Repairs for water damage is a typical problem for any property, and sometimes the problem is noticeable and other times it isn’t. Things such as overflowing toilets, sinks and bathtubs are typical issues connected to water damage and you know there is a problem when this occurs. However, pipes run all over your house, and this involves areas you can’t see such as between the floors and inside the walls. It’s safe to say that a pipe leaking in a hidden area can occur. It’s a frustrating obstacle because you can’t see the leak and you won’t notice it until the water damage appears.
Since the pipes can’t be seen, you can get an approximation of how long you’ve had water complications by evaluating the water damage itself. Unfortunately, it’s hard to figure out an exact timeline, but we have some guidance on how to evaluate the damage so you can come up with an estimated time on how long you’ve had water in the area.
Tips On Water Damage – Establish its Time Frame
You can learn whether your water damage is new or old by using these tips:
- History of the House: An old house might already have some previous damage produced from water, so it’s important to keep a record of what’s there and to note if the damage alters overtime. Keeping track of the weather is a great idea too, since, if you have a modest leak, it can take months for a water spot to appear. Taking note of your water damages can save you lots of time when pinpointing whether the damage generated from water is new or old.
- History of the House: If your residence has any spots caused from water damage, it’s critical to keep track of them when determining whether damage provoked from water is old or new. In addition, you’ll want to be apprehensive of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a downpour. Know your house, since modest leaks can take awhile to surface, and if you know what’s old and what’s new, you’ll be able to diagnose your problem faster.
- Touch the Spot: You’ll can indicate whether the damage generated by water is old or new just by feeling it. An old spot is going to be mushy since the material has absorbed a fair amount of moisture. A new spot will be wet, however, the material will still have a solid feel to it.
- Look for Rings: You know how tree rings determine the age of the tree? The same idea can be used for water spots. An old water spot is going to have rings around it. They can also be shaded differently since the area gets soaked then dries and gets soaked again then dries again, etcetera. A new spot will be dark with zero rings circling it.
- Examine the Materials: Materials like thick paint and tiles can trap water and moisture, so when you have a water spot seeping through one of these, this can mean there’s been water lingering for awhile. Knowing the materials can help you address your water damage issues more efficiently.
- Mold Inspection: Bacteria development normally means that the damage caused by water has been there for about two to three days.
- Decomposition: When your materials decay from water damage, this is usually the outcome of regular flooding or standing water. Rot normally won’t occur from the first case of a leak.
Water Damage Restoration Technicians – Get in Touch with Paul
For any water damage repair emergencies, reach out to Paul Davis. When there’s a pipe dripping that you can’t find, it’s critical to contact an expert. The professional team at Paul Davis has the industry knowledge and response time required to get your house back in order. For a local franchise in your location, contact us at 225-408-0390 and we’ll get a professional to come help you out.
