Water damages results from flooding or leakages and can result in further problems if one does not carry out a water damage restoration process on time. The stains left behind in the aftermath of water damage are usually evident depending on the intensity and level of damage caused by the water. These stains serve as pointers to the occurrence of water damage in a house. If you are unsure whether your home has water damage or not, here are some of the signs to look out for.

1. Molds and Stains on walls and ceilings

Stains and discoloration on walls, ceilings, and other areas that are close to the bathtubs, sinks, and shower can be a sign that there is water damage in your home. The presence of molds is also another evidence that signifies the presence of water damage in a home. When you observe any of these signs, the next step is to reach out to an expert in the water damage restoration process before the damages to the house become extensive.

2. Damp or Musty Odors

There is a particular kind of unmistakable smell associated with water damage, and its concentration is usually higher in places closer to the water-damaged areas. Since the musty smell is foul and unusual, you should be able to easily detect and inspect it if its origin is water damage.

3. Spike in Utility Bills

An unexpected increase in your utility bills can either be a result of a faulty HVAC system or, as a result of water damage. An increase in utility bills due to water damage is usually challenging to detect, except you perform a thorough inspection of the home. If, after inspection, the increase in your utility bills is a result of water bills, then the likely cause is water damage.

4. Sound of Running Water

In some situations, especially before the water damage becomes apparent, some of the early signs that you can watch out for are the sound of dripping water, creaks in the wooden floorboards, and the sound of running water in the home. Although running water may be from water outlets in the house, in some cases, a variation in the sound can also signify water damage.

5. Cracks or openings in floors and walls

Changes in the home’s structural components, such as the ceilings, walls, and floors, can be pointers to water damage. Peeling paints, bloats in walls and creaking floorboards are some of the changes that can tell if your home has water damage.

Many other signs can tell if your home has water damage; while some of these signs are easily noticeable, some others are difficult to detect, and you may need to hire experts to check your house. Whatever the case may be, after water damage occurs, hire professionals to perform a water damage restoration process to help get your home back in order.