While you may only come into contact with faucets and showerheads, your plumbing system extends far beyond these fixtures, snaking through every inch of the house. Unfortunately, this leaves much of your home vulnerable to water damage if something goes wrong. Here are a few red flags that indicate you need to call a leak detection service to save your property from rapid deterioration.

3 Signs Your Home Has Water Damage

1. Soggy Areas

Even if an area on your wall or floor looks normal, you can detect water damage by pressing it with your hand. If it feels soggy or spongy, it’s likely waterlogged. If left unaddressed, the affected area may start to swell, resulting in a bulge or warped look. Even tile flooring is susceptible to cracking, as a wet subfloor will expand under the tiles.

2. Discolored Patches

As you walk around your home, inspect the ceiling for light brown splotches that are darker at the edges. This discoloration is a sign that water is pooling on top of your ceiling, possibly from a plumbing leak above it. You may also notice this discoloration on the walls. Over time, the areas may form bubbles, causing the paint or wallpaper to peel away.

3. Musty Odor

If your home’s water damage has gone unnoticed for a few weeks, the continuous moisture may have triggered mold growth. As the spores spread and multiply behind the walls, they’ll produce a stale scent. If you’ve noticed a musty odor that surface cleaning and air fresheners can’t eliminate, reach out to a leak detection service immediately to prevent the issue from worsening.

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, contact the leak detection team at Quality Plumbing in Honolulu, HI. These professionals will carefully inspect your home for plumbing leaks or hidden burst pipes that are causing the water damage. They also offer 24-hour emergency services for leaks that can’t wait. Learn more about their services online, or call (808) 384-0412 to schedule an appointment.