How to Identify Water Damage in Your Home

Water damage is a serious problem that will only continue to become more extensive if left unaddressed. Many homeowners understand that addressing water damage as early as possible is essential for preventing further, more costly damage to their home—things like hazardous mold growth or a crumbling foundation. However, addressing these issues early requires knowing how to identify the early signs of water damage in your home. While an active leak in your basement may be a more obvious sign, there are other things you can look out for as well that may be early indicators of water damage. Here are some things to look out for that can help you identify water damage in your home.

Active Leaks and Puddles of Water

The most obvious sign of water damage is a leak inside your home. While you may not see the leak actively dripping, a pool of water that forms below the leak may indicate the water damage as well. If you’ve noticed a puddle of water in your basement, crawlspace, or anywhere else in your home, dry the area thoroughly. If the water comes back, this is a clear indicator of a leak.

Discoloration, Bubbling, or Cracking Walls

A leak won’t always occur inside your home in a place where you can see it. Water damage can also occur if there’s a leak behind one of your walls. This may result in the area of the wall or ceiling becoming dark or wet over time. The visible surface of the wall may also become discolored or bubble due to the moisture beneath the surface. The paint on your ceilings or walls may also crack or flake as the water damage continues.

Water Bills That Are Higher Than Normal

It pays to keep an eye on your monthly water bill. This can be an indirect indicator of a water issue in your home that would otherwise go unnoticed. Even if there are no visible signs of water damage throughout your entire home, a higher-than-average water bill may indicate there’s a leak somewhere that can’t be seen. You’ll need to have an idea of what your typical water bill looks like to determine if water usage is going up without any significant changes in your lifestyle.

Moldy or Musty Smells

You’re probably familiar with the smell of a wet basement. It has a distinctive moldy or musty smell that no amount of sanitizer can eliminate. Mold is a common occurrence in wet conditions, and water damage inside your home is likely to contribute to mold growth.

The Bottom Line

Not all indicators of water damage are immediately obvious, but knowing what to look for is a step in the right direction. All of the issues above can be signs of water damage or mold growth in your home, and the sooner they can be addressed, the better off you’ll be.

If you have concerns about water damage in your home, it’s best to contact the professionals. At Pure Service Pro, we use specialized equipment to help detect water damage and related issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Contact us today to request our services if you’re concerned about existing water damage in your home.