My Own Restoration - Ten indicators that show water damage is present

Whether the water damage is from a burst plumbing line, a leaking tap, or a flooding disaster, the resultant damage spells trouble for the house owner.

Water damage restoration is a costly and time-consuming affair. A cautious property owner looks after the premises with routine inspections and maintenance to catch signs of disrepair quickly.

Water damage shows up swiftly in minor signs and effects, which a prudent homeowner would quickly catch on to. Some of the easy-to-spot indicators of water damage in a house are as listed below:

Signs to indicate water damage in a house

Dripping sounds: One of the sneakiest sources of water damage is a leak in faucets and pipelines. These leaks can be spotted by noting dripping sounds in the house. While the leaks can be small, they can accumulate considerable water if left unchecked for a long time. Leaks can cause veritable damage, especially to porous materials, which can absorb water quickly.
Wet spots: Sometimes, small pools and puddles build up near sinks, bathtubs, and other areas where the waterline is present. It is best to mop up the water and check later to see if the puddle forms again, indicating a leak.
Damp odors: Dampness has a stale and musty smell and is a good indicator of moisture in the area. Such malodors need to be checked quickly to examine the cause of dampness that has built up.
Mold growth: Pungent odors also signal the presence of mold growth in the house. Not just smells, but blackish-green patches on walls and ceilings indicate mold formation, a health hazard that must be dealt with immediately. The patch could appear in small formations or cover an entire area, indicating the presence of moisture build-up in that area.
Water stains: Yellow and brown colored blemishes might appear on walls and ceilings, expanding with time or fading away. These water stains can occur on the house's internal and external walls. These stains could even develop because of mold and mildew inside the structure due to dampness.
Disfigurements in flooring: Wooden floor panels might warp, peel, buckle from the center and curl up from edges due to water absorption. Due to water damage, the flooring may rot with time and lose structural stability. Carpets will become wet and soggy and start smelling. Tiles will become loose, causing the joints to open up and the tiles to shift from their place.
Blemishes in paint finish: Peeling of wallpaper and paint finishes also indicates the presence of water damage. Paint might bubble or crack with moisture and flake off once the water dries off.
Structural impairments: Drywall becomes spongy by absorbing moisture and loses its strength, causing it to sink in. Ceilings can depress down in places due to water damage and cave in if not repaired. Wooden joints can swell up, while metals can rust with prolonged exposure to dampness.
Exterior disrepair: Not just inside the house, but the exterior can also show signs of water damage. Loose or displaced roof shingles, broken or choked gutter, and damaged gutter spouts could all allow water seepage.
Increase in water consumption: Sudden increase in water bills might be a good time to inspect the house for leaks. Hundreds of gallons of water can be wasted unnoticed through minor leaks in water lines and faucets.