How to Detect Water Damage in your Home

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

Example of mold around a tub that might indicate a leak

The worst water damage is the kind you don't detect until significant damage is done.  Water can slowly and silently leak, and bathrooms can be notoriously hard to spot because it tends to be a room with moisture anyway.  As it turns out, these quiet drips can cause extensive water damage with time.  What are some common causes of water leaks in bathrooms? Here are three typical causes:

     *Grout deterioration around showers

     *Broken faucet in sink, bathtub or shower

     *Damaged drain in bathtub or shower

While damage can be hard to spot in a bathroom, here are a few things to look for; sure signs that you have water damage that needs to be addressed. 

Mold or Mildew

The first sign of a hidden leak is usually mold and mildew on the outside of the tub, shower or wall.  While it might not be a sure sign of significant  water damage, it does indicate that something is off and that it might be time to call in a water damage specialist to check it out.

DAMAGED WALLS or CEILING

Water gets splashed on bathroom floors now and then, and that should not be a problem as long as it's not substantial.  Bathrooms are built to take occasional water exposure.  However, if you see a patch, stain or crack on the ceiling below the washroom, there's an issue.  You are likely dealing with a shower pan leak or broken drain line.  

EARTHY SMELL

Mold has a distinctive earthy smell that is fairly easy to detect.  It is a clear indication of hidden leaks in your house, which is hard to track down.  Water can drip at one point and move to damage another part of the house.  If you suspect a leak it is best to call a trained water damage professional. 

If you suspect you have water damage contact SERVPRO of Christian, Todd, Logan and Simpson counties at 270-885-8811. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.