Water damage can compromise your belongings and the structure of your home, and it can also pose a serious risk to your health. Water damage can lead to mold and mildew, for instance, which can cause health problems for many. That’s why it’s important to learn how to spot the early warning signs of water damage and address it immediately.
Biodynamic can help. We’re a Portland-based home restoration business specializing in storm and water damage. We understand how important it is to act quickly to mitigate the effects water damage can have on both your home and your health. Here are a few tips for spotting the signs of water damage and steps you can take to address it quickly and effectively.
Signs of Water Damage
Discoloration
If you’ve ever stained your clothing, you may have noticed a darker ring or streak forms along the edge of the spot once the stain sets in. Similarly, if your home has water damage, you may notice discoloration in the walls or on the ceiling. This will usually appear as a yellow or brown ring. Keep an eye out for unsightly stains or discoloration, as it’s likely to be the result of water damage.
Musty Odors
If you notice a strong musty odor in your home, it could be a telltale sign you have water damage lurking somewhere. Since we sometimes become accustomed to the smells in our own home environment, the best way to tell if you have a musty odor is to leave the house for a few days.
Have a long weekend trip planned, for instance? When you return home from your weekend getaway, pay close attention to how your home smells. If you detect a musty odor, try to locate its source (more on that in just a bit).
Structural Changes
Be on the lookout for structural changes to your home as well. For example, do you notice peeling paint or wallpaper? What about wooden slats lifting up from the floor or a sagging ceiling? These may be an indication you have water damage, and there could be much larger problems lurking beyond the surface.
Water damage can cause your home’s entire foundation to shift. This may cause doors or windows to become more difficult to close and open. Be on high alert for any major or subtle structural changes, as they may signal your home has water damage.
Higher Water Bill
There could be many reasons for a higher water bill, such as increased rates or usage. However, if you notice a sudden spike in your water bill and your usage has remained relatively unchanged, it could be a sign you have a water leak. Even if you’re not seeing any visible signs of water damage, it’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your pipes to determine whether there’s an issue.
Mitigating Water Damage
Find the Source
Since water can do some serious damage to your home, it’s important to act fast. Start by identifying the source of the water damage. Survey the areas of the home where you use the most water, such as in the bathroom or kitchen.
Check for leaks around the toilet, sink, and bathtub. Inspect the kitchen sink and appliances, such as the dishwasher, refrigerator, and washer/dryer. Be on the lookout for any damp areas or rusty pipes.
If your home has an attic or basement, take a look there as well. Groundwater can enter your home through cracks in the foundation or even through concrete. Identifying the source of the water damage as quickly as possible may help you avoid costly repairs.
Cut the Water and the Power
If you have severe water damage, such as flooding, you’ll need to shut off your water meter. You may also need to cut the power. Water that comes into contact with electrical circuits can quickly become a shock or fire hazard.
Never attempt to turn off the power yourself. Instead, have your utility company cut the power supply and call a licensed electrician to perform any repair work.
Draw Out Moisture
If possible, remove any wet items from your home. Open windows to vent the space. If your electrical outlets have not been compromised, sop up as much of the water as you can and use a dehumidifier to draw out excess moisture and fans to help with drying. Taking these steps may help you avoid mold growth and minimize water damage.
Addressing Water Damage
Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the first things you should do is take photos of your home to document the extent of the water damage. This will help you if you need to file an insurance claim.
In fact, it’s best to take photos of all your belongings before your home incurs any sort of damage at all. This will help you properly account for the condition of the items that need to be replaced.
Contact your insurance company for additional steps to file an insurance claim.
Call in Professionals
Because water damage can pose serious health hazards, it’s usually best to call in a home restoration specialist to eliminate the water and properly clean the affected area. Biodynamic can help. We’re your one-stop shop for containment, structural evaluation, cleaning, and full reconstruction of damaged property.
Our team is trustworthy, transparent, and has decades of experience. When you choose Biodynamic for home restoration, you can rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.
Take Precautionary Measures
The best way to address water damage is to prevent it altogether. For instance, you likely have a fire alarm installed in your home. But what about a water alarm? A water sensor can alert you to the presence of water and, through early detection, help you avoid costly and extensive damage to your prized possessions.
You should also keep your gutters clean, periodically check your pipes and valves, and perform preventative maintenance on major appliances. While you may not be able to prevent flooding caused by Mother Nature, you can take precautionary steps to protect your home from other risks.
To get water damage under control after it occurs, call the Biodynamic team for help. We’re experts you can trust, and we’ll restore your property to a condition that makes you feel at home again.
