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What Does Water Damage Look Like?
Learn how to spot water damage pretty much right away. Rinea shares the most common signs of water damage and how they look like.
Written By Rinea Blanchard
Written and fact-checked by an industry expert. ✔️
Water damage can be more or less obvious, depending on the situation. You might not always spot it right away, as some leaks take time to become visible.
These are actually the types of leaks you should be most afraid of, as they could be pretty difficult to get covered by insurance.
Either way, in this article you’ll quickly learn what water damage looks like and what signs to watch out for.
Let’s get into it!
Quick Answer
Water damage can usually be spotted by dark, damp spots of a wall, floor, or ceiling. If the area smells musty and feels soft upon the touch, that's most likely water damage possibly accompanied by mold.
What Are the Early Signs of Water Damage?
The first things you might notice are discoloration on walls or ceilings, peeling paint or wallpaper, and soft or buckling wood planks, followed by a musty or damp smell.
These are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
I’ve seen plenty of people try to cover up water stains with a fresh coat of paint, but trust me, that’s just putting a band-aid on a bullet wound. It won’t work, as you’re not digging into and resolving the root cause of the issue.
How to Detect Hidden Water Damage?
Hidden water damage is trickier, but there are telltale signs if you know what to look for.
Keep an eye out for a spike in your water bill. It might be excess usage or long showers—it might be that you actually have a leak.
You may hear dripping sounds at night or when the house is quiet during the day.
The most common cause of water damage hidden behind walls is a leaking pipe. Besides that, crawl space leaks or hydrostatic pressure can cause problems beneath the house that would eventually show their face through damp flooring.
And lastly, if you see signs of water damage on your ceilings, check your roofing, attic, and ventilation for any leaks.
How Does Water Damage Affect Different Materials?
Water can mess up just about any material given enough time. But different materials show signs of damage in different ways and also in a different timeframe.
Let’s start with the drywall.
How to Tell if Drywall is Water Damaged?
Drywall is like a sponge. It’ll soak up water and start to swell or bubble.
You might see discoloration or feel that it’s soft to the touch.
If it’s really bad, it might even start to crumble.
Most drywalls need replacement if they get damp. The material can be unreliable, even after excessive drying.
How Long Can Drywall Be Wet Before Mold?
This is a question I get a lot. The truth is, mold can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours in the right conditions (that is, if the leak isn’t stopped).
That’s why we always stress quick action when it comes to water damage.
Signs of Water Damage in Wood
Wood is tricky because it can hide damage well.
Look for warping, cupping (where the edges of the board curl up), or even splitting.
In severe cases, you might see wood rot, where the wood becomes soft and spongy, similar to the drywall’s case, but a lot more worrying given the fact that the wood is a tougher material.
This would mean you have a lot more water if the wood rots.
Carpet Water Damage Signs
Wet carpet is usually pretty obvious—it’ll feel damp or even squishy underfoot.
But even after it dries, you might notice musty odors, discoloration, or even mold.
We’ve had to rip out plenty of carpets that looked fine on the surface but were hiding nasty surprises underneath due to this exact reason.
Very damp carpets usually need to be replaced.
Can Water Damage Make You Sick?
Absolutely. This is something I always stress to our clients.
Water damage isn’t just about property (though that should already alarm most people); it’s a health issue too.
Mold growth from lingering moisture can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems, worsened asthma being one of them.
We saw this firsthand dealing with hundreds of water-damaged properties in the recent years.
Remember, water damage doesn’t have to be a disaster if you know what to look for and act quickly. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in the pros.
We’ve got the experience and the certifications to handle whatever water throws your way. Call us today!
