Warning Signs of Water Damage in Bay Area Homes You May Not See
No matter how well you put in the work to clean, is there a musty odour that lingers? For no apparent cause has your water bill been on the rise? Do you see what appear to be faint stains making an appearance on the walls or ceiling and getting worse? Then you may be looking at some form of water damage that is out of plain view.
We are H&L Remediation, a San Jose restoration firm that is locally owned and we put our services before homeowners all over the San Francisco Bay Area. Our 15 plus years of experience and A+ from the BBB have taught us to put an end to hidden water issues before they become a major headache. Give us a ring at (408) 516-9131.
The thing about water damage is it is not straightforward; much of it is taking place behind your walls or under the floor. In many cases the problem has been festering for weeks if not months by the time it shows itself. In an older Bay Area home with the seasonal rains to contend with, a minor leak can be the source of considerable trouble.
What Makes Hidden Water Damage So Prevalent in This Area
You will find your fair share of wet winters here, not to mention plumbing and homes of a certain vintage. These things set the stage for water to go where it should not. Be it a window not properly sealed, a gap in the roof or a pipe that is slow to leak, moisture can accumulate without you knowing it.
It is only when the damage is in full view that most give it any thought. Yet the sooner it is put to right, the lower the cost and the less harm done.
Don’t Overlook These Warning Signs
There are telltale signs of hidden water damage for those in the know. Some of the more frequent ones to be on the lookout for in the home include:
- An earthy or musty smell that will not dissipate in a basement, crawl space or closet
- Stains or discoloration of baseboards, ceilings and walls
- Wallpaper or paint showing cracks, peeling or bubbles
- Your flooring has soft spots or is buckling
- Your water bill has jumped for no reason
- Mold in the corners, under a sink or by the windows
- The sound of running or dripping water with the faucets off
Should you come across any of these it is something to look into. More than one is a sure bet that water is pooling where it ought not to be.
How Water and Mold Are Linked
Mold is apt to follow in the wake of concealed water. It does not take long for it to get a foothold in a dark and damp spot, sometimes as little as 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to moisture. That musty smell is frequently the first indication of a mold issue behind the wall.
Beyond being disagreeable, mold will compromise the air in your home and be a nuisance to your family. We make it a point to deal with hidden water damage in short order for that very reason. As part of our water damage work we also do mold inspection and removal so both can be taken care of.
Suspect There Is Water Damage? Here Is What to Do
Do not put it off in the hope the problem will make itself known. Start by doing the following:
- Look for moisture near appliances, water heaters, toilets and under sinks
- See if any new discolouration has appeared on the walls or ceiling
- Put your hand to the floors and walls to check for spongy areas
- Make note of any room with an odd humidity or mustiness
- Watch for unexplained increases on your water bill
- Have a pro look at places you cannot get to safely
While some of it is obvious, finding it often calls for the proper training and equipment. Our technicians can put their hands on the source of the moisture.
We Are Here 24 Hours a Day
Water damage is not confined to business hours and we are not either. From Fremont to Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Cupertino, Redwood City, San Mateo, Santa Clara and other communities in the vicinity, H&L Remediation is on hand around the clock. We will provide a free estimate as well, so why wait?
If the warning signs have presented themselves, act on it. Contact H&L Remediation at (408) 516-9131 and let our team of professionals track down the problem before it gets to be a much more expensive affair.