Signs of Hidden Water Damage
The worst water damage is the kind you don't see. Here's what to look, listen and smell for.
Look
- Yellow or brown stains on ceilings and walls
- Bubbling, peeling or cracking paint
- Warped, cupping or buckling floors
- Swollen baseboards or cabinet bottoms
- Dark spots or growth in corners, closets or the crawl space
Smell and feel
- A persistent musty smell
- Soft or spongy spots in the floor
- Rooms that feel more humid than the rest of the house
Check the numbers
- A water bill that jumps with no change in use
- The water meter moving when every fixture is off
Where to check
Under sinks, behind the toilet, around the water heater, behind the washer and fridge, around tubs and showers, the ceiling below upstairs bathrooms, the attic after storms, and the crawl space with a flashlight.
Meter test: Turn off every faucet and appliance, note the meter reading, wait two hours without using water and check again. If it moved, there's likely a leak.
Frequently asked questions
How do professionals find hidden leaks?
They use moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras and sometimes acoustic leak detection to find water without tearing open walls.
Water in your home? Get a local pro on the way.
Call and we'll connect you with an independent local water damage restoration company that serves your area. The referral is free, and many local companies answer around the clock.