No home is safe from water damage. Newer homes are as susceptible to water damage as older homes. According to industry estimates, about 14,000 people in the US experience a water damage emergency every day, forcing the average homeowner to spend thousands of dollars on repair and restoration costs.
You can help reduce the risk of water damage in your home by reporting its early signs to a licensed and skilled repair contractor. Watch out for these early warning indicators:
Discoloration in walls
Are you noticing changes in your walls or ceilings? Stains or spots that permanently appear on your walls can be clear signs of mildew or mold growth. Mildew appears in areas where there is water damage. Discoloration in walls and ceilings can be the result of roof leakage or a broken water supply line. Other subtle signs of water damage in walls include peeling paint and cracking in drywall.
Musty odor coming from the attic or basement
Mold thrives in dark and damp areas like crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Mold growth produces a musty odor, which is similar to that of wet paper or cardboard. Old houses where plumbing systems are usually old and faulty have such odors. Before the musty odor affects your family’s health, make sure to call for a home inspector to check the area where it’s coming from.
Sound of dripping water inside walls
Have you been constantly disturbed in your night sleep due to the sound of dripping water? This could be a sign of a plumbing problem in your residential property, which must be fixed right away. Mark the spots where you can hear the sound of dripping water. Then, call your trusted local plumber to conduct further investigation.
Outdated water supply system
Water supply equipment has an average lifespan of about 40 to 70 years. When that lifespan is reached, water leaks may start happening in your home. You can make your water supply system last for more years by investing in a regular equipment inspection and maintenance.
A sudden surge in utility bill
Not all water leaks are loud and visible. However, a sudden surge in your utility bills will let you know you have one in your home. To save money and stop expensive water loss in your home, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the pros. Shut off your main water line to prevent further damage while waiting for your hired plumbers to arrive.
According to iProperty Management, there are two main categories of water damage, including water damage caused by plumbing and water damage caused by weather-related events. The most common water damage issues people experience at home are caused by plumbing. That is why it’s very important to find a licensed and skilled professional you can rely on whenever you need an immediate plumbing repair in your home.
Protect your investments by partnering with a trustworthy plumbing company in your local area today. You may inquire about a company’s list of services and rates through a phone call or personal visit.