How to Identify Areas in Your Home Damaged by Water and What to Do Next

Inspector investigating ceiling water damage.

Water damage to walls and ceilings might seem like a minor inconvenience but ignoring it could lead to severe consequences. Left unchecked, water can trickle and seep into the bones of a home, causing water damage to a house and structural damage that compromises safety and integrity.

Beyond physical destruction, lingering moisture in a structure creates a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can quickly spread and pose significant health risks to occupants.

Signs of Water Damage

What does water damage look like? Sometimes it’s difficult to spot the affected areas, especially if they’re behind your walls or in the ceiling. However, there are a few telltale signs you can look for to quickly identify water damage and stop the leak before it gets worse.

1. Discoloration

One of the most obvious signs of water damage is discoloration. Look for any yellow, brown or dark stains on your walls or small spots on ceiling tiles.

2. Peeling or Bubbling Paint or Wallpaper

Water damage can cause paint or wallpaper to bubble, peel or become discolored.

3. Mold growth

If you notice any black or green spots on your walls or ceiling, it’s important to address the issue immediately and check for moisture damage.

4. Musty odor

A musty smell typically indicates the presence of mold or mildew, which can be caused by a water leak.

5. Warped Floors

When floors are exposed to prolonged moisture, they can become warped. Look for any bulges, bows or waves in the grain or heaving in the tiles.

6. Soft or Spongy Walls

Water damage can cause drywall or plaster to become soft or spongy to the touch.

How long does it take for water damage to show?

Again, it depends on where the water leak occurs and how much water is involved. If it’s a slow pipe leak in the attic, it could take a while before a dark spot appears. If a pipe bursts in the bathroom, damage will quickly be apparent on floors and walls.

What Type of Water Damage is It?

There are three basic water damage categories you should know about: clean, gray and black.

  • Clean water damage is the least hazardous and often the most overlooked. It’s free from contamination and typically comes from burst pipes, leaky faucets, rain or snow.
  • Gray water damage contains contaminants such as soap, grease and hair. It can come from washing machine overflows, dishwasher leaks or toilet backups.
  • Black water damage is the most contaminated and hazardous. It can contain toxic substances such as human waste, viruses and mold. It typically comes from sewer backups, flooding from rivers and streams, or nearby stagnant or standing water.

Addressing any signs of water damage promptly is crucial to avoid escalating problems and to ensure a safe, healthy living environment.

Water damage of furniture, electronics, and carpetting.

Water Damage Hot Spots

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, but knowing how to check for water damage and the typical hot spots can help you stay ahead of potential issues. Basements, bathrooms and kitchens are prime areas to investigate, given their high moisture levels and frequent water usage. However, don’t overlook attics, roofs and exterior walls, which are vulnerable to leaks and seepage.

Monitoring these hot spots can help prevent the costly effects of an undetected water leak.

Water pouring down into basement and storage from ceiling

Basements and Crawl Spaces

Common causes: flooding, seepage, plumbing leaks, sump pump failure

Signs to look for: standing water, damp walls or floors, white powdery residue (efflorescence), musty smell, mold growth on wooden structures
Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector installed near toilet supply line

Bathrooms

Common causes: leaky faucets, showers, tubs, toilets and poor ventilation

Signs to look for: loose or cracked tiles, water stains under sink cabinets or on ceilings below, soft or spongy floors
Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector installed beneath sink drain

Kitchens

Common causes: leaky sinks, dishwashers and refrigerators

Signs to look for: water stains under sink cabinets, warped or damaged flooring, mold or mildew around appliances
Water damage from attic

Attics

Common causes: roof leaks, poor ventilation, condensation

Signs to look for: water stains on ceiling beams, damp insulation, mold growth on wooden structures
Water damage throughout home

Walls

Common causes: plumbing leaks, roof leaks, condensation

Signs to look for: discoloration, peeling paint or wallpaper, bulging or warping
Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector with Leak Sensing Cable accessory installed on windowsill

Windows and Doors

Common causes: improper sealing, condensation, leaks

Signs to look for: water stains around frames, peeling paint, soft or rotting wood
Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector installed beneath dishwasher

Appliances

Common causes: leaks from washing machines, water heaters and HVAC systems

Signs to look for: pooling water around appliances, rust or corrosion, dampness or mold
Leaking plumbing pipes

Plumbing

Common causes: leaks from pipes, faulty plumbing fixtures

Signs to look for: dripping sounds, water stains on walls or ceilings, decreased water pressure
Flo by Moen Smart Leak Detector monitoring HVAC system floor

HVAC Systems

Common causes: condensation, leaks from air conditioning units

Signs to look for: water stains near HVAC units, musty odors, visible mold growth
Active irrigation sprinkler

Home Exterior

Common causes: leaky hose bibb, cracked irrigation lines

Signs to look for: pooling water in yard or landscaped areas, high water bill, cracks in foundation, damp basement walls

5 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

After determining your specific water damage hot spots, there are additional steps you can take to ensure your home does not sustain water damage.
Living room with catastrophic roof, wall and floor water damage
Tip No. 1:

Regular inspections of water damage hot spots

Completing routine and consistent inspections of hot spots can help you stay ahead of potential issues. These areas include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, attics, roofs and exterior walls.
Resident inspecting kitchen supply and drain area for water damage
Tip No. 2:

Proper ventilation and dehumidification

Manage those moisture levels. Proper attic ventilation can prevent condensation along the roof line that could lead to ice dams and water backing up under shingles.

Exterior shot of single family home
Tip No. 3:

Timely repairs of leaks and water damage

Once you notice a leak or spot water damage it’s crucial to take immediate action to stop the leak and repair the damage to prevent future challenges.
Internal water damage and mold of bedroom wall
Tip No. 4:

Proper sealing of windows and doors

Regularly check door and window weatherstripping and caulking for wear and tear. Also, check window gaskets or seals inside the window, which can wear down over time.
Kitchen sink with window
Tip No. 5:

Installation of smart water monitor technology

Install a water damage indicator or water leak monitoring device like Moen’s Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff. You may need to call a professional for installation directly on your water line, but these smart tools give you the most precise water monitoring possible, along with the power to shut off your water from your mobile device.
Plumber installing the Flo Smart Water Shutoff on home plumbing

Discovering Peace of Mind

Protecting your home from water damage requires vigilance.

Regular checks and maintenance are essential to catching issues early and preventing them. By staying attentive to potential hot spots and addressing any signs of water damage promptly, you can safeguard your home’s structural integrity and ensure a healthy living environment.

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