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Water damage is not always easy to spot right away. This is why it is important to know which areas of the house are at a higher risk for water damage. By monitoring these areas, you are more likely to catch a problem right when it starts. Here are 5 common places water damage occurs.

Bathrooms are Places Water Damage Occurs

Water damage is more likely to occur in the bathroom because water is regularly used there. Water can splash onto the floor and walls from the shower, tub, and sinks. There are also plumbing pipes leading to each fixture that have the potential to leak. These leaks aren’t obvious when they are behind walls. Signs like peeling or bubbling paint and water stains indicate a plumbing leak.

Near Appliances

Most appliances have water lines running to them and risk malfunctioning and overflowing. Washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters should all be inspected regularly for damaged hoses. Look for staining underneath and around appliances that suggest a slow leak.

Behind Walls

The most difficult type of water damage to detect is when it occurs behind walls. By the time it is visible on the surface of the drywall, the damage is probably advanced. Mold has likely already started to grow and building materials may be rotted.

An inspector who uses thermal imaging can detect leaks by scanning the wall with an infrared camera. A cooler temperature reading often indicates an active plumbing leak and water damage.

Attics are Places Water Damage Occurs

When there’s a roof leak, the attic experiences water damage. Because people don’t go into their attics often, this damage can easily progress until stains show up on the ceiling below. Check the attic for musty odors, stains, and holes in the roof that sunlight can get through. If you can see light, then water can get through also.

Basement or Crawl Space

Basements and crawl spaces are the first places to experience water damage when there is a flood. If the home doesn’t have proper grading around the foundation or the gutters aren’t functioning properly, even a minor rainstorm can cause water to seep into the lowest levels of the home.

In order to keep your home in good condition, check all the above places periodically for signs of water damage. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to fix it.

Properly Inspected Home Inspection Service uses an infrared camera during home inspections. Contact us to make an appointment.