As cooler weather moves in and rain begins to fall sporadically across the State of Texas, homeowners often shift their focus to pulling out those old space heaters and bundling up by the fireplace. But before winter hits, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook.
Even a small, unnoticed leak can lead to major problems related to water damage. Mold, structural weakening, pooling water, and more can be hidden within your home. The good news is that you can catch early signs before they become a full-blown restoration job.
Here’s ABC Restoration's top five signs of hidden water damage to look out for this quarter.
Musty Odors That Won’t Go Away
You know that smell. When you notice a musty smell lingering in areas like your bathroom or under your sinks, you might very well be smelling mold caused by trapped moisture. If you detect these odors, it’s a strong sign that water is seeping out somewhere it shouldn’t, even if you can visibly see where it is. If the smell intensifies after a rainstorm, it's time to call your favorite experts at ABC Restoration to inspect for leaks behind walls or under your flooring.
Stained or Discolored Walls and Ceilings
If you notice any brown, yellow, or even gray spots on your walls or ceiling, you are likely to have some form of water intrusion in your home. These stains may start small, but over time, they're likely to expand as water continues to collect underneath the surface. If you come across one of these stains, whatever you do, do not paint over it. This is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken bone. You’ll need to address the problem directly at the source of the leak. Call ABC Restoration for assistance if needed. Whether it’s a roof issue, a busted pipe or an issue with condensation buildup, let our experts help you today.
Peeling Paint or Bubbling Wallpaper
Personally, this is the one that I feel most people notice quickly. Moisture is trapped behind drywall or wallpaper, causing that squishy, bubbly look. Slowly, your wallpaper and paint begin to peel away from the surface of your wall or ceiling. This is absolutely one of the easiest signs to spot for homeowners, but oftentimes it can be mistaken for normal wear and tear. If you notice this happening on an exterior wall or ceiling, it's likely a leak from your roof or side paneling allowing the water to seep in. You have the resources; you can purchase your own moisture meter to check for any dampness behind the surface of a wall or ceiling
Warped Flooring or Baseboards
Water can collect underneath your flooring, especially in your bathroom, kitchen, or close to exterior doors. Eventually, all this water starts to pool more your flooring can begin to buckle or lift. If your baseboards are beginning to loosen or you feel soft spots in your flooring, water may be trapped underneath. This type of damage can lead to significant mold growth and structural weakening if not mitigated promptly and properly.
Unexpected Spike in Your Water Bill
If you have a sudden increase in your water bill, there’s likely a leak somewhere in your home. Even a small continuous drip can waste hundreds of gallons of water a month, not only increasing your water bill, but also possibly leading to thousands of dollars in damage. If your usage hasn’t changed but your bill has, check all sources of water for damp spots, drips, or even a continuously running toilet.
Why Does This Matter Before Winter
As the temperature drops, water begins to freeze and expand. Small leaks can quickly turn into burst pipes, flooding, or even cracks in your foundation. Catching these signs early in the fall can save you a headache, not to mention a hefty bill. Feel free to call us here at ABC Restoration. Our certified technicians specialize in water damage mitigation and restoration for both commercial and residential properties. We’ll inspect your property and identify any hidden moisture and provide you with fast professional solutions before the damage begins to spread!
Don’t wait until it's too late, call ABC Restoration today at 281-336-1888 for a free estimate