Listen for sounds of running water when appliances are not in use.
When your house floods it is pretty obvious that water damage is present. However, not all water damage in your home happens in places that you can see. With all the plumbing in the walls, crawl spaces, and attics, sometimes there can be water damage that goes unnoticed. If you can identify the signs of hidden water damage early on, you can save yourself and your home from more extensive damage. Here are some signs you can look for, listen for, and even smell that could lead you to hidden water damage in your Columbia home.
Visible Mold
While this sign may seem obvious, mold is not always easy to identify. Mold will grow when moisture is present, so hidden leaks most always lead to mold growth. Mold can appear in many different colors ranging from shades of green and brown to gray, white, and black. Sometimes mold will have a fuzzy appearance and will grow in clusters. Other times mold grows in string-like stands or is spread out areas so that it appears speckled. Indoor mold, along with being unappealing to see, can cause a number of respiratory symptoms to those who are exposed to it. If you suspect an area of your home to have mold, get it looked at right away. Where there is mold growth, there is a water source feeding it.
Water Spots
When water leaks through drywall and ceilings, it will leave behind water stains and discolored spots. These watermarks can range in color from dark to light, and may even appear to look darker at times. These spots are a result of water being present, then drying, and then coming back again. This repeated process will make water spots appear darker or water at times, and may even cause them to grow in size. This kind of repeated exposure to water can lead to structural deterioration and mold growth, so watermarks or discolored spots on walls, ceilings, or even floors should not be ignored.
Peeling Or Bubbling Paint
Walls that have plumbing fixtures inside of them are more likely to experience peeling and bubbling paint if there is a water leak behind them. The moisture built up behind the wall will begin to seep through and get trapped under paint or wallpaper, creating bubbles and eventually leading to peeling. If you notice paint bubbling or peeling on your walls, you need to check for a leak or hidden water damage.
Musty Odor
If you smell a strong, pungent, unmistakable smell coming from a specific area in your home, it is usually a strong indicator of hidden water damage. Excess moisture leads to mold growth, and mold growth can give off a musty odor that does not go away on its own, or fade over time unless the mold is remediated. This smell tends to be present in crawl spaces and attics, but any smells in a new area, or unusual smells or smells that have gotten stronger should be evaluated for water damage.
Sound Of Running Water
When no appliances are being used, and no faucets are turned on, and you can still hear running water, you could possibly have a leak somewhere. You should try to listen early in the morning, or later in the evening, for any signs of water where it should not be.
Professional Water Damage Cleanup In Columbia SC
Being aware of the signs of water damage can help you catch a problem before it becomes serious. If you suspect water damage in your home, or you have found water damage, call Sincerely Yours right away.
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