How to recognise water damage in your home before it becomes a problem

Water damage can cause significant problems when it goes unnoticed, which is why it’s important to be able to recognise the signs of water damage in your home before it becomes a problem. This article will provide you with the information you need to identify and fix water damage in your home before further damage occurs.

Water damage is defined as any damage caused to a home due to the presence of water. This includes leaks, flooding and other forms of excess moisture. Water damage can lead to more severe problems such as:

  • Mould growth;
  • Structural damage, and;
  • Further deterioration of your home’s interior.

If these signs are not addressed quickly it is very likely that you could have a drainage emergency on your hands. This could lead to the leak being more difficult to identify and a more expensive repair.

water damage house

How to recognise water damage in your home

The first step in recognising water damage in your home is to look for visible signs such as warping, staining or discolouration on walls, ceilings and floors. Additionally, you should check for the presence of mould or mildew on walls, fabrics and other surfaces. It’s also a good idea to inspect basements, attics and crawl spaces for signs of water damage as these areas may be more prone to moisture.

Visible signs of water damage are usually the most obvious sign in the home. You are likely to spot early signs in your most frequented rooms, like the living room, or bedroom with the most likely rooms to be damaged in your house being those under drainage locations for your sinks, baths or even utility areas.

It is unlikely that you will find water dripping unless the leak is particularly bad. If this is the case then immediately turn off your household water and contact a drainage specialist.

One last point is, you should also check windows, doors, air vents and other openings for any signs of water leakage from external areas due to the weather.

Other Potential Warning Signs

In addition to visible signs of water damage, there are a few other potential warning signs that can indicate a possible problem. These include musty odours in the home, excessive humidity or condensation, and the sound of running water when no taps are on. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to inspect the area for potential water damage.

If you spot these signs of water damage in your basement your sump pump may require maintenance. Many homeowners with a basement or cellar don’t know that they have a sump pump, or even know what a sump pump is! The fact is, if you have rooms below the water line a submersible pump is critical for your drainage. If you don’t have a sump pump and start to spot signs of water damage then contact a drainage specialist immediately.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognising and addressing water damage in your home before it becomes a problem is essential to preserving the integrity of your home. Be sure to check for visible signs such as warping, staining or discolouration on walls, ceilings and floors, and for mould or mildew on walls, fabrics and other surfaces. Additionally, look out for potential warning signs such as musty odours in the home, excessive humidity or condensation, and the sound of running water when no taps are on. By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure that your home is free from water damage.

If you see signs of water damage and live in London then your best bet is to get in touch with First Response. Our drainage specialists in London have years of experience repairing all types of drainage problems, we also carry out CCTV surveys, clearing blocked toilets and blocked sinks. Call us today on 0800 063 4860.