Signs That You Secretly Have Water Damage Somewhere In Your Home

You can spot a flooding basement or leaky roof quickly, but not all water damage is so obvious. Sometimes water damage occurs in places where you do not notice it immediately. In fact, it can go on for a long time before you realize that water damage has occurred. It is a good idea to keep your eyes out and be aware of some signs that you may have water damage hidden somewhere in your home.

Water Damage Restoration—Bakersfield, California

1. A Higher Water Bill

A sudden spike in your water bill is a sign that you have water damage. If a pipe is leaking and running constantly, it is causing water damage as well as driving your water bill up. If you receive your water bill, it seems to be a lot higher than you think it should be. It is a good idea to start investigating areas of your home that you have not checked for signs of water damage in a while. 

2. A Musty Smell

With water damage comes mold. Mold has a musty odor that will gradually get stronger the longer it is left alone without being removed or the damage being fixed. If you notice a musty smell in your home, it means you probably have mold, which means you probably also have water damage. Mold affects your health and can make you very sick if you live with it for a long time. If you see or smell mold, you should get it removed and sanitized immediately and then fix the water damage that caused the mold in the first place to help prevent it from coming back.

3. Peeling, Cracked, Or Bubbling Paint

Water in your walls or ceilings is often noticeable through the damage it causes to the paint. Sometimes cracks like spiderwebs spread across the area that is damaged. Other times, the paint will simply peel away easily as it becomes softened. Water might also create pockets in the paint that make it look like the paint is bubbling on the wall. Repainting your wall or ceiling will not help the damage. If the source of the water damage is not repaired, it will most likely keep damaging the paint and could cause worsening damage to your home. 

4. Curling Floorboards

If you notice the floorboards or tiles in your home are starting to separate from one another, that is a sign that you have water damage underneath them. They will begin to lose their adhesiveness to the ground and one another. If the ends of the floorboards begin curling upwards and away from the walls, that means that they have likely experienced water damage, and it will need to be repaired so you can fix your floor.

If you notice any signs of water damage in your Bakersfield home, call Alert Disaster Restoration to help with the repairs. They will be able to remove the water and repair the damage so you can have peace of mind that your home is secure.