Around 90% of American homeowners say that it’s necessary to get a home inspection done before moving in as per a recent survey. That’s because they can analyze the property’s worth and also damages taxed on it.
One of the major damages that go unnoticed is water damage in walls. You all know how water does significant damage to buildings. However, most people don’t know what’s going on before it’s too late and the damage has been too extensive.
That’s why early identification of a leaky pipe is really critical. Most times, water damage persists for years without any noticeable symptoms. It is a big threat that occurs much more frequently than you would know.
It can happen to any building, old or new, at any moment, and can lead to several different issues. Thus, leaving the owners in a mess. Not only is your property vulnerable to structural damage, but mold will make its presence known if water damage occurs.
Any form of mold can cause health problems, both major and minor. Therefore, it’s best not to delay remediation and resolve the situation until it gets too serious.
Delaying maintenance can end up costing a lot of money and can also be detrimental to your health.
But the question that comes to mind is how to identify these situations? To help you understand it better, here are the top 10 signs that indicate water damage in walls.
Learn How to Spot Subtle Signs of Water Damage in Walls
1. Stale Smell
If you smell wet cardboard or paper at your home, then it indicates a sign of water damage. Usually, water leaks produce a distinct musty smell. This is because the leaked water is soaked into pore-containing materials such as drywall, wood, sheetrock, and insulation.
Plus, unseen moisture is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you detect an odd smell, check that area thoroughly to locate the place from where it is arising. Some of the common places you find mold-infested walls are in bathrooms, kitchens, attic, and basements.
While older homes also smell a lot, particularly in attics and basements. The changing of smell abruptly is a bad sign in newer homes since they are supposed to be odor-free. So take a closer look at it to see if there are any signs of water loss, such as stains or mold. That way you can identify water damage quickly.
2. Discoloration
Watermarks are quite telling. As mentioned above after water gets absorbed by wood or drywall it does leave smell and stains behind. As well as significant water damage to drywall is visible. If you observe yellow or light brown lines on your ceilings or walls, that indicates signs of water damage in ceilings or walls.
If it’s inside your house, the discoloration is mainly due to a leaky pipe or roof. Similarly, if it’s at the exterior of your house, it may be because of an overflowing gutter that creates distinctive watermarks. They are mostly found in kitchens, basements, or other spaces with a heavy flow of water or a wider plumbing area.
3. Increasing Water Bills
Has your water bill unexpectedly spiked? This could be a sign of hidden water leaks. Check the plumbing properly to find any faults in them. Fix them, if you find any.
4. Cold Temperatures
Water damages make it difficult to keep your home warm. If your heater usage has increased it may be due to damped walls. Moisture drains heat from walls when it evaporates, causing adverse damage to the thermal envelope at home. This results in cooler temperatures at home.
5. Strange Sounds
Oftentimes, you cannot see water damages but you can hear it! Drips, crevices in the floorboards, and the sound of running water indicate that you need repairs. What’s tricky is that they sound like a machine. Even so, a few drips lead to holes in your concrete floor, damaging the stability of your whole house.
6. Changes in Structures
The saturation of water behind walls causes the deformation of floorboards and water damaged ceilings. Check these changes as soon as possible before they do significant harm to the house. Water damage further exists if the wall or paint on your ceiling begins to crack, bubble, or flake.
7. Pooling Water
Persistent drips or leakages lead to pools of water. If water puddles come back once you have cleaned them, then you surely need to check for leaks.
8. Worn-out Pipes
An unnoticed leaking pipe is one of the most frequent reasons for water damage. When your toilet or drain is blocked there is a lot of pressure on the pipes which gradually starts leaking. Know that pipes at home are already used and rusty and are more likely to burst.
9. HVAC and Appliance Issues
Aged appliances tend to rust and cracks. Appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, water heaters. and washing machines cause problems. Hence, the older the product the more you should monitor it. Washing machines and heaters are more likely to inflict water damages on the wall than other devices.
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning units require routine maintenance to prevent the build-up of wetness and moisture. Heating and air conditioning systems usually work with the aid of water pipes. But if any problem exists, you will need to call the nearest HVAC repair firm to address the problems.
10. Plumbing Issues
Pipes tend to last throughout the lifetime of the house. But faucets, connectors, etc., happen to rust and wear out over time. Check the drains, pumps, and faucets that are noticeable for any leaks. For pipes that are not noticeable, you can identify issues by listening to the movement of water.
Inspect the areas under the sinks and near the toilets to ensure that the linking pipes are in good condition. Since water damage behind a wall is a matter that demands urgent attention, let the experts handle it. Addressing the secret water leak by yourself leads to more disastrous results.
Identifying Water Damage In Walls: A Piece Of Cake
Hidden water leaks can cause severe damages to your home walls that require your immediate attention. The later you address this issue, the more damage it can cause. In turn, you will have to spend more money, time, and effort.
The above-mentioned signs will help you discover the location of your leaks before they can cause any sort of damages. Thus, you can overcome the problem faster.
Also Read: Water Damage Restoration Marketing Strategy To Get Success
Call The Pros!
Contact a water damage restoration specialist so that work will be completed quickly. Plus, they can handle the required maintenance and restoration process. Best opt for companies offering both water damage restoration and mold remediation services. Lastly, search your home from time to time for signs of water leaks to keep your home in tip-top condition.
