It is important to know the causes of water damage in your home. Spotless Carpet has created a guide on the causes of water damage, which can be found here. Now that you know the causes, it is important to know how to find it in your home. Often times water damage is spotted before the cause is determined. Here are the top three ways to spot water damage in your home or business.
Water Bill
Different seasons typically bring a change to electric and water bills. In most cases, you are aware of the change and see it slowly progressing as the weather changes. If you notice a sharp increase in your water bill, you might want to look for water damage. Water damage can come from broken or leaking pipes, which in turn rack up your water bill. Even if it is a small leak, over time it wastes a significant amount of water. In other words, broken pipes generate more expenses for you. So if you notice a change in your bill, start looking for water damage.
Odor
If you begin to smell an odor out of the ordinary, start by looking at each room in your home. Wet and damp flooring will begin to emit a distinct odor almost immediately. Once you detect where the smell is stemming from, you can begin looking for the cause. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold will start growing on a damp surface anywhere between 24 to 48 hours. If ignored, it will continue to grow until the moisture is removed. Mold gives off a musty odor and displays a variety of colors. It is critical to stop mold from growing in your flooring immediately. If you smell something off, follow your nose and you may stop it before it gets worse!
Appearance
A change in appearance is typically the most common way to find water damage. It doesn’t matter if it is on carpet, tile, walls, or ceilings, it will show. Look to see if there is an opening or crack somewhere to detect where the water is coming from. If it has been there for some time, mold and water stains will dictate what area is affected most. The carpet will get darker in color and show an outline up until the water ended. Tile may begin to shift, crack, or buckle. As well as change color, wash away grout, and leave a similar outline. If you see this in your home, contact your restoration company immediately.
At Spotless Cleaners and Restoration we have over 21 years of experience restoration. Our services are 24 hours and readily available, especially during an emergency. Before you do anything else, like contacting your insurance company, call us first! We are here to help guide you through the insurance process while providing high-quality restoration services. For more information, visit us online here or you can call us at (423) 926-9251 today!
