The best way to mitigate damages to your Pocatello home following water damage is to find the problem as soon as possible. The problem is early signs of water damage can be easily overlooked. If you know what signs to look for, you can increase your chances of spotting water damage before the problem becomes severe. Here are some early warning signs of water damage you should be aware of in your home:
When everything is turned off, and your home is quiet, listen for any unusual sounds like dripping, or the subtle hiss of water running. A common place for water to run when it should not be is the toilet. Pay attention to your appliances, and listen for any sounds of water when it should not be heard. If you do hear running or dripping water and there is no explanation for it, you may want to investigate further for possible leaks and water damage.
If you smell a pungent, earthy, musty smell, that does not go away on its own, it is a pretty sure giveaway that there is mold growth. Mold grows when excess water or moisture is present, so often time mold growth and water damage go hand-in-hand. Mold can cause some serious respiratory symptoms in those who are exposed to it, so if there is any chance you could have mold in your home you need to get it removed right away. The source of the water and moisture will have to be stopped to remediate the mold, so be sure to call a water damage restoration company right away if you smell unusual musty odors in your home.
If water is seeping into the subflooring, whether from a saturated foundation or leaking pipes, flooring will begin to show signs of water damage. Loose tile, peeling linoleum, or warping laminate flooring are all signs that there is water damage below. When water leaks behind walls, the drywall can become saturated resulting in cracks. Peeling or bubbling paint on walls can oftentimes be the result of water damage. Water damage to the ceiling (sometimes caused by leaks in the roof) may begin to manifest itself with cracking or bowing. In some cases, bubbles of water may even appear on the ceiling. If you notice any chances to the structure of your floors, walls, or ceiling, get it checked right away for water damage.
Walls, floors, and ceilings may also show spots or stains in areas where water is present. Water spots cause discoloration in many different shades and shapes. Rings on ceilings and floors, lines on walls, and other areas that are discolored should be evaluated for water damage. Sometimes these marks may appear darker and then fade – that is a common trait of water damage. When more water is in the area, the color will appear darker, then, as it begins to dry, it will fade. Any visible spots, stains, or discoloration should be checked for water damage.
If you notice any of the above signs in your home, don’t hesitate to call 1st Response Restoration. We specialize in water damage restoration and know how to find the source, stop it, and get it cleaned and restored.