Water tends to run across floors and then down walls. That makes them a prime target for water damage. Water leaking from the ceiling can cause visible stains and spots on the wall and ceiling. The stain or water spots will appear darker and feel damper than the surrounding area.

Stains also occur due to condensation. Here, a low-level leak increases the humidity in the room. The water condenses, often in a nearby corner, forming a stain.

However, stains, marks, and water spots are just visible signs of the underlying damage. Beneath the surface, rot and mold may have already set in.

To assess your home, hire a professional to avoid missing any hidden damage.

As the saying goes, where there’s mold, there’s moisture. There are two ways to detect mold: visually and via your health.

Visual indicators include dark patches of growth. Mildew can also occur, particularly in the grout. The color of the mold can help determine the type of spore present. Another differentiating feature may also be a “hair-like specimen” growing on its surface.

The presence of mold can cause serious health concerns. Respiratory problems are common, including coughing and wheezing. This is particularly severe in those with existing respiratory diseases, like asthma. But it can take weeks or even months after mold growth for a health issue to take effect.

One of the clearest signs of a leak is constant moisture in a room or house. You may have a leak hidden if you always noticed condensation on windows, walls, or ceilings. This is a useful sign in kitchens, as leaks can remain unknown behind or under cupboards and appliances.

Moisture, as mentioned, also leads to mold. So, it’s critical to tackle signs of moisture immediately – as this can be an early warning sign of leakage.

Water leaking from the ceiling or behind walls can commonly cause paint bubbles. This is due to the water pushing the paint from the wall or the humidity leading to the paint expanding.

Other paint- or wallpaper-related damaged house parts include peeling, cracking, or flaking. Meaning the underlying wall is saturated with water.

You’ll need to stop the water source and then leave the wall to dry before you begin to restore and repair any underlying damaged house parts.

As water pools on wood floors, it can either remain in place or filter through. When it lingers on the wood, it’s absorbed, leading to expansion and warping of the planks – and by extension, the wooden floor.

Wood floor water damage is especially costly, depending on the type of wood laid. If you spot pools of water, take action to prevent the water from being absorbed while you hunt for the source. After all, you don’t want to pay to repair the leak and water floor water damage.

Suppose you hear a dripping sound in the kitchen or attic. In that case, don’t ignore it. Conduct a thorough search of the whole area to identify the source. Dripping leaks may not sound serious, but they can cause severe damage. The persistent nature of the leak means a part of your home remains wet all the time. Mold, mildew, rot, or wood floor water damage are inevitable if nothing is done.

As drywall soaks up water, it becomes soft to the touch. Place your hand firmly against your drywall and feel for any wet or soft spots. You’ll also be able to notice areas of swelling or sagging. Most likely, the damage will be confined to internal separating walls – and no loading bearing house parts will be affected.

But if you do identify soft or swollen drywall, act fast. You don’t want to wait for the damaged house part to worsen.

Sudden spikes in your water bills are a telltale sign of a hidden water leak. Monitor and compare your water bills month to month. Unless there’s been a notable change in water use, random increases in water bills are a clue there’s an undetected leak.

In such a case, don’t search for the leak alone. Calling in a professional capable of conducting a full moisture inspection and thermal imaging scan will guarantee you find the source.

Pooling water is caused by an ongoing leak or drip. Just because you clean the water up doesn’t mean you’ve solved the problem. When you spot a pool of water, retrace the stream to its source to stop the leak.

But you’ll also want to check the below floors to ensure that no water has seeped through, causing damage to underlying structures. The last thing you want is a damaged house part you don’t know about.

As water evaporates, it removes heat. It’s why we sweat in summer. In your house, evaporation can significantly cool a room, as the dampness draws the warmth out of the property. If you think your home is unusually cold in one area, have a quick search for any potential water leaks. Cold walls and floors can be a clear indicator of underlying water damage.