Catching Unseen Water Damage Early On

The best way to mitigate water damage is being proactive so you can catch it sooner. A lot of the time, water damage happens in areas that we cannot see – like behind walls, in the ceiling, and under the floors. With all the hidden plumbing in our homes, it is no wonder that hidden water damage is a common problem. Because it can be hard to see, hidden water damage can go unnoticed for prolonged periods of time, until the damage is so severe that it cannot be ignored (i.e. structural deterioration and visible mold growth). We at Swift Restoration would like to introduce the signs you can look for in your home in Layton to be proactive about unseen water damage, and catch it early on before it becomes a serious problem.

• Sounds of water running when nothing is being used. You should listen at night, when the house is quiet, and be sure that you cannot hear any running water in your plumbing system, or sounds of dripping water anywhere. The toilet is notorious for running water when it is not supposed to, so be sure to listen for any sounds that may indicate water is flowing when and where it shouldn’t be. This could help you find a potential problem before it becomes a real one.
• Musty smells. Any time you smell musty, moldy, or earthy damp smells in your home, you can almost always guarantee there is water damage. Mold growth only occurs when moisture is present, so if there is a musty smell, there is likely mold growth, and if there is mold growth there is likely water damage. Since smells travel, you should find the area where it is the most potent and have that spot evaluated for possible water damage. 
• Stains and Spotting. Walls and ceilings may show signs of water damage through discoloration, stains, and spots. Sometimes these visual clues can appear darker, or fade. They may grow in size, and may vary in color. Leaky water supply lines, or water leaking in from the roof are the most common culprits of spots and stains on walls and ceilings, so be sure to evaluate for any discolored areas, and monitor them if they grow or change. If the spots you are seeing have a fuzzy appearance, or take on a very dark green/black color, it could be visible mold – which means trouble. Do not waste any time in getting these areas inspected and addressed.
• Changes to walls and flooring. If water is seeping into the subfloor from a saturated foundation or leaking pipes routed through the basement or crawl space, flooring will begin to show changes. Tiles may be loosened, linoleum can begin to peel, and laminate flooring can even warp. Evidence of water damage in the walls appears as peeling or bubbling paint, and cracking in drywall. As drywall absorbs water, it will begin to swell and retract, so any buckling or dimpling should also be noted and checked for water exposure.

If you notice any of these signs in your home, suspect that there is water damage, or if you happen to find your basement flooded, Swift Restoration and Remodeling is available to provide water damage repair in Layton and surrounding areas. You need a swift response so you can mitigate damage, and you can count on our team to be there as quickly as possible.