Water damage doesn’t always occur in a dramatic fashion. In fact, it’s much more likely to happen due to a small roof leak than from a serious flood or a burst pipe. However, small water damage also tends to linger because homeowners don’t notice it right away. You could have water damage in your home right now and not even be aware of it. Keep reading to learn what you can do to find signs of hidden water damage in Olathe, KS, so you can get the problem repaired quickly.
Check the Walls
A wall that’s been soaked is pretty obvious, but the leak has to get very bad before that kind of damage will be apparent. Small, hidden leaks tend to create much more subtle signs of trouble. Perhaps there’s a discolored spot near your baseboard; that could be a water spot from puddling behind the walls. Flaking paint and cracking drywall can also be a sign of a leak in the hidden pipes in that section of your home.
Check the Floors
Signs of leaks aren’t limited to walls and ceilings; they can appear on your floors too. Check your tile and wooden floorboards for bulging or signs of lifting. Both of these could be a sign of water buildup underneath. You should also check your carpets for unexplained stains. If you’re fairly confident your pet didn’t cause it, you might have some hidden water damage there.
Check Plumbing Fixtures
Obviously, leaks are more likely to occur where there’s more water flowing. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly inspect your plumbing fixtures for signs of a leak. Look under the sinks for signs of dripping or puddling. Check around the toilet for any unexplained moisture, and examine the floor around the bathtub. (Of course, you should make sure that there isn’t any lingering moisture from your last shower when you perform this examination.)
Additionally, check the hoses for your washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker in your fridge. Look for water damage all around these appliances, and if you notice that the hose is cracking or has become very brittle, replace it right away to prevent future water damage.
Check Rarely Used Areas
Don’t just stick to your main living spaces. Make sure you’re investing smaller, less-used spaces during your hunt for water damage. This includes closets, basements, crawl spaces, and inside all your cupboards (not just the ones under the sinks).
Check for Smells
While inspecting your home for visible signs of water damage, make sure you’re using your sniffer too. If you get any whiffs of mold or mildew in your house, try to follow that smell to the source of the problem. Where there’s a moldy smell, there’s bound to be mold; and where there’s mold, there’s moisture. Be sure to look under sinks, in your basement, and even in closets to pinpoint the source of the smell—and the source of the leak.
If you do find water damage, be sure to contact our water cleanup company in Olathe, KS, to get the job done quickly.