Water damage is one of the most stressful and frustrating experiences a property owner can go through. There are many causes of water damage in Idaho Falls and some are more obvious than others. You can easily remedy water damage from a severe weather event or a gush from a burst pipe.
However, some signs like a clogged gutter or a slow leak in the basement may go unnoticed. Hidden water damage often causes huge structural damage and costly repairs, and exposes you to health hazards such as mold and mildew.
You may follow the best practices for keeping your property from water damage, but it’s important to learn the hidden signs that are less apparent to avoid disruptions and thousands of dollars in repairs.
Here is a list of the top five signs you need to look out for:
Stains and Discoloration
Stains on the walls or ceilings are a sign of a leaking roof or a leaking pipe behind the drywall. So, the best place to start your search for the leak would be the gutters or the rooms with lots of pipes.
For white walls or ceilings the stains appear as brown or beige spots and for dark-colored walls or ceilings, look for deformed patches. If left unattended, the stains get bigger and you risk exposing your property to further damage.
Musty and Damp Odor
If you notice a distinct musty odor on your property, but you can’t tell why, it’s probably mold odor caused by water damage. The odor is caused by a combination of high moisture levels, darkness, and lack of air circulation. These conditions encourage mold growth which forms the odor.
Mold Growth
According to experts, mold growth begins within 24 – 48 hours after the water exposure making it especially dangerous when caused by hidden water damage. It may appear as patches of black, green, or blue furry spots that often start at the seam of walls, floors, or ceilings. Mold doesn’t discriminate. Any surface that remains damp including carpets and other materials due to hidden water damage could develop mold.
Damaged Floors
If you notice your floor is buckling, cracking, warping, or forming stains and you can’t put a finger on it, check for hidden water damage. Whichever source the water is trickling from, it will end up on the floor. It then seeps through the carpet, tiles, or wood flooring and over time into the subfloors compromising its structural integrity.
High Utility Bills
If your water bills are showing unexpected spikes it may be an indicator of hidden water damage like water leaks under your sink, plumbing fixtures, or an underground pipe leak.
Contact Healthy Home Environmental for Effective Water Damage Restoration in Idaho Falls
If you’ve discovered water damage on your property and you require urgent restoration services, call HHE. We offer the best property restoration services in Idaho Falls. No matter the extent of water damage, we’ll work with speed to restore your property to its original condition.
