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You are relaxing with your family on a Thursday evening. Maybe you are watching a movie together on the couch. Suddenly, you hear a mysterious dripping sound, though no one is using a water fixture anywhere in the house. Eventually, you discover that there is a large water stain on the ceiling below the bathroom. Few things are worse than that feeling as a homeowner.
Water damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners face in Portland, Oregon. It often occurs unexpectedly and in places where you don’t immediately notice it. Water can seep into your possessions, building materials, and the air itself to create a dangerous environment in the home.
Addressing water damage as quickly as possible is crucial to save your property and your bank account. To ensure a fast response, here are 8 signs of water damage that you should watch out for.
In This Post:
1. Water Bill Spike
Every month, you pay a bill for water usage. It is usually dependent on how much water you used that month. If there is a hidden leak in your home, that bill will likely increase noticeably since more water is being used than normal. Suppose you ever receive a water bill with inexplicable higher costs. In that case, you should probably contact a firm that handles water restoration in Portland to do a thorough inspection of the property to check for leaks.
2. Musty Smell
Dampness can harm the air quality of a home. Water that has been collected will often result in a musty or damp odor that is very different from the normal smells of the home. It could also indicate that mold is growing somewhere in the house, which is a substance that thrives when moisture is present. If a musty smell is present in the home, start searching for a water leak source or standing water.
3. Presence of Certain Pests
Household pests can be a nightmare to deal with. When discovered, it can cost a lot of money to repair the damage that they cause, and even more to get rid of the colony. Certain pests love environments where moisture is present, so finding them could indicate that water is collecting somewhere in your home. More specifically, cockroaches and termites are attracted to moist environments, so if one of these species is in your home, there is likely water damage as well.
4. Water Stains
One of the easiest ways to identify water damage is by observing its effects visually. When water gets into contact with walls, ceilings, and floors, it often leaves discolorations that are typically brown or grey. If you notice these patches in your home, there is probably a leak nearby.
5. Sagging Walls/Ceilings
Water weakens structural elements in your home such as wood and drywall. The longer these materials can absorb moisture, the more likely they are to bend or sag. A ceiling that appears to be dipping or bowing is likely being weakened by water in the materials. Similarly, a sagging wall may be suffering for the same reason.
6. Peeling or Flaking Paint
Paint reacts to moisture, especially interior paint. Typically, the side effect of nearby moisture is flaking, peeling, or bubbling paint. This visible sign is often the earliest indicator that water is affecting a particular surface. Take action immediately if you notice that paint in a certain area appears to be peeling or flaking more than in other spots.
7. Water Pressure Drop
Your home generally maintains the same water pressure level in its various fixtures. However, a sudden drop in water pressure could be an indicator that a leak is occurring somewhere in the home, compromising the overall pressure. Be alert for changes in the water flow rate from your faucets, showerheads, and hose hookups so you can respond quickly to changes in pressure. You can also test your water pressure regularly.
8. Sound of Dripping Water
As mentioned in the very beginning, dripping water sounds may be the first sign you notice of water damage. Audible dripping could indicate something as minor as a leaky faucet or as devastating as a broken pipe in the walls. Contact a restoration company quickly if you hear dripping water in the home and cannot locate the source to stop it.
A Fast Response Can Save Your Property and Bank Account
Since water damage only grows worse over time, it is crucial that you take steps to rectify the problem as soon as you identify it. Waiting will only put you and your family in danger as the water seeps into materials and weakens them. Plus, mold that thrives in damp environments can lead to allergic reactions or more severe respiratory issues.
A fast response can mitigate the damage that occurs and prevent long-term repairs that will cost far more. Take care of your Portland, OR home by watching out for the signs of water damage.
