Leaky basement got you down? Did you know on average a water damage insurance claim is around $9,600?

A leaky roof or burst pipe can cause emotional and financial stress when left unattended. But sometimes water issues are sneaky and not so obvious.

Want to know how to find a leak before it leads to expensive damage? You’re in the right place. Keep reading below for five key signs to look for.

1. Discoloration

A telltale sign of a water issue is discoloration. Water stains and spots can appear on ceilings. They may look yellow or brown and could be either wet or dry.

Do regular checks of the outside of your home too. If you notice colored streaks it could indicate overflowing gutters.

2. Texture Changes in Ceilings, Walls, and Flooring

Walls, floors, and ceilings shouldn’t change textures. Keep an eye out for expanding wood or laminate floors. This could signal the floor has taken in extra water and started to separate.

Are you noticing gaps starting to appear in your floorboards? Consider having them looked at because these types of gaps typically result from warping after changes in humidity.

While checking out your floorboards for gaps, if you notice any sagging or sinking, you might be dealing with rotted wood. This will feel spongier than normal wood.

3. Odor Can Signal Water Damage

Smell something funky in one or more areas of your home? After making sure nobody left their sweaty shoes somewhere, it may be time to closely investigate.

Certain odors often signal water has created a mold and mildew issue. Basements are common culprits for this smell, but it can also come from walls or other areas of your home.

Some materials used in construction suck up water pretty easily. If these materials are somewhere with little airflow, it will quickly lead to mold.

If a large area has been impacted by water and mold, you should consider looking into a Bentonville water damage restoration service.

4. Abnormal Puddles

Many times, a leak or drip won’t be noticed until you find a puddle of water. If you do find one, clean it up and then continue to monitor the area.

If it comes back, you will know there is water seeping from somewhere.

You can definitely handle some water-related issues on your own, but follow these tips to avoid a disaster.

5. Coldness

One final warning sign of water causing damage that is lesser known is a cold home. Do you struggle to heat your home? If so, your walls may be damp.

Any type of moisture can suck heat from walls and lower the temperature.

Protect Your Home from Water

Water damage can easily create a massive headache for you, but it doesn’t have to. Now that you know what to look for, you are prepared to catch an issue early.

Looking for more tips on keeping your home in good condition? Check out these fall maintenance tips you definitely should know!