How to Figure Out the Age of a Water Spot - Water Damage Restoration

Water damage repair is a common problem for any home, and sometimes the problem is noticeable and other times it's indistinct. Things like overflowing sinks, bathtubs or toilets are common problems related to water damage and you know there is an issue when this happens. But pipes run all over your property, and this includes areas you can't see like inside the walls and between the floors. It's safe to say that a pipe leaking in an unseen area can occur. It's a frustrating obstacle because you can't see what's going on and you won't notice it before the water damage appears.

It's challenging to check how old the water damage is for these areas that can't be seen. Nevertheless, you could have a leaky pipe that was slightly dripping for awhile but because it's not in plain sight, you don't have a timeline. There's no way to determine the precise time of the problem, but there are methods to estimate the age of the water damage.

Figure Out How Old or New the Damage Produced by Water is with This Guidance

You can get an estimated time frame of your water damage by following these steps:

  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's critical to keep track of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Furthermore, you'll want to be observant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a downpour. Know your home, because pipes with a slow drip can take some time to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your problem faster.
  • History of the House: When your house has any spots from water damage, it's critical to keep track of them when finding out whether your water damage is new or old. Furthermore, you'll want to be observant of any storms that could bring hidden water damage to the surface like a downpour. Know your home, because pipes with a slow drip can take some time to surface, and if you know what's old and what's new, you'll be able to identify your problem faster.
  • Touch the Spot: You can feel the spot- this will tell you a lot about the age of the damage produced by water. A new spot will be wet but your ceiling or drywall will still be strong, while an old spot will be mushy and squishy since your material would have absorbed a fair amount of moisture.
  • Look for Rings: Having rings around your water damage spot shows age. Think about it as if it was a tree- the more rings, the older the damage produced by water is. Different shadings of the blemish is also helpful because it indicates that the area gets soaked, dries, gets saturated, dries, so on and so forth. If it's a new water spot, the area will be a single stain with no rings around it.
  • Examine the Materials: It's important to be aware of the materials that comprise your walls or ceilings, because things like tiles or thick paint can actually trap moisture. When this is the circumstance, even a water spot that's small can indicate the buildup of water has been around for a period of time.
  • Mold Inspection: If you see that bacteria, or mold, is there, the damage produced by water has lingered for approximately two to three days.
  • Deterioration: Your material doesn't typically decay from the first instance of damage caused by water. And if there has been decay, this indicates your material has been vulnerable to repeated standing water or flooding.

Eliminate Damage Caused from Water & Call Paul

For all your water damage restoration needs, get in touch with Paul Davis. If there's a leak that you can't identify, it's important to reach out to an expert. The professional team at Paul Davis has the know-how and response time you need to get your house back in order. To find a local franchise near your area, reach out to us at (905)666-7744 and we'll get a professional for your assistance.