Water damage can be a serious problem for any homeowner or renter. While some water damage is obvious, sometimes it isn’t always in plain sight. Knowing how to keep an eye on water damage can not only save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, it can also keep you healthier as you avoid mold growths.

Unfortunately, when it comes to hidden water damage, mold and mildew are a definite possibility before you find the damage. Signs of mold and mildew are likely the result of water damage you can’t see, so if you see them, take a closer look around the moldy sight. If you don’t see mold or mildew but get the musty scent of it, that’s another possible sign that water damage lies below the surface, and also mold as well.

If the water damage is behind walls or under ceilings, other signs can show themselves. Strange stains are a common sign of water damage you can’t see, due to various mineral content in standard tap water. Such damage beneath the surface can warp and swell wooden walls and floors. It can also cause paint to peel. This tends to more obvious in the bathroom or kitchen, sometimes just from the sheer humidity. Still, better safe than sorry. If you see peeling paint or swelling wood, even in the bathroom, a closer look at your walls and floors is a good idea.

Some signs of water damage are obvious, such as visible leaks, drips, or even the sound of running water. Not all signs are so obvious, and making sure that those signs are water damage from a leak and not everyday use can not only save a home from extensive repair work if caught quickly, the health hazards from mold can be nipped before they get serious.

Mold and mildew are good indications of hidden damage, whether visibly or through smell. Strange stains with no obvious source are another such sign of damage. Swelled wooden floors or walls and peeling paint are other signs of potential damage. Sometimes it can be tricky to tell if an issue is the result of water damage or humidity, especially if you live in a naturally humid area or the damage is in the bathroom. Still, such areas are prime locations for water leaks, so close inspection is often the best bet. Damage from water can get expensive to fix, so the sooner you find it, the sooner you can repair the damage and save your home.

 

For more information, contact Vinny’s Jersey Plumbing, located in Wayne, NJ.  We also service other towns in New Jersey, such as Montclair, Paramus and Parsippany.