Today, we’re discussing early signs of water damage that can help you save thousands of dollars if you heed them. Left to spread, moisture can cause a great deal of damage to the average residential property so it’s definitely worth learning how to spot water damage in a house.
Common Areas Prone to Water Damage
If you know where to look for signs of water damage, you’re less likely to miss them:
- Ceilings
Leaking water tanks and pipes in upper storeys are often identified by early signs of water damage on ceiling paint and fixtures.
- Floors
Ground floor pipes that leak and drains that clog may cause extensive damage to your home if not dealt with promptly but the first signs of damage will almost always be on the floor itself.
- Walls
Some leaks are discovered through early signs of water damage in walls before they become visible elsewhere.
We recommend that you regularly check the floors, walls and ceilings in your home for signs of water damage. Below, we cover the most common signs to look out for when performing regular inspections.
Checklist for Identifying Early Signs of Water Damage
Look out for the following signs of water damage when inspecting the ceilings, walls and flooring in your home:
- Water Stains
Brown water stains on walls and ceilings are classic early signs of water damage.
- Mould
Mould growth in areas where plumbing is located is always a cause for concern.
- Damp
Smaller plumbing issues may lead to damp patches rather than water stains or mould growth.
- Excess Humidity
If any part of your home is unusually humid, the cause should be investigated promptly.
- Bubbling and Flaking Paint
Bubbles in paint and flaking paintwork are 2 more classic early signs of water damage.
- Cracks in Plaster and Masonry
When water makes its way into holes in plaster and masonry, it expands when frozen, causing cracks.
If you spot any of these signs when you check for water damage in your home, we recommend calling a plumber (if flooding is not an issue) and a water damage restoration company without delay.
Actionable Tips for Early Intervention
The best action to take depends on the signs of water damage you discover but if flooding can be ruled out as the cause, you should probably call a plumber first.
If you spot minor water stains in paintwork or ceilings, the next thing to do is redecorate.
If you spot mould, we suggest contacting a company that provides mould removal services in your area.
For all other early signs of water damage, contact a water damage restoration specialist after the source has been dealt with.
How Pircsa Pty Ltd Can Help
We provide professional water damage restoration services, including accurate moisture measurement to ensure adequate structural drying. Call or message us for expert assistance and feel free to ask for more tips on how to check for water damage if desired.