Water Damage: One Drop at a Time

Today's question is about identifying water damage in your home. Since the potential sources of water damage are almost unlimited there are times that you could have water damage and not even realize it. The most obvious signs are damp areas or pooling water but what about when those aren't present or when the damage is in an area you can't see? Our reader asks:

"I'm worried that I may have a leak in my home, what are some ways I can identify water damage when I can't see any water?"

Locating leaks can be difficult if you can't see the source

If the source of the water isn't continuous, such as in cases of condensation or a roof leak, or the damage is happening in an area that you can't see, it can be difficult to identify the fact that there is water damage in the first place.

When there is no water visibly present the most helpful sign may be a smell. If you notice a damp or musty smell it could be a good indicator of the presence of water damage. This can be very helpful in locating where the damage is as well, just follow the smell.

On walls and ceilings signs of water damage include peeling paint or wallpaper, discoloration, mold growth or even sagging or bowing.

Flooring may exhibit a dank or musty smell, this is especially true with carpet because of how it will trap and retain moisture in the pad and the carpet itself. On other types of flooring, signs include peeling or warping, discoloration or moldy patches. When there is serious water damage to a floor it can result in damage to the subfloor or even a loss in structural integrity.

For additional information you can refer to this article on water damage and how to identify it.

If you suspect you have water damage but are having difficulty locating the source you should consult a professional water damage restoration company.

Wet Carpet in Sierra Vista?

When a wood or tile floor get wet it can often be enough to just mop up any standing water and run over the area with a towel. But how about carpet? What happens when carpet becomes absolutely saturated? This reader is asking about that exact subject.

"I had a leak in my master bathroom and it caused some flooding in the bedroom. The bedroom is carpeted and now one corner of the room is completely saturated! I used a shop-vac to get most of the water but the area is still really damp, can I just leave it to air dry?"

When carpet gets completely saturated by flooding it can be very difficult to completely dry. Carpet pads act like a giant sponge, absorbing water and spreading it through the whole thing. In addition to causing the carpet dry out to be difficult, this produces an ideal environment for mold growth. If the carpet starts to have a musty smell it's a sure sign of mold growth.

Because of the fact that carpet can take so long to fully dry and the fact that mold grows so quickly (usually showing up in as little as 24 to 48 hours) it's not a good idea to just try to let a carpet air dry. Drying wet carpet needs specialized equipment if the carpet has been entirely saturated. Industrial dehumidifiers and specialized fans are used in this process to make sure all the moisture has been entirely removed.

If flooding has caused saturated, wet carpet, consider contacting a company who is certified in water removal and dry out procedures to handle the carpet drying.

Water Damage and You

Here's a quick graphic with some bullet points on water damage, the information comes from several different sources in the insurance world. Enjoy!

Basics of Water Damage | Infographic