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How to Spot Water Damage in Your Home

When the weather outside is frightful, it can get into your home as well.  Clogged gutters, drain pipes and downspouts can lead to indoor water damage. Look for leaking pipes and clogged drains inside your home too.  If you know the signs of water damage in your home, it can prevent bigger issues.

Signs of Water Damage

Many people tend to put off repairs or try to fix the issues themselves.  However, the damage you see may only be the tip of the iceberg. It’s best to have a professional check it out before you take action.  Here are some signs to look for that could indicate trouble is brewing.

 Stains.  A key sign of water damage is discoloration or stains on your walls or ceilings.  For instance, a beige or brown spot that appears on a white surface is a clear indication of damage. Water damage on darker colored walls or ceilings can appear as a patch that is deformed or sunken.

Paint.  Drywall isn’t waterproof. If moisture seeps in, the paint on the wall will begin flaking and peeling.  Excess moisture also causes paint to lift off its surface.

High Water Bill. If your water bill is gradually increasing or suddenly spikes, it could indicate a water leak. Have a professional check your home.   According to the EPA, about 10% of all homes have water leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.  Fix these and save money on your water bill.

Strange Sounds.  If you hear running water when no one is showering or using appliances, you may have a problem.  Try to pinpoint where the sound is coming from and look for water damage on the wall.

Damaged Drywall.  If your drywall is warping, swelling or sagging, it’s likely water is weighing it down. This could eventually lead to structural damage in your home.

Mold and Bad Smells. Damp, musty or moldy smells often mean water damage is present.  If something smells off in your home, check it out. Mold looks like light green to black spots and has a distinct odor.

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

There are some things you can do to protect your home from water damage.  Install smart water leak detectors.  They will alert you to leaks and can prevent costly damage.  Make roof repairs.  Fix missing, rotten or damaged shingles.  Clean out your roof gutter as well.  Fix water damage quickly.  Mold, mildew, or structural damage can result if you put off repairs.

What Insurance Covers

A standard home insurance policy normally covers water damage that happens abruptly.  This includes appliance or plumbing related damage caused by an unexpected event in your home. However,  water damage caused by lack of routine maintenance is not included. Be sure to address persistent leaks and recurring maintenance issues right away.

Let Us Clean it Up

When it comes to water, flood, or fire and smoke damage,  Flood Department is here to help. We provide water damage repair and clean-up services for homeowners and businesses. We cover Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C.  We are dedicated to helping reverse the damage done by water, mold, sewage, smoke and more.  Contact us at 301-829-2600 or visit us online.

 Sources/Links:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/signs-of-water-damage-in-walls/

https://www.kadecleaning.com/have-you-seen-the-signs-of-water-damage-in-your-home/

https://www.amfam.com/insurance/home/coverages/water-damage

https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/www3/watersense/pubs/fixleak.html

https://www.thesilverlining.com/westbendcares/blog/bid/179265/six-tips-to-protect-your-home-from-water-damage