How to Detect Water Damage in Your Home

Stains and slight color discolorations that appear on the wall, floor, or ceiling for no apparent reason are most likely due to an undetected water leak in the ceiling or walls.

Water damage could occur

if the drywall or paint on the ceiling or walls starts to crack, bubble, or flake off. Use a flashlight to inspect plumbing under sinks and behind toilets. Often, hidden water damage in these areas manifests as corrosion around loose connections.

The smallest leak can ruin surrounding materials and increase your water bill. Water damage comes to light in a variety of ways, through discoloration, texture change and odors, all depending on your location. Wherever there is water damage, there will always be signs that it exists, but if you don't know where to look, it can go unnoticed. For example, discoloration on the ceiling may be easier to detect rather than mold formation in the basement.

Before discussing where to check, it's important to know what to look for. Material that shows water damage can give you a clue as to whether it's old or new. Hard materials, such as brick, tile, or cement, take longer to show visible signs of water damage. Softer materials, such as drywall or wood, can show water damage almost immediately.

If you see mold, wet spots, or water spots on a hard material, you're most likely seeing signs of old or existing water damage. With softer materials, it can be more difficult to estimate when water damage occurred. If the water is black water, like wastewater, anything the water touches immediately becomes a potential biological hazard. Flood insurance doesn't cover water damage, and homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flood damage.Water damage will always be an inconvenience, so being prepared and knowing how to properly inspect your home could help prevent major problems.

Repairing water damage to your home from flooding is often the most time-consuming. The best way to prepare for a flood is to know where the water comes from and how much water is entering your home. If possible, restoration of water damage should begin 24 to 48 hours after you have been allowed to re-enterYour home is not only susceptible to structural damage, but mold can begin to grow rapidly if there has been water damage. It's important to understand what type of water damage you have before deciding if you need professional assistance with the recovery process.

Get help from a restoration service to stay safe and ensure that the water damage removal process is successful. One of the most immediate risks of suffering water damage is to your property, your possessions and your family.Read on for advice from ServiceMaster Restore professionals on how to determine if a home has experienced water damage. Stains are the most common signs of water damage to the roof and are often caused by a clogged air conditioning collector tray or a leak in an attic pipe. When the water level rises above the bottom of the sump well, the sump pump activates and pumps water from your home.It's important for homeowners to be aware of how they can detect water damage.

Homeowners should inspect their homes regularly for signs of water damage, such as discoloration on walls and ceilings or warping of floors and walls. Homeowners should also check for any signs of mold growth or musty odors that could indicate water damage. Additionally, homeowners should check their plumbing regularly for any leaks that could lead to water damage. Finally, homeowners should make sure their sump pumps are working properly in order to prevent flooding.Water damage can be devastating for homeowners if not detected early enough.

It's important for homeowners to be aware of how they can detect water damage, as well as what steps they should take if they do find evidence of water damage. By taking proactive steps and being aware of potential signs of water damage, homeowners can help protect their homes from costly repairs.