Water is essential for healthy living in our homes. However, if not handled properly, it can be one of the most destructive forces in your house. While water damage often starts as a small, harmless leak that may go unnoticed, the resulting damage can be far more destructive than it appears. It’s important to be on the lookout for the early signs of water damage so you can prevent extensive damage in the long run and keep everyone at home safe. Below, we’ll explore four major water damage signs you should be looking out for in your interior space.
Water Stains and Discolorations
Whether they appear on walls or the ceiling, water stains and discolorations are the most obvious signs that your interior space is suffering from water damage. These stains are mostly copper, brown, or yellow, indicating where moisture has seeped through and the extent of damage.
Water stains always show past or ongoing water damage, with darker ones indicating fresh damage and faded ones indicating older past water problems that might return if not fixed. Check the floor for stains, as they indicate a leak from below or groundwater seeping up through your foundation.
Damp Smells in the Basement or Rooms
If you’ve been hit by a persistent, damp smell every time you enter a room or the basement, it’s a tell-tale sign of water damage or excessive moisture. These smells are common in damp, dark rooms with poor ventilation, but they can be fixed as soon as you identify the problem. Even rooms that are kept dry and clean might smell damp, indicating underlying water damage that is not readily visible on a surface inspection.
The best way to deal with damp smells is to let the experts address the root cause. You can start with reliable local solutions, such as water damage restoration Dallas, to effectively inspect and address damp smells and related issues.
Presence of Mold and Mildew
Visible mold and mildew are an undeniable sign you’re dealing with a serious moisture problem. They commonly grow in clusters in damp corners, along damp baseboards, or behind furniture, appearing as green, white, or black specks. Spotting mold and mildew indicates water damage that requires immediate attention. The mold colony must be removed entirely to safely protect your home and your family’s health.
A Sudden Spike in Your Water Bill
A sudden, unexplained increase in your water bill can be caused by factors beyond your control, such as utility system errors, water damage, or changes in weather. Water damage is often the main culprit whenever you receive a spiked water bill in any given month. It’s an indication that water is escaping through somewhere it shouldn’t.
It could be a hidden leak, a broken or burst pipe connecting your home to the main supply, causing increased outflow and a resulting high bill. Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be massive leaks; even small drips under your sink or toilet can add up over time and lead to a higher bill. Ensure you constantly check for these whenever your bill looks unusually high.
Spotting and tracking these four water-damage signs can help you resolve your home’s water issues and restore normalcy. Always ensure you consult relevant water damage experts to assist with the full restoration of your home anytime an issue is spotted.
