Water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to a home. Left unchecked, it can undermine a home's structural integrity and cause thousands of dollars in damage. Here are four suspicious signs you could have a water leak somewhere in your home that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
You're Starting to Find Mold
If you're finding small patches of mold growing on walls, in cupboards or in other places throughout your home, it's a good sign you could have a water problem. Generally, mold on the walls indicates that you have a roof leak that's allowing water to drip down into the structure of your home. Be sure to bring in a mold remediation specialist to help you eliminate the problem once you have located and fixed the leak.
You're Noticing a Musty Smell
Like mold, mildew can result from building materials getting wet over time. In the case of mildew, the most telltale sign is usually a musty odor. This odor is usually strongest in areas without windows, such as closets or attics. If you're noticing this kind of odor, it could indicate that you have a mildew problem springing from a leak. Be aware, though, that this odor isn't always a sign of water problems. In some cases, mildew can grow without a leak and produce minor odors under normal conditions.
Your Floors Are Sagging for No Apparent Reason
If you notice that your floors have become uneven or are beginning to sag, it could indicate that you have a leak in your basement or crawlspace that is doing damage to the support structure under the floor. This can be caused either by a leaky pipe or by foundation damage. If a pipe is the problem, a plumbing professional can help you stop the source of the damage. For foundation issues, you'll need to bring in a construction contractor to repair the damage.
Your Water Bill Is Unusually High
Speaking of plumbing issues, another possible sign of a leak is an abnormally high water bill. If your bill starts to spike and you aren't using more water than usual, it's a good indicator that there's a leak occurring somewhere. Check all of your pipes and fixtures to find the leak, then bring a competent plumber in to repair it.
If you're seeing one or more of these signs, there's at least a chance you're having water problems in your home. Fixing the issue now can save you time, money and hassle repairing severe water damage later on.
