Hidden Water Damage: Do You Have An Undetected Leak In Your Bathroom?

Signs Of Water Damage

Mold Development
For mold to develop, it needs organic material, moisture, and oxygen. Bathrooms are plentiful for all of these. Although there are several causes of mold growth within the home, a damp bathroom is more susceptible to mold growth. If you notice mold in your bathroom, there may be a leak making your bathroom more humid.

Damaged Walls
Drywall and water are not friends. If drywall is exposed to water, especially for extended periods, it will become damaged. The drywall can bubble, become soft, warp, and eventually break into pieces. The drywall that has water damage needs to be replaced. If your drywall shows these signs, you likely have water damage occurring from a leaking pipe or a water leak from outside, such as a crack in the foundation of your home, a gap in the siding, an improperly sealed vent opening, or other external issue. If your drywall has water damage, you will likely need to remove the drywall to discover the source of the leak.

A Musty Odour
Stagnant water and water-damaged items will eventually begin to smell musty or moldy. Instead of ignoring the smell or lighting a candle, try to sniff out where it seems to be coming from. It may lead you to a water leak you weren’t aware of.

Water In Cabinets
Water leaks are often found in the cabinets under the sink. Because this is a fairly common area, it’s good to check under the sink on occasion. If you smell anything or if you notice moisture or water when you pull anything out from under the sink, it’s safe to assume you have a leak. Depending on when this leak started, you may avoid water damage.

Water Stains
If you notice a brown stain on your ceiling and have a bathroom that’s above another room, this is likely a water stain. These water stains tend to be brown; darker around the edges and fairly light coloured in the middle. A water stain on the ceiling is a form of water damage, but it can indicate even more serious water damage within the ceiling or the flooring of the level above.

Damaged Floors
Water damage to the flooring can come in the form of a spongy feeling floor, a damp carpet, staining or discoloration, cracking, buckling, or loose tiles. If you haven’t had any recent water problems such as a bathtub overflow or a sewage backup and if you can’t see an obvious leak, this water damage may be caused by a burst or leaking pipe under the floor.

What To Do If You Find Water Damage

If you find any water damage that has ruined your walls, cabinets, floor, or ceiling, or if you discover mold, call a 24/7 Restoration in Calgary. Our professional restoration company will remove any water-damaged materials so that they are not a danger to safety and they do not begin to mold. If mold has already started, 24/7 Restoration can perform mold remediation to ensure all mold spores are safely removed. If you have any water damage in your home or commercial building, 24/7 Restoration can help. Call the 24/7 Restoration line at 1-403-247-4365 for help anytime, day or night. For non-emergencies, you can also fill out the online contact form.

FAQ

Q: Are bathrooms the most likely place to get water damage?
A: Because bathrooms tend to have many different drains and frequent water use, they are highly susceptible to leaks and other forms of water damage, but there are other areas in the home that can also get water damage. Kitchens are also susceptible to leaks, as are rooms with appliances that use lots of water, such as washing machines. Areas that use lots of water are also prone to mold development.

Q: What do your water damage restoration services include?
A: Our water damage services include:

• Water extraction and removal
• Drying and dehumidification
• Humidity and airflow control
• Structure reconstruction and restoration
• Mold remediation/removal

Q: Can I clean up water damage on my own?
A: If the only water damage is some wet rugs or mildew, you can clean this up on your own. However, if the water damage has wrecked any of your walls or flooring or if mold (which is different from mildew) has started to develop, you should call a professional restoration company to ensure everything is removed and replaced properly. If the water leaking is sewage water, do not attempt to clean this yourself.