Tips and Signs to Help Prevent, Find and Fix Water Damage in Your Home

4/15/2021 (Permalink)

Tips and Signs to Help Prevent, Find and Fix Water Damage

Water damage from floods, leaks or plumbing mishaps can wreak havoc for Charlotte area homeowners, spreading quickly to ceilings, walls, floors, insulation, duct systems, crawl spaces and attics. 

During and after a significant flooding event, you may face many potential challenges - from contaminated water to electrical appliances and outlets exposed to water. While trying to salvage priceless family photos and other valuables, homeowners may also encounter hazardous materials or mold growth. 

Fortunately, the water damage repair and restoration experts at SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County have the experience, equipment and technology to restore your property and make the flooding event "Like it never even happened."

But before our team arrives to inspect, assess and find all the damage after a water loss, there are several ways homeowners can help.

Water damage pro tip: Help protect your wood furniture from light flooding and rising water by wrapping aluminum foil around the legs or placing wood blocks under the legs.

Look, smell and listen for water damage

Not all water damage is evident at first glance, which is why homeowners should know the signs of hidden water damage. Quickly identifying and responding to water damage sooner rather than later is critical for drying and safety. It also helps lessen the damage and structural costs to repair and restore your home to normal.

Watch for these three signs of potential water damage:

1. Discoloration is a simple water damage indicator because many pigments used in fabrics, paints, floors and ceilings change colors when they contact water. The shape, spread and color will vary depending on the amount of water exposure and what materials the affected surface touched. Color bleeding from one fabric to another is one of the most damaging results of a water-damaged home.
   
2. Oxidized metals, freshly soaked wood, wet insulation and mold growth can create unique and off-putting odors in your home. However, these smells can help identify flood-related issues. For example, a musty smell in your bathroom could be a sign of water damage hidden in cracked shower tiles, old caulking and grout, or a leaky seal at the toilet’s base.
   
   
3. Whooshing, dipping, humming or other unusual sounds behind walls and below your home floors can indicate a water leak or other plumbing issue. Drips are the most apparent sounds you hear, but high-pressure water inside pipes throughout your home can also create unique sounds when there’s a problem.

Water Damage repair and restoration

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of NW Charlotte, Lincoln County, Southern and NE Gaston County can respond quickly to your water or flood damage event. And we come armed with all the tools to get it done accurately and efficiently - from an infrared camera to detect hidden moisture behind walls to powerful water extraction equipment that speeds the drying process. 

Our residential restoration and cleaning technicians are employees, not contractors, and can respond 24/7 when a significant flooding event occurs. And if we need additional resources or personnel, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO franchises and disaster recovery teams. To learn more, call us anytime at (704) 393-7890 or request help online.