Tips To Recognize Water Damage Cleanup Signs Before They Become A Hazard

When I think of water damage, I tend to think of full-on flood damage. Knee-deep water in my basement, or water spewing quickly out of a busted laundry room hose, and sagging, soggy carpet, walls, and paint. That being said, water damage often is far more subtle. It could be totally invisible– a little leak internally, causing mold growth that cannot be seen or smelled immediately. Or, it could be a leaky roof, causing a small (but growing ever larger) bubble in the ceiling. It could be any number of things. Whatever it is, recognizing it quickly is of utmost importance when it comes to saving money and time though the restoration process. So, recognizing water damage quickly is important. Here are Southeast Restoration’s tips on recognizing subtle water damage quickly to avoid major cleanup issues.

Water Damage Cleanup In Columbus 

1. Look for signs outside. Walk around the house, looking for areas where standing water might build up without being able to drain.  Downspouts to drain rain water should point away away from the sides of your home. Gutters should be intact and free of blockades that would prevent water from flowing properly. Decaying gutters or downspouts with holes should be replaced. If you do find these issues, check for obviously discoloration, sagging or bubbling, and erosion. If you find water damage, call in a water damage restoration professional. In Columbus, Southeast Restoration is a great choice. 
2. Head inside to check for water damage. Look for water rings, discoloration, or visible mold. Sagging spots occur as a result of rainwater leaking in, or a bathtub that is leaking. Floors will often warp when exposed to water. It can be helpful to look in and smell cabinets and under sinks, in crawl spaces, and carpeted areas. Look for musty or mildew-y smells. These indicate very likely water damage somewhere close. 
3. Appliances and hoses. Appliances often have manuals that will indicate how often hoses and parts should be replaced. Follow these recommendations. Brittleness, discoloration, holes, and obviously leaking can indicate that old or faulty appliance parts are causing water damage. You can replace most parts on your own. 
4. Water bill patterns. Be cognizant each month of how much your water bill is. If you notice an unexplainable hike one month, it could be that you have a leaky pipe in your home. 
5. Weather patterns. Especially rainy spells in your area make it more likely for you to have water damage happening, especially if you live in a low part of your city or street, and if your home sits on a low part of your property. Check window wells, basements, and the roof for signs of water damage. Walk around your home and look for obvious signs of standing water or water damage already occurring. 

Right when you recognize water damage in your Columbus home, call a professional right away to begin the restoration process. Every minute counts when it comes to saving money, time, and minimizing overall damage, so call now! Southeast Restoration is a fantastic resource, and we’re excited to help you get your home back to normal. Whatever route you take, we wish you the best in your water damage cleanup process!