5 signs that you might have water damage

December 27, 2018

If you step into a flooded basement, you won’t be too surprised to discover water damage in your home. However, water damage is not always obvious; in some cases, you have to look carefully for early signs of a growing problem. Learning about the signs of water damage can help you mitigate the severity of the damage.

1. Odd and Musty Smells

   If you walk into a room and notice a musty smell, there’s a good chance that water damage is fueling an aggressive mold infestation. Rooms that have poor ventilation, such as your basement, are prone to developing this smelly issue.

2. Sudden Increase on Your Water Bill

   A change in your water bill may indicate a leak somewhere in your home’s plumbing. When a new bill arrives in the mail, compare it with the previous bill to look for a large jump in usage. However, be sure to keep in mind other causes for a change in the billing; if you had guests in your house for two weeks, your usage likely went up.

3. Mold Stains

   Mold stains don’t appear out of thin air; if your walls are showing signs of discoloration, water may be to blame. These stains typically show on your home’s walls and ceilings in areas near plumbing. Mold stains typically appear as black, green or brown stains. If left unchecked, you may develop respiratory issues due to the mold spores.

4. Structural Changes

   Paying careful attention to the floors in your home can help you spot water damage. If your carpet is wet without any apparent cause, you might have water damage under the floor. Wood flooring can change in a variety of ways in the presence of moisture, such as warping and sagging.

5. Paint Changes

   The paint on your home’s walls can give you a clue about hidden moisture. Peeling paint is a strong indicator that you have water damage in your home’s walls. As the drywall absorbs more water, the paint’s adhesiveness weakens, leaving you with peeling paint.

Watching for signs of water damage can help you lessen the severity, but you’ll still need to clean up any mess left behind. Hydro Clean and Certified Restoration, serving the areas around Baltimore, Maryland, offers professional cleaning services for water damage in your home. Contact us today to learn how we can restore your home.