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Subtle Signs You Have a Water Problem

Repairs
Repairs
Subtle Signs You Have a Water Problem

Some signs of water problems — like flooding — are obvious; many others are not. Given the costly damage water can inflict on your home, you’ll want to watch for these subtle signs of potential water problems.

Heightened Humidity

When excess water is in your walls, basement, or foundation, it can significantly raise the humidity within your home as your home heats up and the excess water begins to vaporize. You may notice water condensation on windows or walls, doors sticking or not closing, and you may feel the effect on your own body by being extra sweaty or sticky. Monitor the humidity by getting a hygrometer, and place it in your home.

Damaged Walls and Ceilings

Many of us know the telltale sign of a brown or gray stain on the wall or ceiling from a water leak, but water damage in your walls isn’t always so obvious. Cracks, peeling or bubbling paint, bulging, shrinking or buckling drywall, and light spots — all of these are potential signs of a water problem.

 

Muddy/Soggy Soil

If you own a well or septic tank, you will want to pay attention to the condition of the yard over these areas. If the soil becomes muddy or water-logged, or your feet are sinking into the ground when walking over it, this could be a major problem with your well or septic that could quickly lead to flooding in your home. You may also notice your lawn shifting, sinking, or having large patches of brown grass.

 

Damp Foundation

If the ground around your foundation is perpetually wet, and the foundation block is always damp, this can signal poor drainage and badly graded soil around your foundation. Cracks in your foundation, sinkholes in the earth around the base, water in the basement, and evidence of your home shifting or sinking will also ensue if this isn’t addressed.  This is a common repair request our plumbers in Nashville receive, and many other cities in the Southeast US.

 

Musty Smells

When you enter your home after being away all day, do you notice that the house has an “earthy” odor? This can be a sign that somewhere within your home, there is a water problem.

Musty smells come from a damp area sitting without fresh air for long periods of time and is usually growing mold. The smellier it is, the more it indicates there is some form of decay which could include rotting walls, insulation, and more.

 

Stained or Warped Floors

Most people pay attention to the walls and ceilings when looking for water damage, but floors are also a great indicator for trouble. If hardwood floors become warped or stained, there could be water damage occurring in a nearby wall, underneath the floor, or from an appliance or faucet. Also check to see if carpeting is wet, discolored, or feels like there are holes in the floor beneath the carpet.

Dripping Sounds

Sitting in silence is not only good for your mental health, but it can help you locate a leak. Do your best to occasionally sit in your home without any noise and see if you can detect any unusual sounds. Keep your ears perked for drips, spraying, bubbling, or waterfall sounds, especially around bathrooms, kitchens, in attics and basements. The more water you hear, the more urgent the problem.

 

Water Bill

If you have noticed the water bill is emptying your wallet and ever-rising, this could be an undetected water leak causing you to use more water. Get a good feeling for your average water usage during a month, often reported to you by the water meter company. If you see this significantly escalating without a known reason, it’s time to perform some checks for a water issue.

 

Water damage can cost north of $11,000 per household and costs U.S. homeowners a combined $20 billion dollars annually.

To save time, money, and frustration, watch for the subtle signs.

And, if you see any of these issues, contact us for a quick evaluation and fix.