Approaches to Figure Out if Water Damage is Old or New
Water damage repair is a common issue for any property, and sometimes the issue is apparent and other times it isn't. Things such as overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets are common issues connected to water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. But pipes run all over your house, and this includes places you can't see such as inside the walls and between the floors. It's safe to say that a leaky pipe in a concealed space can happen. It's a frustrating obstacle because you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it until the water damage appears.
For these spaces that can't be seen, it's complicated to check how old the water damage is. After all, you could have a pipe that's been slightly leaking for awhile but because it's been concealed, you don't know how long. There's no way to find out the precise time of the problem, but there are some ways to estimate the age of the water damage.
Tips On Damage Caused by Water - Determine its Age
You can learn whether your water damage is new or old by following these steps:
- History of the House: If your home has any spots caused from water damage, it's important to take note of them when figuring out whether your water damage is old or new. Also, you'll want to be cognizant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your property, because smaller leaks can take some time to appear, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your issue faster.
- History of the House: If your home has any spots caused from water damage, it's important to take note of them when figuring out whether your water damage is old or new. Also, you'll want to be cognizant of any weather that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your property, because smaller leaks can take some time to appear, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your issue faster.
- Touch the Spot: You'll can check whether your water damage is new or old just by touching it. An older spot will be spongy because the material has absorbed a good amount of moisture. A newer spot will be moist, however, the material will still feel solid.
- Look for Rings: Having rings around the damaged spot created by water shows age. Consider it like a tree- the more rings, the older the water damage is. Discoloration of the spot is also helpful because it shows that the area gets soaked, dries, leaks, dries, etc. If it's a brand new water spot, the area will be a single blemish with no rings around it.
- Examine the Materials: It's vital to know about the materials that comprise your ceiling or walls, because things such as thick paint or tiles can actually trap moisture. If this is the situation, even a water spot that's small can mean the accumulation of water has been lingering for a while.
- Mold Inspection: If bacteria has had time to settle in, this indicates your water damage has been present for nearly two to three days.
- Decomposition: If your materials decompose from water damage, this is usually the issue of regular flooding or standing water. Decomposition usually won't happen from the first case of leakage.
Reach out to Paul - Your Experienced Water Damage Restoration Specialists
If you're having water damage complications, Paul Davis' expert team is here to assist you. It's important to fix any dripping pipes in your house before the damage becomes serious. Our water damage restoration professionals can locate dripping pipes and restore your property back to normal no matter the size of the job. Get in touch with us now at (780)538-4455 and a local franchise is there to assist you.