Water damage in a home can sometimes go unnoticed until it becomes a serious and costly problem. While the signs may not always be obvious, catching them early can save you from major repairs down the line. This guide will walk you through how to spot hidden water damage in Las Vegas before it’s too late.

Strange Odors in Your Las Vegas Home

• Unusual smells in your home could be a key indicator of hidden water damage. Musty or damp odors often result from mold or mildew growth, which thrives in moist areas. These smells linger even after thorough cleaning and can point to water that’s been trapped behind walls, under floors, or in basements.

Assessing areas like attics, crawl spaces, and plumbing is crucial when these odors are present. Leaks in pipes or roofs can cause water to accumulate in hidden spots, leading to mold growth and persistent smells. Catching these odors early helps prevent more serious structural damage and health risks from mold exposure, making it easier to address the issue before it worsens.

Stains and Discoloration on Walls and Ceilings

• Discoloration or stains on your walls and ceilings is another important indicator of hidden water damage. Water seeping through can leave marks that are yellow, brown, or copper-toned. While they may start small, these spots shouldn’t be ignored, as they often suggest an ongoing leak behind the surface.

It’s essential to inspect these areas for peeling paint, bubbling, or cracks, which often accompany water damage. If you spot these signs, you should act quickly to find the source of the leak and repair it to prevent further damage and avoid mold buildup behind the walls or ceiling.

Unexplained Increase in Water Bills

• A sudden spike in your water bill could be another sign of hidden water damage. If there’s no significant change in your water use but the bill goes up, this could indicate a hidden leak. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water, leading to higher bills over time.

To check for leaks, you can turn off all water sources and monitor your water meter. If the meter reading changes after a few hours, it means there’s likely a hidden leak, possibly in areas like under sinks, inside walls, or even underground. Finding and fixing these leaks early can help reduce costs and prevent more serious water damage.

Changes in Flooring and Wall Texture

• Another clear sign of hidden water damage is changes in your flooring and wall texture. You may start to notice that your floors are warping, buckling, or feeling soft underfoot. Hardwood floors are especially vulnerable to water damage and may begin to crown. Even tile floors can loosen or crack due to moisture issues beneath the surface. These changes can indicate that water damage is affecting the structure below.

Walls, too, show tell-tale signs of water damage. Look for bubbling, peeling, or cracking paint. You may also notice that walls feel damp or are discolored. Over time, drywall can begin to disintegrate or soften when exposed to moisture. Spotting these issues early can help you address water damage before it becomes a major problem.

Conclusion

• Whether you live in Summerlin, Boulder City, Enterprise, Las Vegas, Paradise, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or anywhere in Clark County, Spotting hidden water damage early is essential for keeping your home in good shape. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to call in the pros.

Call a professional water damage specialist after a disaster and get the help you need. Move back into your home or restart your business quickly by hiring experienced Flood Restoration Services. Love Your Carpet provides a wide variety of water damage repair services. Call us today at (702) 898-6070.