Know the Hidden Signs of Water Damage

When you buy a home, you don’t always suspect that there may be hidden water leaks throughout the house, but you should. A slow leak from a cracked or broken pipe under the kitchen sink can be just as damaging, over time, as a sudden violent rainstorm. You may notice immediately after the storm that your basement is flooded, but you may not ever notice that you have a burst pipe within your walls.

Slow leaks can happen in a myriad of ways besides a cracked pipe somewhere, water can ooze from anything: a broken seal or a leaking spigot. With those slow leaks can come long-term effects that eventually reveal themselves, and by that time, further damage can occur. These effects manifest themselves in mold, rot, blistered paint, and damaged flooring.

A minor leak, undetected over time, can often lead to ginormous repair bills, so it’s important to locate any such water encroachment as quickly as possible. The signs are not always obvious, and by that time, the issue is pretty serious. Sometimes you have to pretend that there is indeed a water problem somewhere and check all the possibilities. A sagging ceiling dotted with mold spots immediately tells you that there is water damage in that area, but what about more subtle indications of water damage?

One clue to start your water damage sleuthing is knowing if there has been a past incident with water leaks in the home. Often, the leak itself has been taken care of, but the dampness remains, having seeped into walls and floors. If a floor seems unusually springy and softer than normal it’s likely not completely dry underneath. You might detect the unpleasant odor of mildew, an indication that mold is lurking there.

Water from leaks is cumulative, causing building material to absorb a large amount of liquid in the beginning, which in turn allows the moisture to spread to a deeper level, weakening your home’s structure and foundation.

One way to promote further damage is to have poor air flow throughout your home, which becomes a major problem when water is trapped somewhere. Mold and mildew can grow, creating a dangerous environment for the occupants of the home. Wood, carpet, wallpaper, paint and furnishings can sustain permanent damage, requiring extensive repairs. Ductwork and other systems, like air conditioning, can become contaminated. Drywall and insulation affected by water damage will need to be removed and replaced.

So, if you want to avoid a water damage situation going from bad to worse, always perform a thorough inspection periodically, and especially before you move into a new home. If you need water damage repair in San Diego, give us a call or contact us online. We are available 24/7! (619) 376-6838