Spot Water Damage in a Home

Are you thinking of relocating to a new home or do you have a suspicion of water damage or leakage, and you do not know how to inspect? Worry less. Here is a guideline on how to spot water damage in the home. Water damage is not always as obvious as it might seem to be. This is why you should take the time to do a thorough and up close inspection to detect any water damage, especially when thinking of purchasing a home or when preparing your home for sale.

One of the best signs of water damage in the home is the presence of water stains which are brownish yellow on your ceiling or walls. However, at this point, we can say that the water damage is severe and the immediate action that you should take is to track down the water source and repair it as soon as possible.

Another good indicator of water damage is a bad odor. If you happen to smell a bad odor in your bathroom, closet, or basement, then this should be a stern warning of possible water damage. Any room or area that has a damp and musty odor is clear indication of excessive moisture, leakage of water or the start of water damage. The best course of action to take is to conduct a thorough checkup to establish the source of the water leakage and conducting repairs immediately. This is a sure way to prevent the problem from getting any worse.



If you happen to spot mold and mildew on the walls of your basement, fabrics or other items especially attics, then this could be another indication of possible water damage. The three most likely causes of the presence of mold and mildew are water leakage, excess humidity in the air or even other issues with plumbing. However, before rushing into conclusion, it is good first to establish the cause and the source of the problem so as to prevent further damage. It is also advisable that you repair the materials that have been damaged by the water.

Wherever there is stagnant water, there is a good chance that there is water damage either from the ceiling or behind a wall. Stagnant water often translates to damages related to water. The most affected areas with this indication include basements, showers, sinks, attics, and bathtubs.

All the conditions outlined above are among the most visible clear signs of water damage. Therefore, it is important always to be on the lookout for such signs in your home. However, identifying the conditions is not all. In fact, it is just the first step in preventing further damage. Once you have seen any (or all) of the conditions discussed above, you have to carry out a thorough search to identify the cause of the damage. 

As discussed above, the three most common causes are excess humidity in the air, water leaks, or plumbing issues. After establishing that the cause is water damage, then look for the source and carry out the repairs as soon as possible to prevent further harm. It is recommended that before buying a home, you should conduct a detailed investigation to identify any signs of water damage. Do not wait until brown spots appear, deal with the leak before it becomes a disaster.

Source: premierrestorationusa.com