Expert Water Damage Repair Tips - How New is Your Water Damage?

Water damage restoration is a typical issue for any property, and sometimes the issue is distinct and other times it's concealed. Things such as flooding bathtubs, toilets and sinks are typical issues related to water damage and you know there is a problem when this happens. However, plumbing lines run all over your home, and this involves areas you can't see such as between the floors and inside the walls. It's safe to say that a leaky pipe in an unknown location can occur. It's an annoying problem because you can't see the leak and you won't notice it before the water damage appears.

You can discover how old or new your water problems are by examining the water damage itself since the pipes aren't visible. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out a precise timeline, but we have some advice on how to evaluate the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you've had water in the damaged space.

Find Out the Time Frame of Your Water Damage

You can get an approximate time frame of your water damage by taking these steps:

  • History of the House: When your property has any spots caused from water damage, it's critical to keep a record of them when figuring out whether your water damage is old or new. Also, you'll want to be apprehensive of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface such as a rain storm. Know your property, because pipes with a slow drip can take some time to surface, and if you understand what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your issue faster.
  • History of the House: Keep a record of any spots on your walls or ceilings and take into account any strong weather you had in your location such as a downpour. Water spots and damages can take some time to occur if it's a slight leak. If you occupy an older home, the spots caused by water damage may have been there for some time. So it's critical to keep a record of the spots you perceive while finding out whether this is new water damage or old water damage.
  • Touch the Spot: You'll can verify whether the damage caused by water is new or old just by touching it. An old spot will be spongy because the material has absorbed a lot of moisture. A new spot will be moist, but the material will still have a solid feel to it.
  • Look for Rings: When you see one dark spot with zero rings around it, this indicates that the water damage is new. Old water damage will have rings around it, and like trees, the more rings indicates the age. Discolored rings exhibits that the spot has been soaked, dried, soaked, dried, etc.
  • Examine the Materials: It's important to know about the materials that comprise your walls or ceilings, because things such as thick paint or tiles can actually trap the water. When this is the case, even a small water spot can indicate the buildup of water has been remaining for a while.
  • Mold Inspection: If you find that bacteria, or mold, is present, the damage caused by water has lingered for about two to three days.
  • Decomposition: Deteriorated material means that the damage caused by water is either occurring on a regular basis or that it's extensive because there's standing water. A first case of water damage usually won't lead to deterioration.

Get Help from an Expert Water Damage Restoration Specialist

For any water damage repair needs, reach out to Paul Davis. When there's a leak that you can't find, it's fundamental to reach out to an expert. The professional team at Paul Davis has the know-how and response time you need to get your property back in order. For a local franchise near your location, give us a call at (403)342-4666 and we'll get an expert to come help you.