Water damage sometimes leaves visible signs that point toward obvious leaks. But not always. Learn to spot subtle water damage signs in your home, and you could save yourself a lot of aggravation, inconvenience, and money. Read on to learn how you can spot signs of water damage in your home so you can take steps to address the problem.
What Are the Top Water Damage Signs to Watch for in My Home?
1. Strange sounds
You may not be able to see water damage signs, especially early on, but if you know what to listen for, you might just hear them. Telltale sounds include:
- Creaking floorboards
- Dripping water
- Rushing water
Since those sounds can also be a sign of normal plumbing function, you should pay attention to signs that something has changed.
2. Weird smells
Moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew. Water leaks will typically create a distinct musty odor. If you notice a strange smell:
- Check the area thoroughly and keep tabs to see if it gets worse.
- Keep in mind that the area may also feel especially humid or slightly damp, depending on the cause of the damage and the temperature in the room.
- An older home can have a variety of smells, especially in attics and basements, but sudden changes in odor could be a water damage sign.
- Since newer homes should typically be odor free, any new smell may suggest the presence of mildew or mold.
What does water damage smell like?
- Musty or earthy: This is the most common smell you’ll notice from water damage. It can smell like a damp basement or old, stale air.
- Rotten or stale odor is often a serious water damage sign—especially if there's been a sewage backup.
- Rotten egg odor can also be a sign of sewage problems or another type of contaminated water issue.
- Wet newspaper or cardboard smell can indicate mold growth and is often associated with the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds that can affect your health.
3. Dark wall spots
Dark spots or bubbles on walls can be a sign of water damage.
If you notice new dark spots that suddenly appear on your walls, it could be a sign of mold growth. Since mold cannot exists without moisture, there's a good chance that these dark spots are telling you that there's water where there shouldn't be.
Additionally, paint that bubbles on your wall is an obvious sign of water damage.
If you notice these two signs, you may have a source of water damage. It could be directly behind the wall or seeping in from somewhere else, like the roof.
4. Yellow streaks on ceilings
Discoloration on a wall or ceiling could be another visible sign of interior water damage. Pay attention to these possible water damage signs:
- A yellow or light brown streaks on your ceilings or walls could be a sign of water damage.
- If it’s on the interior of your home, discoloration could be a leaky pipe or roof.
- Discoloration on the outside of your home could be due to an overflowing gutter, which causes distinctive water marks on siding.
- If you do have an overflowing gutter, get it cleared out right away or you could end up with foundation damage.
- You may also need to attach runners to your downspouts to funnel water away from your home.
5. A constantly running furnace
If your furnace is running more often than you expect in colder weather, water damage could be a culprit.
Water damage that occurs behind your walls can keep your walls damp. Damp walls tend to be cooler and draw heat out of walls as water evaporates, which makes it harder for your furnace to warm the house.
And in the long run, this can cause unexpected furnace breakdowns if your furnace is constantly running.
What Are Common Causes of Water Damage?
Here are some common causes of water damage in a home.
- Leaking or burst pipes, often caused by changes in temperature, lack of insulation, or routine wear and tear.
- Leaks or drips from faucets, leaking or overflowing toilets, and water around showers and tubs can be signs of a bigger issue that you can’t see.
- Worn or faulty appliances such as your hot water tank, washing machine, refrigerator, or dishwasher. This usually happens because the hoses and pipes attached to the appliances weaken and crack.
- Roof leaks.
- Certain toilet problems.
Address Causes of Water Damage with Help From 2-10
Water damage can cost a fortune to address if you don't find the source early. With a home warranty from 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty (2-10), you can access solutions to common causes of water damage, like certain plumbing leaks or appliance breakdowns.
While a 2-10 home warranty won't cover the costs of water damage, it can help reduce the costs to address the source of water damage.
