Signs Of Water Damage In Your Home

The best way to mitigate water damage and ensure successful water damage repair is by being proactive so you can catch water damage sooner. Water damage can happen in areas that we cannot see – like behind walls, in the ceiling, and under the floors. With all the hidden plumbing in our homes, it is no wonder that hidden water damage is a common problem. Because it can be hard to see, hidden water damage can go unnoticed for prolonged periods of time – until the damage is so severe that it cannot be ignored (i.e. structural deterioration and visible mold growth). We at Yellow Van would like to introduce the signs you can look for in your home in Grand Island to be proactive about unseen water damage, and catch it before it becomes a serious problem, and water damage repair is very much needed.

• Sounds of water running when nothing is being used. You should listen at night, when the house is quiet, and be sure that you cannot hear any running water in your plumbing system, or sounds of dripping water anywhere. The toilet is notorious for running water when it is not supposed to, so be sure to listen for any sounds that may indicate water is flowing when and where it shouldn’t be. This could help you find a potential problem before it becomes a real one.
• Musty smells. Any time you smell musty, moldy, or earthy damp smells in your home, you can almost always guarantee there is water damage. Mold growth only occurs when moisture is present, so if there is a musty smell, then there is likely mold growth, and if there is mild growth, then there is likely water damage. Since smells travel, you should find the area where it is the most potent and have that spot evaluated for possible water damage. 
• Stains and Spotting. Walls and ceilings may show signs of water damage through discoloration, stains, and spots. Sometimes these visual clues can appear darker, or fade. They may grow in size, and may vary in color. Leaky water supply lines, or water leaking in from the roof are the most common culprits of spots and stains on walls and ceilings, so be sure to evaluate for any discolored areas, and monitor them if they grow or change. If the spots you are seeing have a fuzzy appearance, or take on a very dark green/black color, it could be visible mold – which means trouble. Do not waste any time in getting these areas inspected and addressed. 
• Changes to walls and flooring. If water is seeping into the subfloor from a saturated foundation or leaking pipes routed through the basement or crawl space, flooring will begin to show changes. Tiles may loosened, linoleum can begin to peel, and laminate flooring can even warp. Evidence of water damage in the walls appears as peeling or bubbling paint, and cracking in drywall. As drywall absorbs water, it will begin to swell and retract, so any buckling or dimpling should also be noted and checked for water exposure.

Professional Water Damage Repair In Grand Island

If you notice any of these signs in your home, or need any water damage repair in your home, call Yellow Van Cleaning & Restoration in Grand Island right away. Water damage is no funny business and the sooner you take care of the problem, the better.