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What To After You Find A Water Leak
When it comes to water leaks in your home, some signs are more obvious than others. A large puddle inside or around the foundation of your home is a relatively obvious sign of water damage. On the other hand, it may be days before you notice bulging or bubbled drywall. Internal damage to your walls, ceiling, and flooring may take even longer to detect.
Untreated water damage from a hidden water leak can result in a rotten foundation, hazardous mold, and costly repairs. Stay on top of water destruction by knowing what to look for and where to look. Below we’ll unpack the top five signs of a water leak, and discuss what you can do to ensure your home is safe from destruction.
1. Increased Utility Bills
Keep an eye on your water heater. If your unit is constantly running—and no faucets are turned on—you may have a leak in your home. This may not seem significant but small water leaks can cause thousands of wasted gallons as well as costly repair expenses.
Where to look: Your monthly utility bill is a tell-tale sign of abnormalcy. Compare your statement to the same month of the previous year. If your water usage hasn’t increased but your bill has, contact a professional to assess your home for damages.
2. Discolored Ceiling
A water leak may also be detected by abnormal coloring on your bathroom, bedroom, or attic ceiling. Without proper equipment, drywall and wood will hold moisture and remain damp. Consequently, by the time you notice rusty brown colors, the water leak has likely caused tremendous damage.
Where to look: Keep an eye out for wet, brown, or blistered internal walls and ceilings. Discoloration and moist components of your home will need immediate attention. Schedule a water damage inspection with a restoration company right away.
3. Smelly Odors & Mold Spores
If your residence smells musty or you notice mold spores on the drywall, it’s likely you have a water leak somewhere in your home. When inside, residual moisture and warm air will typically cause a foul and inexplicable odor. Moldy and mildew may also cause a series of respiratory problems:
- Allergies
- Chest pain
- Watery eyes
- Asthma
- Wheezing
- Constant cough
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
Where to look: Monitor the area surrounding your kitchen and bathroom faucets. These heavily used areas may have hidden pockets that are the perfect breeding grounds for mold, mildew, and other harmful bacteria.
4. Damaged Floors & Walls
Homes with warped floors or soft walls will likely have a hidden water leak. You may not immediately notice this discrepancy, but when you do contact a service professional. Stained, cracked, or buckling floors will need to be removed and replaced before damage spreads and additional repairs are needed.
Where to look: Kitchens and bathrooms should be the first places you look. Hidden leaks around the bathtub or toilet as well as backsplash walls with loose tiles or eroded caulk. Consider checking your basement carpet and underneath the sinks.
5. Reduced Water Pressure
Limited water pressure can be caused by several factors including faulty vales and sediment buildup. However, any size leak in your plumbing can prevent water from running adequately to fauces, showerheads, and toilets.
Where to look: Ensure your dishwasher, washing machine, and other major appliances are not in use. Then assess various faucets throughout your home or business. If you suspect low water pressure is caused by a leak, confirm your suspicions with a free evaluation from a qualified water damage technician.
Water Damage Restoration at CTR
If you think your commercial or residential property has water damage, consult the advice of professional water restoration specialists. Since 1995, CTR has served communities throughout Idaho with compassion, honesty, and efficiency. We’re available 24 hours a day for water damage repair, fire damage restoration, and more.
Call our experienced contractors at (208) 377-1877 or schedule an assessment online. We’ll get you on the fast track to complete and total restoration.