What Does Water Damage Look Like?

Water damage has a negative effect on both your home’s structure and on the health of everyone who lives there. What does water damage look like? The dark or wet spots that most people immediately recognize as water damage are not the only signs that something is wrong. Knowing the less recognizable signs of water damage, and how to recognize water damage early allows you to make the necessary repairs before long-term damage to your home or health occurs. 

Water damage can be internal, from leaking pipes or sewer, or external, from heavy rain or poor drainage. Regardless of what creates the water damage, it is important that it is addressed promptly to minimize its impact. 

What Does Water Damage Look Like? 

Discoloration

The most universally-recognized sign of water damage are areas of darkness or moisture. Any time you see discolorations on your walls or ceilings, you should investigate further. Sometimes you will actually see drops of water on the affected area, but it is just as likely you will look up one day and notice a discolored spot that wasn’t there the day before. When you touch it, it may feel dry. This is still an indication of water damage and needs to be addressed. 

Off-Putting Smells

A damp or musty odor is another sign that your home is experiencing water damage. If you are home all of the time, you may not notice this smell, which can be subtle. It is more likely that you will notice the odor after being out of the house for a while and returning. Others may notice the smell when visiting. If a visitor mentions an odor, take them seriously. It is easy to become “nose-blind” to the scents in our own homes. Someone else may pick up an odor before visible signs of water damage occur. 

Flaking or Bubbling Paint

Changes to the texture of paint on your ceiling or walls may indicate water damage. Even if there are no noticeable changes to the color of the paint in the area, it is important to investigate if you notice chipping, flaking, or bubbles developing in the paint. This is often an early sign of water damage.

Different Sounds Behind the Walls or Ceiling

Hearing plumbing noises is normal, but if you notice changes in the sounds, it may indicate a leak. It is helpful to become familiar with the sounds your house makes when it is functioning properly. If it is normal, for example, to hear water rushing or dripping in the kitchen when someone is showering upstairs, you won’t be alarmed when you hear it. However, quickly recognizing if it is a new sound is important, and can save your home from expensive water damage by having the problem addressed before water leaks through the ceiling or walls. 

Unidentified Puddles

It should go without saying that any water puddle you notice in your home should be traced to the source. Wipe the water up and try to determine where it is coming from. Seeing how quickly a new puddle forms after you clean it up can give you an idea of the severity of the problem. 

Changes in Your Water Bill

Sometimes the first indication you have that you have a leak is an increase in your water bill. If you notice a spike in water usage, track down the issue. Your first step may be to contact your utility company to make sure there is no error. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, it is time to start looking for a leak. 

Why Recognizing Water Damage is Important

Water is damaging to both structures and health. When water damage goes unaddressed, it can lead to mold growth. You are probably familiar with how quickly mod growth occurs. Think of leaving a damp towel lying around. Now imagine that moisture behind your walls and ceiling. 

Mold is a common allergen. When mold growth occurs in the home it is common for the residents to develop eye, nose, throat, and even skin irritation. For those with asthma, mold can trigger an attack. 

The damage mold does to structures is just as bad. Left in place, mold will spread, eating away at the drywall, ceiling tiles, and even studs and joists. As mold spreads and weakens the structure, ceilings, walls, and floors can collapse. 

Water damage can also lead to electrical issues in your home. Depending on the location of the water leak and your electrical wiring, you may experience electrical shorts or worse. 

The Importance of Using an Expert for Water Damage Repair

Once you know what water damage looks like, you may be eager to make the necessary repairs. Some people attempt this on their own, hoping to save money. The reality is that water damage requires expert cleanup to ensure the safety of your home and its residents. 

Using an expert for mold remediation ensures that every spore is removed. The mold that is not properly cleaned up will come back and continue to spread, even after the water leak is repaired. Professionals are also trained in removing the affected building materials safely, protecting their health, and preventing the spread of mold spores in the air. 

Remediation experts are also trained to notice signs of hidden moisture. Perhaps you had a leak repaired and just want to return the ceiling or wall to its original condition. Just because the leak is repaired does not mean the area is dry. An expert will notice the subtle signs of hidden moisture, which, if left unaddressed, will ruin your repair work. 

If you have wondered, what does water damage look like, now you will hopefully recognize the signs. If you are still unsure or ready to make needed repairs, call PuroClean Certified Restoration Specialists.