How Do You Know If You Have Water Damage In Your St. Augustine Home?

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

A small issue can quickly turn into a large disaster. Don't wait, call SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine at the first sign of water damage 904-429-4457

One of the most common problems that property owners can sustain is water damage. Broken and leaky pipes are 2nd in both frequency and severity in regards to annual claims resulting in water damage, with hurricanes/severe storms being #1. Although water damage claims have been growing faster than other components of homeowners insurance, many of these losses could have been prevented. 

Most water damage occurs because of leaks that were gradual, slow leaks eventually turned into a bigger problem. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore small leaks or damage until it becomes a bigger issue, or they believe that they can take care of it themselves, which with minimal water damage may be true... but with water damage, there are often more damages than the human eye can see. If a pipe breaks within the walls or water travels through or into walls, you will be unable to see the extent of the loss and dry it out without specialty equipment.

So What Are the Signs of Water Damage in Your Home? 

When trying to prevent water damage, it helps to know what to look for to ensure that all preventable issues can be addressed. Check for the following signs of water damage in your home: 

1. Dark Spots or Water Stains 

Keep your eye out for dark spots and discoloration on the ceiling, interior, and exterior walls of your home. Darker spots usually mean that the water damage is fresh and could be still active, while yellowish or chalky stains are an indication of older damage. 

2. Peeling, Cracking, or Bubbling 

If the paint or wallpaper in your home is peeling or bubbling this is typically an indication that the inside of the wall is wet. When larger areas get wet and the wat sits, these areas begin to expand and that is when you will see cracks appear. 

3. Pooling or Puddles of Water

Continuous drips and leaks can leave puddles of water on your floor. If you notice pools of water and it comes back after you have cleaned it up, it is a good sign that you have an ongoing, active leak. 

4. Hearing Water

You might not always be able to see the water when a water loss occurs, but you may be able to hear it. Listen for drips or sounds of rushing water that go beyond the sounds that your usual pipes and systems make. 

5. Higher Water Bills 

Your water bill might vary month to month, but have you had a drastic increase in your bill and can't account for the change? You may have an active leak. 

6. Damp or Musty Odors 

Have you noticed a damp smell or musty odor in your home? This is often another sign of water damage and is usually the strongest around the area where the water damage occurred. 

7. Mold 

Mold can grow on almost any surface in your home that remains wet or in an area with excess moisture within 48-72 hours. 

If you think that your St. Augustine home has a leak or signs of water damage, your local SERVPRO of St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, S. Nocatee and World Golf Village is here to help. Our highly trained technicians can mitigate and dry out the excess moisture quickly before the structural integrity of your home becomes at risk for secondary damages and mold growth. Acting quickly and avoiding any delays when dealing with water damage and excess moisture not only save your home's structural integrity but lessens the amount of time needed to get your home back to normal, but the timely response can also aid in keeping overall costs down. Call us at 904-429-4457 to schedule a FREE estimate, or for emergency services 24/7/365!