In most cases, the home shows subtle signs of water damage before homeowners realize they have a serious problem. Peeling wallpaper, soft or swollen drywall, stains or discoloration, and mold are just a few signs of water damage that homeowners in Orange County, Anaheim, and surrounding areas should pay attention to.
Causes of Water Damage
Water damage can occur due to plumbing failures, such as loose, split, or broken pipes and joints. Clogs can also create backups that increase pressure in pipes, leading to breaks.
Cracks in the foundation or lack of gutters and downspouts are another underlying cause of water damage. Improper grading can lead to foundation leaks and flooding. Severe rainstorms and flash flooding can stress drains and damage structures, causing backups.
When appliances and fixtures like dishwashers, water heaters, sump pumps, and washing machines fail, an entire room or level of the home can become damaged.
7 Signs of Water Damage in The Home
For these reasons, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs of water damage.
- Wet spots or streaks
Dark spots on the wall and streaks indicate the wall is wet.
- Warped materials
A warped and/or discolored floor board could indicate a hidden leak within the wall or floor.
- Soft or swollen drywall
Run your hands against the wall to check for wetness or soft spots. If you also notice any swelling, the drywall may have soaked up water and expanded.
- Stains or discoloration
Depending on the color of your walls, you may need good lighting to spot discoloration or stains on walls.
- Flaking, bubbling, or peeling paint or wallpaper
If you see any flaking, peeling, or bubbling in paint or wallpaper, the water may have seeped into the wall and caused visible changes.
- Mold, mildew, or musty odor
High humidity levels and water leaks can lead to a damp, musty odor that could indicate serious water damage. Don’t ignore this sign as it could lead to a variety of health conditions.
- Unusually high water bill
If you haven’t changed your routine or had any guests over but notice a spike in water bills, you may have a hidden water leak. Contact Avis for professional plumbing service to identify the cause of the leak and make the necessary repairs.
