10 Signs of Hidden Water Damage You Shouldn’t Ignore

Minnesota’s extreme weather can cause a host of water damage problems, including ice dams, frozen pipes, and flooding from heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt. In addition, water damage can also occur from leaky appliances or plumbing issues. And while some water-related issues are extremely obvious, others lurk, hidden behind the scenes in drywall, ceilings, and under floorboards, damaging materials without your knowledge. Until it’s too late.

At Restorations by Highmark, we see these hidden water damage issues on a daily basis, and can detect them using sophisticated tools, including thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters. If you notice any of these 10 signs of hidden water damage, early detection is crucial. If left unchecked, it could lead to structural issues, mold growth, and expensive repairs.

1. Musty Odors

You smell it the moment you walk into someone’s home. That musty scent or damp smell, especially in basements. While it’s tougher to detect in your own home, this odor is a strong indicator of water damage and is often a warning sign of mold growth. If you’re unsure if the scent is a musty odor or something else, contact us right away for an assessment, even if there are no visible stains or water signs.

2. Discolored or Stained Ceilings

A leaky roof, overflowing gutters, or upstairs plumbing issues can all cause dark patches on your ceiling. These stains are usually brown or yellow in color, are irregularly shaped, and are a telltale sign of water damage. However, these types of stains can also be caused by poor insulation, condensation, and even indoor smoke, so it’s best to determine the underlying cause upfront.

Learn More: Spring Storm Damage: Roofing Issues to Watch For

3. Sagging Ceilings or Walls

A significant water build-up can be found behind sagging ceilings or bowing walls. Once the water pools, structural damage can occur quickly in these areas. If the material feels soft to the touch, it may collapse, causing further damage to your home, so act fast.

4. Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper

Moisture in or behind drywall can cause paint and wallpaper to blister and peel. Once moisture is trapped beneath the surface, paint can bubble, and wallpaper can lose its adherence to the wall, allowing air to enter behind it and cause bubbling. If you live in an area of high humidity, this can also cause condensation on walls, especially if the wallpaper isn’t installed properly.

5. Cracking or Flaking Drywall

Water damage can weaken drywall, causing cracking and flaking. If you notice soft or crumbly drywall, cracks that spread, or bubbling paint along the cracks, it’s time to bring in the experts. If left unchecked, the drywall material will expand and contract with fluctuating moisture levels, causing serious, and often costly, issues.

6. Warped or Buckled Floors

Hardwood and laminate flooring are extremely susceptible to water damage. Warping, buckling, or cupping is common, and these are the signs you should watch for. Even grout lines around tiles can loosen if water seeps underneath. All of these issues can lead to flooring that needs to be completely replaced when the wood expands and contracts unevenly, or the tile pulls away from the subfloor.

7. Signs of Mold

Mold is common in wet areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. But if you find it growing on walls, inside your HVAC system, or behind the furniture, this can be a sign of a more serious problem. Excessive moisture or water from appliance leaks or plumbing issues can often result in mold growth in unexpected places. If left untreated, mold can grow quickly within 48 hours, and can cause allergies and respiratory issues.

Learn More: Warning Signs of Mold Toxicity

8. Sounds of Dripping Water

What you don’t see, you might hear. The sound of dripping or trickling water in the walls or above your head can indicate a leak. If your plumbing is not in use but you still hear dripping water, a hissing sound, or creaks and pops in the walls, this could indicate a hidden water leak.

9. Unexplained Increases in Your Water Bill

Most people use a consistent amount of water each month. If your water bill suddenly jumps and your water usage hasn’t changed, it’s time to search for the cause. Even small leaks, such as those in underground pipes, can waste hundreds of gallons of water, often without visible signs of a leak. Try turning off all appliances that use water and check your water meter. If the dial still moves, you likely have a leak.

10. Rusty or Corroded Pipes

If you find white or green mineral deposits on exposed pipes, or rust-colored stains on surfaces near your pipes, this can be a sign of persistent moisture. Small leaks can occur once the pipe strength is compromised. Pipes behind your walls could also become rusty or corroded without your knowledge, so watch for any of the other signs above to find the leak.

Once the damage occurs, you’ll need a mitigation company to perform water damage restoration services. What does that entail? Depending on the level of damage, it could include:

• Roof tarping
• Water and mold mitigation
• Cleaning and/or repairing of your home’s contents
• Water removal and dry-out
• Mold prevention
• Removal of damaged materials
• Restoration and rebuild

A water mitigation company will first extract the water from your home or business using professional equipment, and then dry out the affected areas. Once all surfaces are dry, the rebuild can occur.

Learn More: What is a Water Mitigation Company?

Contact Restorations by Highmark at the first warning signs of a water leak so we can mitigate the damage. We offer both residential restoration services and commercial damage restoration services. Our phones are monitored 24/7 for emergency services in the Twin Cities metro area. By spotting the damage early, you could save thousands in repair costs.