Look for stains, warping, musty smells, and a water bill that is higher than normal. Hidden water damage usually leaves clues before you see the water itself.
Signs to check for inside:
- Yellow or brown stains on ceilings and walls
- Paint or wallpaper that bubbles, peels, or cracks
- Floors that cup, buckle, or feel soft underfoot
- Baseboards that swell or pull away from the wall
- A musty odor that does not go away, especially in closets and cabinets
- Mold spots on walls, ceilings, or around windows
- Missing or cracked grout and caulk around tubs and showers
Other clues:
- A water bill that jumps without a change in use
- The sound of running water when nothing is turned on
- A water meter that keeps moving with every fixture off
- Warm spots on the floor, which can point to a hot water leak under the slab
Many North Texas homes are built on slab foundations, with water lines running under the concrete. A slab leak can go on for weeks before it shows up as a damp floor or a crack.
Outside, look for missing or damaged shingles, clogged gutters, standing water near the foundation, and soil that slopes toward the house.
Some water damage cannot be confirmed by eye. Professionals use moisture meters to measure how wet a material is, and thermal imaging cameras to find cool, damp areas behind walls and ceilings without cutting into them.
If you notice more than one of these signs, have it checked. Hidden moisture leads to mold and rot, and both get more expensive with time. PuroClean of Waxahachie inspects homes and businesses across Ellis County. Call (945) 259-7876, or read more about water damage restoration.
