Water damage in your home or commercial building can be due to several reasons. While things like burst pipes, flooding, and overflowing sinks are easy to spot, other causes of water damage aren’t as obvious.  Water buildup behind walls and other surfaces can be hazardous because it goes unnoticed and causes extensive damage. While hidden water leaks do eventually come to light, this happens when the problem is significantly worse than when it began.

When left unnoticed, hidden water leaks can cause serious structural issues and result in mold growth, which can harm the your family or workers’ health. Because of this, it’s crucial to address water leaks immediately and ensure any water damage is taken care of before it spreads and costs thousands of dollars in repairs and restoration. Keep an eye out for the following signs of hidden water leaks to prevent this from happening.

1. Discolored Walls and Ceilings

Water leaking from behind the drywall can soak through the wall and result in water stains on ceilings and walls. If you see brown, tan, or yellow stains on your walls and ceilings, it may indicate a hidden water leak. While these are sometimes mistaken for normal staining, keep an eye out if small spots change color or grow in size.

2. Loose Tiles or Tap

Loose tiles in bathrooms and showers can also be a sign of hidden water leaks. Water can get through the tiles or any faulty grout and penetrate the wall. Keep an eye out to catch it early and avoid having to replace more than just some damaged tiles. A loose or wobbly tap can also be an indication of a water leak. Tighten the tap and re-do the caulking to prevent extensive water damage.

3. Higher Water Bills

If you haven’t significantly changed your water consumption and are getting consistently higher water bills, this may hint a hidden water leak. When comparing the difference in bills, always make sure that you’re taking increased usage into account.

4. Musty Odor

While you may not always be able to see a hidden water leak, you may be able to smell it. Porous materials like sheetrock, insulation, drywall, and wood start to smell musty when they absorb moisture. Water leaks can also cause mildew and mold, which may emit a musty smell that refuses to go away. If you suspect mold growth, it’s important to call for an inspection right away and fix the hidden water leak that caused it. Odors grow stronger as mold spreads throughout your home or commercial area, so tackling this soon is crucial.

5. Visible Mold and Mildew

One of the reasons water leaks and damage are so dangerous is because of possible mold infestation. Not only can mold cause structural issues, but it can also negatively impact the health of your family members or employees. This is especially concerning for those with health conditions that can be exacerbated by coming into contact with mold. From allergic reactions to asthma and other respiratory issues, mold exposure can do a lot of harm. It’s essential to tackle this problem immediately by calling a reputable mold removal service.

6. Bulging Wallpaper or Bubbling Paint

Both can indicate wet wallboard, whether it’s bulging wallpaper or paint that stops adhering to the wall. Catching this early is crucial because it will need to be replaced if the wallboard has started bulging. If you see peeling, flaking, or paint, it’s a definite sign of hidden water damage.

7. Dripping Sound

While some water leaks are completely silent, others create a dripping sound. Hearing this can alert you to the leak’s location, which allows you to remedy the situation as soon as possible.

8. Buckled Ceilings and Floors

When sheetrock absorbs too much moisture, it can start to affect the ceilings and floors connected to it. The excess water can cause the sheetrock to bend under its weight. If you notice buckling, this is a sure-fire sign of a water leak and must be addressed immediately. This is one of the most severe signs of water damage since it results in structural damage.

Call 911 Restoration of Everett for Water Damage Restoration

Keeping an eye out for these signs of hidden water leaks can limit damage to your property and the hit to your wallet or bank account. It’s important to call water damage restoration professionals like 911 Restoration of Everett at the first sign of water damage to get the process started as soon as possible. Minor water damage may seem innocuous, but it can quickly turn devastating. Mildew and mold growth can start within 24-48 hours of water damage and can continue to spread without you noticing it until much later.

Instead of ignoring it or trying to handle the problem on your own, call in professionals. At  911 Restoration of Everett, we handle both mold removal and the water damage that caused it in the first place. Whether you’re in Everett or the surrounding areas, you need to be able to rely on a restoration service that can do it all. 911 Restoration is available for emergencies 24/7 and guarantees a quick response time. Our IICRC-certified technicians can be at your home or commercial property in 45 minutes. Call us at (425) 650-1257 or contact us here for more information.