9 Signs of Water Damage You Should Look Out for in Your New Jersey Home

Water leaks could cost you many thousands of dollars to restore if left unchecked!

Even the smallest leaks can devastate the integrity of your home over time, which is why it is critical to act quickly if you discover any signs of water damage.

Not only can water ruin your possessions, but the rot from moisture seepage can cause severe illness due to black mold and mildew.

The trouble with water damage is that it often creeps in slowly, compromising areas that are hard to see. Water can catch an inexperienced homeowner unaware until the consequences are costly and severe. Luckily, if you know what to look out for, you can be proactive about heading off any potential home water damage early.

Read on to find out what symptoms you need to know about to keep your home safe and dry.

Bubbling Paint

Peeling paint on an interior ceiling a result of water damage caused by a leaking pipe.

If you see unusual patterns in your paint or wallpaper, it’s usually a sign that water has crept into your walls. Blistered, bubbled, or flaking paint signals that moisture has seeped in behind your wall finishes and started separating the bonds between them.

Sometimes these bubbles occur on the ceilings beneath bathroom floors. This means water can even be collecting in a puddle beneath the floorboards.

Deteriorating Caulk

Especially around your kitchen or bathroom sink areas, damaged caulk can be a sign of water leaks. If your caulk sealant around faucets or water seals is crumbling or coming loose, you may have water coming up from underneath.

Especially if this happens in conjunction with any dampness found in under sink areas, you’ll know for sure that leaks are occurring. Take note- if your laminate countertops are separating from their composite base, especially if those bases are also crumbly or warping, you are facing a major moisture issue.

Uneven Flooring

There are several signs to look out for with natural wood, engineered wood, and laminate flooring when they’ve been exposed to water. Be wary of buckling sections that stick up further than their neighboring pieces. If any flooring shifts out of place or seems to have small sunken areas, it’s likely that water is the cause.

Loose laminate bathroom tiles, or those that remain wet long after bathing, are also signals that your water barrier is compromised.

Difficult Doors and Windows

If you have doors or windows that once opened smoothly, but now seem to be swollen or sticking in their jams, there’s a good chance that they have expanded from moisture contact. While sometimes this is to be expected in wet seasons, it’s important to take note of how often this happens and for how long.

Especially in dry conditions, tight-fitting doors and windows are signs of frames that are saturated with water. Wood naturally expands when it is wet, so stubborn doors without an apparent cause should be looked at seriously.

Discoloration

If you see yellowing or brownish spots blooming around your home, water is often the culprit. Dried water spots on drywall typically start small and continue to grow over time, leaving telltale stains. Edges of wall trim like crown moldings or baseboards can warp or even crumble near these areas as well.

Foundation Cracks

Though sometimes caused by freezing and thawing seasons when in northern climates, foundation cracks are often caused by a proliferation of water as well. Your gutters should be directing water away from your foundation, so check during heavy rains to make sure that water is not collecting near the base of your home.

Musty Smells

If you smell a mildewed, musty odor inside the house, don’t dismiss it as the natural aging of an older structure. Mildew smells are often a sign of gathering moisture that goes unseen. Sometimes water damage can cause an acrid scent as well.

Anything that smells out of sorts in your home should be investigated for a source. Even before the wet areas start developing visible mold, you may find yourself having an allergic reaction that includes itching, sneezing, or runny noses.

Water Sounds

Do you hear errant drips or pipes running, even when no one is using the plumbing? Don’t dismiss it as the sounds your home naturally makes.

Dripping sounds from unseen places could be a pipe leaking under a cabinet or in the wall. Pipes running to replenish water at off times likely means that extra water is slowly going somewhere it’s not supposed to go.

Utility Costs

If your water bill seems to be rising with no change in typical water use, you could have a plumbing leak. Though some leaks are slow, their water costs can add up over time and leave clues in your monthly bill. A change in water use should always be the cause to investigate any possible problems or leaks in your home.

Have Signs of Water Damage? Let Us Help

If you’ve discovered some of these signs of water damage in your home, a professional restoration service can help you identify and repair the cause to keep your home safe and dry.

Especially for leaks coming from under floors or within walls, it’s important to make sure you clean up all moisture and resulting mold, in addition to repairing the cause of the damage. ServiceMaster Restoration by Complete can help you identify the problems and restore your home, no matter how severe the damage.

Since 2001 we’ve been helping homeowners with fire, water, and natural disaster restoration. Available 24/7 for even the worst emergencies, we serve the New York and New Jersey area. For expert help, contact us today.