ceiling Repair Cost

Any repairs will cost you about $45 to $55 per square foot. If the damage is on your ceiling, it may end up costing you more. That’s because the labor needed to fix the damage is slightly harder.

Signs of Damage from Moisture Under the Floor

If you don’t find the source of the water as soon as possible, it can end up ruining your floors. Since the water from your walls and ceilings inevitably ends up on your floor due to gravity, flooring will likely take the most damage if you neglect water damage.

Stains are signs of flooring damage

The most common signs of flooring damage are brown or grey stains on wooden floors. If your floors are laminate or wooden, you should also look for warped or expanded floorboards. Additionally, your floor tiles can end up cracking or sinking into the subflooring.

Managing signs of damage – Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs of water invasion to your home, call a professional like waterdamagerestorationkings.com immediately.

Don’t delay contacting a moisture damage restoration company, as the problems are likely to worsen. Furthermore, you’ll likely pay less if you contact them immediately. The water damage clean-up will be easier to repair, therefore taking up less time and resources.

To ensure an effective and timely response to water damage issues, consider utilizing a reliable water monitoring system like Bluebot that can provide early detection and help you prevent extensive damage to your property.

FURTHER READING ON HOME MAINTENANCE BLOGS

Top tips for managing home maintenance

Home maintenance – How to fix hidden problems

Roof maintenance – Essential for every homeowner’s peace of mind

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LamiaW

LamiaW

Founder and Director of HouseSitMatch - I'm a hands-on Admin on the site. Please ask any questions and as soon as I can I'll happily answer and assist where I can.

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