The short answer is yes. Water leaks can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time and in some cases, this damage can remain hidden for a while. In extreme cases, water damage can affect the foundations of your home and these problems are expensive to fix. The best way to deal with these problems is to take early action to detect water leaks and fix them quickly. In this article, we will take a closer look at the consequences of water damage and how you can deal with the problem.
4 Ways to Detect Water Damage
A water leak is not always easy to detect, even a tiny leak can cause a lot of damage and early detection is important. Let’s look at four ways to detect a water leak in your home. They are:
1. Dripping Noises
Some water leaks are silent, but others can make a dripping noise that may be more noticeable at night when the home is quiet. This can give you some general clues on the location of the leak to narrow your search.
2. Bubbling Paint and Bulging Wallpaper
Many water leaks are located behind walls and when they reach the surface they can affect the wallcoverings. When the paint bubbles or the wallpaper bulges, it may mean that the wallboard underneath is soaked with water. After the source of the leak has been fixed, it will be necessary to replace the affected wallboard.
3. Discolored Walls
If you notice yellow or brown stains spreading across walls or up on the ceilings, this may be caused by a water leak. The water could have entered the drywall and then soaked it up to the surface where it is visible.
4. Strange Odors
When water is released consistently, it creates a humid environment which is an ideal environment for mold growth. If the water has spread to a visible surface, you may notice black mold growth. In many cases, this mold growth is located inside the wall where you cannot see it, but you can smell it. If you can detect a musty odor emanating from behind floors, ceilings, and walls it’s time to contact your local professional plumber.
What are the Consequences of Water Damage?
The most extreme consequence of water damage is the formation of structural flaws in the foundations of your home. These cracks can widen over time and this will affect the value of your home until they are fixed. Basement flooding is an event that can cause irreversible foundation damage too and an inspection should be a priority. Even the less serious side effects of water damage can be expensive to fix. The most at risk areas are wallboards, wall coverings, floorboards, carpets, rugs, and more. Replacing these items can really add up and insurance companies may be reluctant to pay out if they can prove that the problem was ignored.
If you suspect that you have one or more hidden water leaks in your home, contact your local professional plumber today.
