4 Signs of Hidden Water Damage

In most cases, water damage in your home can be pretty obvious. However, it is not uncommon for water to sneak into the nooks, crannies, and other hidden spaces in your home. Hidden water can cause severe damage over time, and depending on how well it is hidden, it could be a long time before you know it’s happening.

You may have had a friend or family member who started a bathroom or kitchen renovation only to discover that there was a water leak under the vanity, behind the wall near the tub or shower, or next to the sink behind the countertops. In some cases, water damage can be severe – in other cases, the damage can be as minimal as replacing a small section of insulation or removing a small area of mold.

If you suspect that there might be hidden water somewhere in your home, look for some of the following signs to determine if something is amiss.

Drooping Walls or Ceilings

Saturated drywall or ceiling materials become very heavy from the added weight of water is soaked into the surfaces. Eventually, the drywall or ceiling will begin to buckle, droop, or become deformed by the weight. In drastic water damage situations, walls or ceilings this wet actually pose a safety hazard because they could fall or collapse.

Unusually High Water Bill

Even slow water leaks can affect your water bill. Keep an eye on your average water use and if you see an unexplained spike check your water lines for any leaks. If you have a basement or crawlspace this would be a good time to check them for flooding.

Unpleasant Odors

You may have walked into a home that has smelled or felt musty or damp. That smell and feel are signs of excess moisture in the air, which translates into a water damage issue somewhere within the property. The longer water is allowed to sit the higher the change of mold forming and spreading in the area. Mold growth creates an unpleasant odor that seems to cling to you. The longer you wait, the more damage your property will suffer, and the higher the chance of permanent damage to the areas that are affected. If is crucial that you contact a professional water damage or mold removal company to remove the mold as soon as possible. Removing mold is not as easy as spraying it with bleach and wiping it away. You cannot kill and remove mold completely without the proper gear and resources. Contacting the professionals to perform this task can guarantee the safety of you and your loved ones.

Visible mold

As you might have guessed, the mold is a good indicator that there is water damage in your home. Mold does not grow without some type of moisture. Again, it would be wise to contact a professional mold removal company as soon as you discover mold growing in your home. Not only can the professional help kill and remove the mold, they can help you determine where the excess moisture is coming from and will help clean up and repair any water damage.

Stains

Before your ceilings or walls start to droop you may start to see staining or discoloration occur. This can be one of the first indications that there is a water leak somewhere in your ceiling or behind your walls. Fun Fact: Professional water damage technicians use thermal imaging to detect hidden water damage behind walls, ceilings, and flooring.

If you suspect water damage, call an emergency water restoration company like PCS Southern for immediate water damage repair.