Water Spots - How Old Are They? - Learn by Following These Steps

Repairs for water damage is a typical problem for any property, and sometimes the problem is distinct and other times it's indistinct. Things like overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical issues linked with water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. But pipes run all over your home, and this includes areas you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. It's safe to say that a pipe leaking in an unseen area can happen. It's an irritating problem since you can't see the leak and you won't be aware before the water damage appears.

However, when you catch water spots on your ceiling or damage to your walls, these are the sure signs of a leaky pipe or condensation generating the problem. Since the area is hidden, though, it's tough to verify how long the problem has been at hand. Although there isn't a way to know precisely how long your water damage problem has lingered, there are some ways to diagnose whether the water damage is new or old.

Tips On Damage Caused by Water - Learn about its Age

By following the steps listed below, you'll be able to indicate how new or old the damage produced by water:

  • History of the House: When your house has any water spots, it's essential to take note of them when finding out whether damage caused from water is new or old. Furthermore, you'll want to be aware of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your property, since pipes with a slow drip can take some time to appear, and if you understand what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your problem quicker.
  • History of the House: When your house has any water spots, it's essential to take note of them when finding out whether damage caused from water is new or old. Furthermore, you'll want to be aware of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a rain storm. Know your property, since pipes with a slow drip can take some time to appear, and if you understand what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your problem quicker.
  • Touch the Spot: You'll can indicate whether your water damage is new or old just by feeling it. An older spot will be squishy because the material has absorbed a lot of moisture. A newer spot will be wet, but the material will still have a solid feel to it.
  • Look for Rings: Outlining rings around the damaged spot generated by water indicates its age. Think about it as if it was a tree- the more rings, the older the water damage is. Different shadings of the stain is useful since it indicates that the area leaks, dries, gets saturated, dries, etcetera. If it's a brand new water spot, the area will be a single stain with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: Get to know the material around your property, since water can become trapped by tiles and thick paint. And if spots generated by water show up through these, this indicates the buildup of water has been there for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria, or mold, is present, your water damage has lingered for nearly two to three days.
  • Deterioration: Your material won't decompose from the first situation of water damage. So if there has been decay, this indicates your material has been susceptible to persistent flooding or standing water.

Get an Experienced Water Damage Restoration Specialist

For all your water damage repair emergencies, contact Paul Davis. If there's a leak that you can't identify, it's important to get in touch with a professional. Paul Davis' expert team has the experience and response time you need to maintain your house. For a local franchise in your area, give us a call at (604)984-7575 and we'll get an expert for your assistance.