Are you concerned that your home may be experiencing water damage? There are several indicators to be aware of when dealing with such issues. These signs can include everything from dark or damp patches to the sound of running water.
If you fear that your home may be suffering from water damage, read on to learn more about how to detect this problem in your home.
Recognising Water Damage
There are numerous signs that your home may have water damage. Thankfully, most of these signs are easy to spot, making leak detection less challenging. Here are some of these signs:
1) Dark or Damp Patches
Dark or damp patches are one of the most obvious signs of water damage. They often appear as discolouration – typically brown, yellow or copper – on your ceiling or on the interior and exterior walls of your home. These water stains are hard to overlook.
2) Cracking, Peeling, or Bubbling Paint
Water damage can also be identified if the paint on your walls or ceiling starts to crack, peel, or bubble. Signs like a bulging drywall are quite noticeable and strongly suggest water damage.
3) Increase in Utility Bills
An unexpected rise in your utility bills could be due to a hidden water leak or emerging water damage. It’s crucial to keep an eye on any unusual spikes in your utility bill.
4) Sounds of Running Water
You might not always see water damage, but you might hear it. Sounds like dripping, creaking floors or rushing water may indicate water damage.
However, these sounds could also be related to a fully functional water system. Therefore, you need to pay attention to any changes in sound that might suggest water damage.
5) Standing Water or Puddles
Pools of water can be caused by leaks or constant drips. If a puddle reappears after you’ve cleaned it up, this could be a sign of a water leak.
6) Damp, Mouldy, or Musty Odour
A damp, mouldy, or musty odour is another strong sign of water damage. These smells are hard to ignore as they’re quite distinctive and can often be accompanied by mould.
How to Fix the Water Damage
Now that you can identify the signs of water damage, what should you do next? Here are some steps to take:
1) Stop the Water Flow
Once you’ve accurately located the source of the water, stop it. If the water is coming from an appliance, refrain from using it. Don’t disconnect it if you can’t do so safely.
If leaky pipes are the source, turn off the water supply until the pipe can be fixed. If the water is seeping out from a poorly waterproofed bathroom, avoid using the bathroom or place towels down to prevent water from leaking through the floor.
For a leaky roof, you’ll need professional leak experts or a plumber to detect water leaks and fix these as they can be more complex than other leaks in your home.
2) Fix the Leak
While you can attempt to repair the leak yourself, it’s usually best to hire a professional water leak detection service. They have the expertise and experience to safely address the issue and pinpoint the problem.
3) Dry Everything Out
Next, you need to remove all the accumulated water, along with any materials damaged in the process. Drying out the water helps prevent mould growth. It’s essential to dry the area as quickly as possible, as mould can form within 24 hours.
Industrial fans can aid in this process. Ensure everything is thoroughly dry, then check after a few days to see if more water has accumulated. If it has, you’ll need to repeat the second step.
Conclusion
Water damage at home has several recognisable signs. If you’ve detected these signs, you’re on the right track to resolving the issue before it causes extensive damage to your property.
While you can spot the signs yourself, it’s crucial to engage professional services to utilise their experience and skills to address the problem effectively.
For water leak detection services, immediate action is necessary. Fortunately, Austest Pipeline Solutions in Melbourne caters to emergency situations, so you can reach out to us whenever you experience a water leak problem.
Maintain your plumbing lines in optimal condition. Detect leaks early to save both time and money in the long run.