Before You Buy: 5 Signs of Water Damage in a Property

Did you know that one out of every 50 homes has filed a water damage claim? And while this staggering statistic may come as a surprise to you, you want to know what to look out for. 

Let's face it. When it comes to property damage, we don't always know what we should be looking out for. And if a professional technician isn't present, you may miss some major clues.

Let's take water damage for example. The signs of water damage aren't always evident when they first appear. Here's how to keep a lookout before you commit to buying that property. 

1.  Changes on Walls and Floors

One of the most evident signs of water damage is the change in walls. While the structure of your house may change as it gets older, there are some key changes that may mean trouble. 

Here are the main things to look out for:

• Peeled back wallpaper

• Wallpaper that's bubbling up

• Spongy ceilings

• Soggy carpet

• Peeling floors

2. Stains

Stains can be one of the biggest signs of water damage.

Be on the lookout for yellow/brown stains that may be a cause of a water leak. Usually found in basements and laundry rooms, be sure to examine areas of the home where water runs through the pipes frequently.

3. Smells

Next on our list of signs of water damage is musty odors. 

Let's face it. We've all entered into a home that smelled like a wet newspaper. And while you may not be able to spot the stains or wall changes, you can feel the strong humidity in the air. 

In addition to the musty odor, you're going to feel a change of temperature in the room with the water leakage. If you're unsure you have a water leakage, call these plumbing services to take a look at your home.

4. High Utility Bills

Whether you're looking for signs of water damage or other repairs, one vital clue is a high utility bill. When your sewer has to work twice as hard to drain water, there may be a leak somewhere that you should take care of.

Do a quick walk around in rooms that utilize water often. Be sure that the faucets aren't leaking and the toilet isn't running prior to analyzing your next utility bill.

5. Plumbing Fixtures

Last but not least, analyze your plumbing fixtures. If your house is functioning off outdated pipes, be sure that there is no wear and tear that can potentially cause a costly leak. Each fixture has a lifespan regardless of how good the house looks on the outside.

Signs of Water Damage and More

Whether you want to learn more about the signs of water damage or simply want to gain more knowledge about the real estate market, we're here to help. Because the market is constantly changing, you're going to want to have a solid real estate platform for all of your needs and questions. Alternatively, if you have a home that shows signs of water damage, reach out to a water damage restoration service expert. 

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