Water damage is a serious problem that should be resolved immediately. When ignored, the damage extends to other sections of the property causing a bigger mess that will cost a lot more to repair. Still, water may seem gentle, but do not be fooled because it can crack open solid rock when left to soak in long enough. Ideally, walls are made of porous materials susceptible to water damage which is why water, especially rainwater should be channeled away from the wall.
According to experts, about 90% of these occurrences can be avoided through early detection and repair. As such, it is important to learn the common causes and signs that should tip you off in case your home is experiencing an event. Once you know it is easy to spot or detect! Here are some of the signs to be on the lookout for:
Common Signs of Water Damage
Wall and ceiling discoloration
You can hardly miss noticing water damage on painted walls or ceilings. Usually, water destroys wall paint and you can tell from the discoloration that you have a water damage crisis that should be mitigated before the house becomes inhabitable. If you notice discolorations on the interior or exterior of your home, water damage could be the culprit.
Over time, painted walls will bubble and begin to peel. While it may repainting may seem like the natural remedy to these bubbles and peels, water damage will still resurface from the new paint. The only solution, in this case, is to repair the underlying cause then the paint will come last.
1. Wet walls or ceilings
Another obvious observation is moisture on walls and ceiling. Your walls should dry at all times to avoid the porous material from absorbing water. Wet walls and ceilings are an indication of water damage.
2. Water dripping sounds
Sometimes you can’t spot wet walls but you can hear an unusual sound of water dripping. You shouldn’t ignore it until there’s a visible sign. That’s your cue to follow the sound and repair the leak before it gets worse.
3.Damp and moldy smell
You know that smell you encounter when you enter an abandoned building with leaks everywhere? A damp smell is an indication there’s water in the building somewhere and you should find it immediately. The moldy smell tells you that water has been there for a while now and now you have a mold problem in your hands. If you can’t find the leak, consider hiring a professional to locate it and repair it.
4. Increased water bill
It is estimated that even a small leak can increase your water bill by about 10%.
So what are the common causes of water damage?
Natural disasters
Natural disasters like hurricanes, thunderstorms, and flash floods, among others can cause severe damage to your home’s structures including the foundation. Strong winds and heavy rains could damage your roof allowing water to enter your property and damage your possession. As of 2020, over 15 million American homes were at risk of flooding.
Clogged or damaged gutters
Besides enhancing your home’s aesthetics, gutters have one main role –to channel water away from your walls and the home’s foundation. When the gutters are blocked, rainwater overflow and runs down the walls to pool at the home’s foundation which can cause serious structural damage to the building’s foundation and walls.
Leaking home appliances
Home appliances that constantly use water such as the washing machine and dishwasher can leak and cause damage to the surrounding surface.
Blocked drains
When the drains in your kitchen and bathroom block, wastewater will flood the sink or bathroom and creep to other rooms causing extensive damage.
Other causes of liquid damage are septic tank and sewage water backup, a malfunctioning AC, and broken water pipes, among others.