How do you know you have water damage in your house?

The most obvious sign of water damage to the wall is discoloration or stains on walls or ceilings. These spots can start small and grow if the leak isn't discovered and treated quickly. If walls or ceilings are white, you may notice a beige or brown stain, which is a clear indicator of water damage. If you have darker colored walls or ceilings, you can check for water damage by looking for an area that may be warped or sunken.

Water damage can occur in several places, so the more thorough the search, the better. If you notice any of these signs of water damage, it's critical that you repair the cause of the water damage immediately. If you notice a part of the wall that appears to be raised compared to the rest of the wall, it's likely due to water damage. If the drywall or paint on the ceiling or walls starts to crack, bubble, or scale, water damage could result.

It's also a good idea to look for other signs of water damage in the rest of the house to identify what areas have been affected. If you notice moisture or humidity in your home and the thermostat and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system are working well, it's probably due to water damage. If you can hear the water running when no one is showering or when the dishwasher and washing machine are not in use, you can try to determine where the sound is coming from and check for water damage to the wall to confirm this. Drywall will show signs that it is damaged by water as it warps, swells, or sags as it succumbs to the weight of the water it absorbs.

During heavy storms, water can accumulate around the house and cause gradual damage to the basement. The longer you go without discovering and repairing the leak, the more damage it will cause and the more money it will cost to restore your home. When considering buying or renting a home, or when selling it, it's important to know the signs of water damage or potential water damage. There is no time to waste, as water damage can cause mold and mildew to grow and compromise the structure of the home.

If you hear sounds of water dripping but you can't find the source, don't attribute it to the sounds of the water that occur inside the pipes. You could be dealing with a water leak if you notice a significant and sudden increase in your water bill or a gradual increase over several months. Water damage to homes occurs when there is a major leak in the piping system or a leak in the roof or walls.