Looking for a new home can be exciting, and it’s easy to get swept away when you find a property you love. However, despite how charming a house appears, you must look for issues like water damage. The following list describes how to identify damage from rain, floods, or other water-related events.

How to Spot Water Damage

1. Mold Growth

Mold is a red flag, suggesting persistent dampness. This fungus grows on wood, plaster, carpet, and furniture and can be a health hazard unless it’s removed completely. It may appear as black, green, blue, or grey, and it’s fuzzy, spotty, or stringy in appearance. Mold may also grow out of sight, so a damp smell may be the only indicator.

2. Damp & Musty Smells

Damp, mildewy smells can indicate hidden mold. Musty odors, similar to wet paper or cardboard, may also show where water damage has recently occurred. New homes shouldn’t smell this way. Older homes often smell musty in wet or humid weather, especially in basements or bathrooms.

3. Visible Staining

Stains are the most obvious signs of water damage in the home. They usually signal an area of leakage and are yellow-brown and irregularly shaped. Typically, you’ll find staining in laundry rooms, bathrooms, or the basement. The leak may be related to the plumbing. If it’s near the ceiling, there’s probably an issue with the roof.

4. Dripping or Running Water

The sounds of a continual drip or running water when faucets are turned off indicate a leak somewhere in the plumbing system, and you may not be able to locate it without professional help. A thorough home inspection may reveal widespread issues.

5. Textural Changes to Walls, Floors, & Ceilings

If you notice an area of bubbling, peeling, or spongy texture on any structural surface, the home has water damage. Warped and peeling vinyl or laminate flooring, moldy tile, or damp-feeling or -smelling carpet sure signs that water has been present.

If you find a property you can’t turn down, Arkansas Restoration Services Inc. can help address the water damage. This Russellville, AR, company serves Conway and Johnson counties, using state-of-the-art equipment and environmentally friendly sanitation and purification products for cleanup. Visit their website for more information about their services, and call (479) 967-2018 to get a quote for inspection.