Solving the mystery of hidden water damage lurking in your home or business

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage is among the most common causes of property damage claims. The possible causes of water damage lurking in your home can originate from many different sources, with varying intensities, danger levels, and reach of damage. Even a well-maintained property can have unexpected water damage including, a leaky dishwasher or sink, broken pipe(s), an overflowing washing machine, an old leaky roof, flood or storm damage and foundation cracks. If you see signs that water damage is lurking in your home, SERVPRO of Central Manhattan always here to help!

Our crews use many tools and techniques to successfully locate and address high humidity and other hidden water damage concerns across New York City. Calling SERVPRO professionals can help investigate the source behind high humidity or hidden water damage concerns and inspect for any sign of visible mold or other secondary property damages.

SERVPRO USES SPECIAL DETECTION EQUIPMENT TO FIND HIDDEN WATER DAMAGE

• Moisture Sensors - Are used to detect moisture in carpets and carpet paddling.
• Moisture Meters - Are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable our SERVPRO Technician to monitor the drying process.
• Thermo-hygrometers - Measure both temperature and relative humidity. Capturing these two readings, our SERVPRO Technician using a psychrometric chart can calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.
• Infrared Cameras - Can identify the location and extent of moisture in walls very effectively.

Is Hidden Moisture Causing High Humidity Concerns for Your Local Home or Business

Hidden moisture or water leaks are dangerous because they can cause serious issues like structural damage and mold growth before they are discovered. Excess water and moisture is absorbed in wood, drywall, insulation, and furniture and can lead to warping, stains, bubbling, and structural deterioration. If you notice signs of these common concerns affecting your property our team has decades of experience with solutions that can help.

Water spots under sink cabinets

If you see water under the bathroom or kitchen sink it’s a warning sign that you have water damage and potential mold growth around the sink area. If the leak is bad enough, it could cause additional damage to the building structure, including the floor and walls, even if there’s no water present, water spots clearly indicate that pipes under the sink have a slow leak.

Ceiling and wall stains

Ceiling and wall stains are obvious signs of a roof, appliance, or plumbing leak, water saturates insulation and drywall, it can also lead to major water damage, that can compromise the structural integrity of the property. Check your roof for damage, broken tiles, or pooling, also investigate appliances such as the washing machine, dishwasher, and toilets for leaky spigots that could be dripping water and causing damage.

Mold growth

Mold needs water to grow, so it’s common to find mold in consistently damp locations—and finding mold is never a good thing, since it means your air quality is suffering.

Squishy kitchen/bathroom tiles

Water damage is not always visible. In fact, it’s more common for damage to occur behind the floor, ceiling, and walls where you can’t see it. Since the bathroom is the most humid room in your home, it’s a common place for water damage and mold growth.

Standing water

Many things can cause water to pool in unlikely places, including a broken pipe or flooding. If you find standing water, it’s important to seek water damage remediation as quickly as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to greater damage to your home’s structural integrity and air quality.

When you are dealing with water damage, call in the experts to help! SERVPRO of Central Manhattan can respond immediately and use advanced equipment and techniques to remove the water quickly. We closely monitor and document the drying process to verify your property is dried properly and thoroughly.