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Spotting Water Damage

water damage cleanup carmelFor Carmel homeowners, being able to spot water leaks and water damage can be quite advantageous. Even a minor leak can cause water damage, which can lead to major issues on your property. Since finding and stopping water damage as soon as possible is crucial, Alert Disaster provides water damage cleanup services in Carmel around-the-clock. 

Water Damage Cleanup Carmel

The following are some things to look out for if you are unsure if your home has water damage or not:

Musty Smells

A classic indicator of water damage is a musty or moldy smell. The scent can rapidly spread throughout the building but is frequently heaviest where the water damage first happened. Typically, musty smells indicate the presence of mold development, which is quite harmful. Do not put off getting it checked if a new smell appears or an existing one gets stronger. 

Mold

There is definitely water where it shouldn’t be if you can detect mold growth. Since mold grows best in environments with a steady supply of moisture, it will eventually spread to damp spaces over time. Mold might look gray, blue, green, black, or even fuzzy. Mold can be discovered in basements, kitchens, bathrooms, along floorboards, in attics, or any other areas that we do not see frequently (this is why it is important to be able to identify signs of hidden water damage). Mold should be addressed immediately by qualified personnel since it offers major health risks if inhaled, so do not ignore any signs of mold growth in your home.

Water Spots

Spots on the ceiling or walls that are dark or discolored indicate probable water damage. The majority of water stains have a yellowish-brown tint and enlarge into forms with wavy edges. Water stains on the walls and ceiling often point to a gradual, ongoing leak that might be linked to a plumbing appliance or pipe. If you notice water spots on the ceiling get darker, larger, or more prominent during heavy rain, you could have a leak in your roof. 

Structural Changes

Any changes to the walls, ceilings, or floors could indicate water damage. The following list includes some of the most glaring indicators of concealed water damage in the structural components of your home:

  • Wet areas in the carpet
  • Soft spots in floors
  • Warping walls
  • Peeling wallpaper
  • Bubbling in walls or ceilings
  • Loose tiles
  • Cracked grout lines
  • Buckling floorboards

If you notice these changes or any others, be sure to have the area examined for water damage.

Increased Water Usage Or Bills

Another indication of undetected water damage could be a sudden, inexplicable spike in your water usage or water bill. Every month, compare your current bill to previous ones. Water usage will fluctuate from month to month depending on the season, but a rapid increase could indicate a more serious problem. When not in use, ensure that water-using appliances are not running water and inspect visible pipes for any potential leaks. Look for the aforementioned indications of hidden water damage if your water usage increases suddenly for no apparent reason.

The sooner water damage cleanup can begin, the sooner these signs will go away so be sure to call Total Restoration as soon as you notice any possible signs of water damage.