Your house or the place you live in is one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime. To protect your investment, you should regularly inspect the property for anything that needs attention and repairs before they get worse.
One dreaded household problem is water damage. It can be costly and time-consuming to repair if you don’t address the issue early on. To help you keep expenses down, our experts at Water Damage Brandon have compiled a list of telltale signs you should look out for to identify water damage in your place.
Musty Odor
A house that feels unreasonably damp and humid, as well as smells musty indoors most probably has water damage. This is because the humidity level and dampness encourage mold growth, which in turn causes the odor. You’ll find this indicator in places that have water pipes running through it, such as the bathroom or under the kitchen sink.
The “musty odor” caused by water damage is similar to the smell of wet cardboard boxes or paper. So, you’ll notice this smell in old houses, too, especially in the basement or attic.
Appearance of Mold
Mold in ceilings and walls is more often than not a sign of water damage, and it would have spread from a certain point. This epicenter is where your water damage is, or at least where it started. You’ll usually see this sign near kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms — areas in your house that also sees a lot of water usage. After all, mold thrives in moist surfaces.
Note: be sure to call in experts when you spot mold growth at home! You aren’t just dealing with property damage. Mold can also affect people’s health, so it’s in your best interest to address this quickly.
Changes in the Appearance of Flooring, Walls, and Ceiling
Wet flooring is a sign of water damage that can be easily overlooked in the less-used room corners. These areas can house mold and cause irreversible damage to sub-flooring if left unattended for a long time.
Dry walls or ceilings bubbling or flaking are more signs of water damage. Your walls and ceilings can also swell or bloat and be malleable to the touch. In a similar vein, water rings on your walls or ceiling can be a sign of a pipe leak.
Outdated Water Supply System
An outdated water supply system doesn’t immediately mean that your home has water damage, but it certainly makes the property more susceptible. So, keep an eye for the signs we’ve already mentioned.
Better yet, have an expert inspect your home regularly. We recommend that you have your water supply system checked every year. You might also need to schedule checkups and maintenance for appliances, such as air conditioning and furnaces.
Additionally, cut off the source of your older water supply when you are out of town for long periods.
High Utility Bill
It is not always easy to spot the signs of water damage, particularly in big houses with several attics. In situations like this, a surge in your utility bill could be a good indicator of water damage.
Restore Your Damaged Properties with Water Damage Brandon
Water Damage Brandon is a Florida-based company that offers fire, mold, and water damage restoration services for residential and commercial properties. We also provide emergency restoration services, sewage system cleanup, and more. You can trust our licensed professionals to address your problems quickly and effectively.
Reach out to us today to speak with one of our experts.
