Doing a winter check-up of your home is a great idea. Contractors usually offer off-season discounts this time of year, and if you find signs of water damage you’ll be needing a plumber right away.
Water stains are signs that there is something going on behind the scenes. For those in colder climates where it snows, it could mean serious plumbing issues.
Home water damage that goes unnoticed or is ignored eventually will lead to major repairs. Continue reading for five tips on spotting water damage.
1. Rotted Sub Floors
Tiled subfloors are susceptible to water damage. Checks for cracks in the grout line, as this is where water can get in. Once water settles between the subfloor and tiles, the wood will begin to deteriorate.
Broken tiles and soft spots are a sign that the wood has rotted.
2. Spotting Home Water Damage In Walls
Water damage in walls is usually the result of leaky pipes. The best way to tell if there is an issue is to check kitchen and bathroom cabinets. If the floorboards are warped or damp, your pipes are leaking.
Another telltale sign is water stains on the walls with pipes located behind them. The drywall will have small bubbles and the paint may be peeling.
On walls with coverings, it will be harder to detect leaks. In this case, check for water and damp carpets.
3. AC Units and Refrigerators
Appliances have malfunctions that can lead to home water damage. AC units are common sources of water issues. When filters aren’t replaced and hoses get clogged, water backs up in the house.
With freezers and refrigerators, a clogged defrost drain can cause water to spill over into the kitchen. Flushing the drain is a quick fix.
4. Moldy Smells
Moisture in dark spaces can lead to mold. Before dark spots appear on walls, ceilings, and floors, mold brings with it a musty odor. Air fresheners cannot conceal it and cleaning does not help either.
Mold can form anywhere in your home. You can check for mold if you know the place where it breeds. Begin with the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room.
5. Water Stain on the Ceiling
A water stain on ceiling surfaces most likely means your roof is leaking. The time to find the source of the leak is when it first identified. You don’t know how long the roof has been leaking and you don’t want to prolong the issue.
Locating the source of the leak on your own can save money. This useful site will show you how to find a leak. Once you know where the water is entering, call a roofer to patch the roof.
Have you Found these Tips Useful?
Now that you know how to spot home water damage you can do your own check-up. Call a plumber as soon as possible to locate the cause. If the water stains are on your ceiling, you may need to speak with a roofer.
If you found these tips useful, click here for more home advice.