If you’ve just moved into a new house or you haven’t been in the basement in a while, it can be upsetting to see signs of water damage. It’s essential to know the signs of recent water damage versus old damage. This information will let you know if you have a current leak or if someone repaired the leak but left the damage behind. One may require an emergency pipe fix, while the other isn’t in danger of further damage but still needs repairing.
New or old, you should repair all signs of water damage as quickly as possible. At best, it is unsightly and dirty looking– at worst, it is a home for mildew, rot, weakened structure, and a breeding ground for pests.
Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself when checking for new or old home water damage.
1) What Does Water Damage Look Like?
Everyone needs to know the warning signs of leaks, whether they are a homeowner, landlord, or renter. A few telltale signs are:
- Mold and mildew
- Warped wood
- Puddles of water
- Rust
- Signs of dried drips
- Crumbling drywall
2) Is the spot still wet?
If you see any of the signs described above, the next thing to do is touch the area. If it is wet, that means water damage is actively occurring. Depending on where the leak is located and the amount of escaped water, you may be able to solve the problem yourself. No matter what, don’t put this chore off until later.
If the spot is dry, you may not have an active leak, but you should do further testing to find out. The area may have dried out after heavy rain or irregular use of a nearby pipe, so it’s worth contacting a professional to check the site.
3) Are there materials that hide water damage near pipes?
It is easy to see signs of water damage with wood, drywall, carpeting, and metal pipes. However, it is not as easy with tile or other non-warping materials. Tile, in particular, can allow water to seep below it into the subfloor while showing little or no signs of water damage itself.
To protect tiled areas from water damage, be sure to investigate any slow-draining sinks and tubs, as well as noisy toilets. These are more subtle signs of a potential leak.
Have you noticed signs of water damage in your home? It may be time to have it checked out.
At A+ Restoration Services, we are your one stop shop when it comes to water damage services in the Indianapolis metro area. We offer free water damage repair consultations, so call today! If your home doesn’t have water damage now, save our number, so you are prepared in the case of a water emergency.