Water Damage Signs to Watch Out For

Water damage happens more frequently than people think. A problem with water damage though is that it is not always readily apparent. It can take on many forms, smells and it differs in terms of gravity. Generally, water damage happens after a calamity strikes: flood, typhoon, hurricane, earthquake, tornado or the like.

But that’s not always the case, even without the occurrence of tribulation, water damage can still exist. It can also be caused by prevailing problems with your HVAC system, unnoticed cracks in your foundation or walls, leaky or burst pipes and drainage trouble among other things.

Water damage develop in varying time frames and in different magnitudes. That is why early detection and prevention is important for the restoration and maintenance of properties due to water damages.

1) Appearance of Molds and Mildews

Molds and mildews can easily and quickly grow in places where water damage has occured. Depending on the environment, it can rapidly grow and spread in a fast rate. Experts suggest that one should not neglect the first appearance of molds and mildews and should resort to water damage restoration immediately.

This is because molds, although small, can be terrible especially when not handled well. Not only will it have adverse effects on your property but it can also have negative effects on health. Get a mold inspection at the first sign of mold to get a better idea of what you are dealing with.

According to a 2004 study by Institute of Medicine (now called National Academy of Medicine), it was found that “there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.“

Additionally, the IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence that there is a link between indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

2) Change in Sound

Although water damage cannot always be seen, it can in fact be heard in some cases. There may be a reason to suspect water damage when there is a sudden or gradual change in the sound of your plumbing system. This change in sound may indicate that something has gone wrong. Sounds to watch out for are dripping water sounds, creaking floorboard sounds and/or gushing water sounds.

3) Staining and Discoloration

Another sign of water damage is staining or discoloration. For starters, what you need to look for are patches and/or streaks of yellowish or brownish rusty water. This may be a sign that you are currently experiencing leaks like overflowing gutters.

4) Distinct Smells

Another sign indicative of water damage is the occurrence of distinct smells. Molds, for example, have very prominent earthy smells that is relatively easy to recognize. The smell is may also be distinguished by marked musty smell similar to that of a wet newspaper or cardboard. Typically, the smell is the most intense around or near the area where the water damage has started or where it is most prevalent.

5) Sudden Surges in Water or Electricity Bills

A sudden surge in the water and electricity bills of your home may also be indicative of a water damage.This is usually caused by a water damaged leaky roof. Your cellulose or fiberglass insulation becomes saturated and it takes a long time for it to dry out. If a house has a roof leak. The chronic water intrusion will deplete the insulation of the house.

This leak will cause the house to lose heated air leading to higher electricity bills. A leak in the plumbing system will also obviously increase involuntary water consumption and cause the higher water bill.

Views: 102