5 Signs of Water Damage in Walls

Locate Water Damage In Your Home

Water damage is a time-sensitive issue. In just a few minutes, a small amount of water can cause significant and costly damage to your home. To make matters worse, the longer it takes you to notice water leaks and hire a restoration company, the more severe your damages will be. 

Signs of water damage in walls aren’t always easy to recognize. To help spot potentially hazardous damages before they have a chance to compromise the structural integrity of your home, we’ve listed helpful indications to keep an eye out for below. 

Most Common Signs of Water Damage in Walls

Water damage happens. Minimize abnormalities from residual water by knowing exactly what to look for. 

1. Wet or Dark Spots

Wet Or Dark Spots - Signs Of Water Damage In Walls

Discoloration on the walls and ceilings of a room is a major symptom of fresh damage.  Watermarks are often the result of a small, constant leak. This can be from an overflowed bathtub, plumbing malfunction, or from a leaky roof. 

Regardless of the reason, it takes less than 24 hours for this type of water damage to become visible. When you notice brown spots, don’t ignore them. Contact a restoration specialist to repair the issue before it worsens.

2. Paint Damage: Flaking or Peeling Paint

Paint Damage: Flaking or Peeling Paint - Signs Of Water Damage In Walls

When excess moisture lingers inside your home, water will attempt to escape through your walls. This may cause water to impact the condition of your drywall. What was once dry and sturdy sheetrock may become soggy and flimsy, compromising its structural integrity.

To prevent wallpaper and paint from peeling or flaking, contact DRIRITE after identifying water damage. Our qualified technicians know how to get the job done right, that’s why Tampa residents tryst DRIRITE.

3. Mold on Walls

Mold On Walls

It’s no secret: mold is bad. This toxic fungus is hard to notice and even harder to get rid of. Mold spores can grow on nearly every surface, including water! They also have the ability to lay dormant until in a warm, moist environment.  

Keep an eye out for mold in these areas around your home:

  • Bathrooms
  • Basements
  • Kitchens
  • Laundry rooms

Mold and other contaminants may grow in a variety of colors. Be sure to periodically check for under and around sinks, as well as surrounding high-use faucets.

4. Musty Smell

Musty Smell - Signs Of Water Damage

Smell something funky? It could be mold growing in your home. While not visible, stinky odors are definitely a noticeable indication of mold growth. Days following heavy rain or a flood, your home may reek of a stale, musty, or earthy odor. 

Common places you may find substantial mold growth:

  • Behind bathroom tiles
  • Underneath carpet
  • Inside walls
  • Above ceiling panels
  • Near basement plumbing

5. Unusually High Water Bills

Unusually High Water Bills - Signs Of Water Damage In Walls

Sudden and inexplicable spikes in your utility bills are a tell-tale sign of a plumbing abnormality. Minor fluctuations, especially with the seasonal changes, are relatively normal causes of an increased water bill. 

 Before calling a professional for assistance, be sure to check the following place for leaks:

  • Toilets
  • Faucets and sinks
  • Washing machines
  • Exposed basement pipes
  • Water pumps
  • Water heaters
  • Hoses

Identifying signs of water damage is an important first step, but immediate action needs to take place. Before attempting to make any repairs yourself, contact a professional for a thorough inspection. Getting proper analysis of the damages helps you make an informed decision. No matter how small the damages seem, please don’t ignore them. 

Resolve Signs of Water Damage With DRIRITE® 

The longer you wait to address your water damage issues, the worse your water damage may be. Contact an experienced property restoration company like DRIRITE®. We’re a full-service solution for all of your water damage woes. Our specialists are prompt, honest, and efficient. When you need emergency water repair services or mold remediation, call DRIRITE® on (813) 635-0303 to assist you. We’re available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

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