While everyone dreams of a winter wonderland, winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your plumbing and roof, leading to hidden water damage that might not show itself until much later. Even in early spring when you see temperatures jumping from high to low and back up again, there is a potential for water damage to your home. Here are some ways to check for hidden water damage caused by cold weather.
Look for signs of leaks such as unexplained water bills. A sudden increase in your water bill can indicate a hidden leak is adding to your household water consumption. If you notice a drop in water pressure throughout your house, it could be a sign that water is leaking from somewhere like a cracked pipe for example. Changes in water pressure are normally more noticeable when there is a sudden loss instead of a steady, slow leak though, so this is a less reliable method of finding hidden water damage in the spring that could be from winter related factors. Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. If the area is damp and has poor air circulation, mold can grow quickly, but it is also found in areas with better ventilation if the surface is allowed to be wet long enough. If you find (or smell) mold or mildew growth in your home, it could be a sign of a hidden water leak. Unexplained dark, damp, or soft spots on walls, ceilings, or floors can indicate hidden water damage. Listen for any unusual sounds coming from your walls or ceilings, such as dripping or trickling water when nothing is running. While you can hear water flowing through pipes in the walls while a faucet is turned on or a toilet is flushing, you should not be hearing water in the walls when nothing is running that would be drawing water through those pipes.
Inspecting vulnerable areas should be done regularly throughout the year, but as the season (and temperatures) change, go slower and look closer. Check for cracks, bulges, or frost around exposed pipes, especially in crawlspaces, attics, and near exterior walls. Check for staining or sagging in cabinets under sinks and the ceiling of the rooms below bathrooms and the attic. This staining or sagging may indicate damage to the plumbing that supplies or drains water from faucets, tubs, or toilets. Check under and behind large appliances that use water including the clothes and dish washers, refrigerator, hot water heater and HVAC unit. While water is not supplied to your HVAC unit, water does collect there and can cause water damage to your home if it leaks so it is a good idea to check it while looking at other potential sources of water damage. Look for missing shingles or damaged flashing on your roof. In homes that have fireplaces, the chimney is a prime location for flashing to leak. Indicators of this type of damage include water staining on the walls and ceiling of the room the fireplace occupies. This type of water damage is also visible in the attic where the chimney goes through the roof. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your roof. Missing gutters can allow water to pool against the foundation in unexpected areas instead of channeling it away from the home. This pooling of water against your foundation leads to hidden water damage. Look for signs of moisture or water stains on the foundation walls or floor of your crawlspace or basement.
Once you have checked using your eyes and nose, there are other tools that can be used to detect water damage. A moisture meter is a handy tool that can help you detect hidden moisture in walls, floors, and ceilings. Professionals can use thermal cameras to identify areas where there is a difference in temperature, which can indicate hidden water damage. While these tools are easy to acquire and use, it takes training and experience to know where to look and how to interpret the readings. As a result, it is recommended to have a professional water damage technician perform an evaluation of the affected area for water damage if you think there is a reason to need these tools. The added benefit of a professional evaluation is that if water damage is found, you have someone that can mitigate the water damage already there to help you!
If you suspect hidden water damage, contact a professional. It's important to address any water damage as soon as possible to prevent further damage and mold growth. Turn off the water to that area either through the cutoff to that pipe or appliance or else through the cutoff at the street. A licensed plumber can pinpoint the leak's location and effectively repair it. Don't attempt complex plumbing repairs yourself, as improper work can worsen the situation. Once the repair is completed, monitor the area once the water is turned back on to be sure there is no more water leaking from the source of the leak or from something nearby that may also be leaking but was missed while addressing the other source of a leak.
Call a professional water damage restoration company. These specialists can assess the extent of the damage, extract any standing water, remove wet materials (like drywall or carpet), properly sanitize to prevent mold growth, and dry out the affected area. They also handle mold remediation if necessary. It is especially important to let a professional perform the water damage restoration if the affected area is large or involves structural elements of the home. If a mold remediation is needed, specific expertise and safety protocols are necessary. Mold is not a recommended DIY project.
Once the leak is repaired, be sure you are protecting your home by taking steps to prevent it from happening again. Insulate your pipes. Maintain your roof and gutters. Read our blog on steps to winterize your home (https://www.smgwin.com/blog/2023/11/3/how-do-you-winterize-your-home) and do those tasks before the cold weather arrives.
By being proactive and checking for hidden water damage, you can save yourself time, money, and hassle in the long run. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, water damage can still occur. If you do experience water damage to your home or business, call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points to help you with your water damage restoration.
