Water Damage Repair - Find Out the Age of Water Spots

Water damage repair is a typical issue for any home, and sometimes the issue is obvious and other times it's indistinct. Things such as overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are common issues related to water damage and you know there is an issue when this occurs. But plumbing lines run all over your property, and this includes areas 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 occur. It's an irritating obstacle since you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it before the water damage appears.

Because the pipes are hidden, you can get an approximation of how long you've had water problems by evaluating the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out a precise timeline, but we have some guidance on how to examine the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you've had water in the area.

Tips On Damage Induced by Water - Determine its Age

You can learn whether the damage produced by water is new or old by using these tips:

  • History of the House: If your house has any spots from water damage, it's fundamental to keep a record of them when determining whether your water damage is old or new. In addition, you'll want to be conscious of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as heavy rain. Know your home, since pipes with a slow drip can take months to appear, and if you understand what's new and what's old, you'll be able to pinpoint your issue faster.
  • History of the House: Take note of any spots on your walls or ceilings and take into account any outside influences such as heavy rain. Damages and spots derived from water can take months to materialize if it's a slight leak. Older properties may have some water spots that were sustained previously. So it's fundamental to keep a record of the spots you perceive while indicating whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
  • Touch the Spot: Go ahead and touch the spot- this will tell you a lot about the age of the water damage. A newer spot will feel wet but your ceiling or drywall will still feel durable, while an older spot will be spongy and squishy since your material would have taken in a good amount of water.
  • Look for Rings: If you see just a darker spot with zero rings around it, this demonstrates that the water damage is new. Older water damage will have rings around it, and like trees, the more rings indicates the age. Discolored rings exhibits that the spot has been drenched, dried, drenched, dried, etc.
  • Examine the Materials: Materials such as tiles and thick paint can trap water and moisture, so when you have a water spot seeping through one of these, this can indicate there's been water lingering for a period of time. Knowing the materials can help you address your water damage issues more effectively.
  • Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria, or mold, is present, the damage produced by water has been present for approximately two to three days.
  • Decomposition: If your materials deteriorate from water damage, this is normally the consequence of consistent flooding or standing water. Rot normally won't occur from the first situation of a leak.

Get in Touch with Paul Davis - Your Skillful Water Damage Restoration Technicians

No matter the size of the damage produced by water, Paul Davis is here to assist. Our team of expert water damage repair technicians can resolve the issue and have your house back in great condition. Remedy the issue today before it gets even worse and reach out to us at (604)427-3133 for a local franchise near you.