Signs You May Have Hidden Water Damage in the Home | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Leaks behind the walls of your homes could be causing mold.

Water damage is a headache that no homeowner would like to deal with, and for good reason.
Water damage can quickly become complicated, costly and quite a burden to handle, and the
longer it has to fester, the worse it can get.
While handling water damage quickly is the obvious solution, if you do not realize that the water
damage is present, this can be easier said than done.

Hidden water damage can occur for a multitude of reasons, whether it be leaks from hidden
pipes in the walls to roof damage that goes unnoticed until your ceiling starts to turn. While
some things like this can simply not be predicted, there are ways that homeowners can learn to
spot water damage signs early on so they know what to be on the lookout for.

Read on for our top tips!

Signs to Watch for That May Indicate Household Water Damage

**A musty, stale smell.** Oftentimes, our noses are the first thing to tip us off to hidden water
damage in the home. A musty, stale smell that does not go away with cleaning is often the
quickest indicator that there is water damage lurking somewhere. Water damage attracts mold
and mildew like a magnet, and as they begin to grow, they can put off serious odors that can’t
be missed.

**Mold growing in odd places.** Speaking of mold, if you see it somewhere in your home, there
is a good chance it is pointing right to hidden water damage. Mold thrives in damp and humid
environments, so if it suddenly crops up on your walls, under your sink or around appliances
that use water, that is a good indication a leak is lurking somewhere nearby.

**Discoloration of the walls or ceiling.** Water leaks can often be hidden by drywall, which can
make it harder to spot them until they grow severe. However, if you pay close attention, you
may be able to notice discoloration, which could indicate that there is water damage at play.
When water soaks through drywall, it will often leave behind a discolored splotch when it is
given the chance to dry out completely.

*If you think you may have water damage in your home, we are happy to investigate! We are
here 24/7 to address water damage concerns—contact us today to learn more.