How to Tell If Water Damage Is New or Old

Do you need professional help to determine how old your water damage is? Call your water damage restoration experts today at 520-416-4308.

Water damage is a frightening and worrisome prospect to most home and business owners. Numerous issues, such as leaky pipes and water tank overflow, can cause water to seep into your surfaces and begin causing structural damage. Some water damage issues, like flooding and standing water, are easy for property owners to catch, but others occur while hidden behind walls and ceilings and slowly worsen over time. 

If you notice any water damage in your home or business, don’t panic. You’ll want to determine the age of the water damage, as it may help indicate its severity. We’ll walk you through the steps so you know how to tell if water damage is new or old. 

Once you’ve determined whether the water damage within your residential or commercial property is new or old, you’ll want to address it as quickly as possible. Tucson’s water damage restoration service from Steam Smart Pro is the best solution for repairing affected surfaces and preventing further issues. Call us today to request efficient and effective service.

Common Causes of Water Damage

Numerous factors can cause water damage in your residential or commercial building. Some of the most common causes include:

• Rain damage
• Flood damage
• Cracked or burst pipes
• Sewage back up
• Leaks in water fixtures, such as toilets and sinks
• Leaks in appliances, such as refrigerators 
• Faulty sprinklers
• Broken air conditioner units

6 Steps for Determining the Age of Water Damage

Affected areas typically have signs that indicate the approximate age of water damage.  If you want to know how to tell if water damage is new or old, follow these six steps:

Know the History of Your Building

The first step, which you can do when or before you see signs of water damage, is to know the history of your building. Pipes, water fixtures, and other building components likely have different ages. Older fixtures are more susceptible to cracks, corrosion, and other issues that lead to leaks and eventual water damage.

Because the water damage caused by minor leaks can stay hidden for months, it’s essential to know which areas of your building are most likely to suffer from these issues. Unless your home or business is brand new, do some research about what sections and components are new and old. 

Look for Visual Signs

The next step is to look for the visual signs of water damage on your walls, ceiling, and floors. Water rings and spots can inform you about the period of time for which the water damage has existed. 

One dark spot typically indicates very new water damage. As the water damage spot ages, it will begin to develop rings. More rings signal more time, so numerous rings represent old water damage and possibly a significant problem.

Feel the Affected Area

After visually examining the affected area, you should feel it for signs of physical age. If you’re concerned about possible mold, wear gloves and a mask to be safe. 

Newer water damage will have dampened the wall, ceiling, or floor, but the surface will still feel solid and hard to the touch. If the water damage spot has existed for a while, it will have softened the surface and feel squishy and mushy.

Account for Your Building’s Materials

It’s also crucial to account for the materials in your building. Different materials react differently to water, and some, such as tiles and especially thick paint, can even trap water. If you have water damage in a material that traps water, a small spot could still indicate significant damage.

Inspect the Damaged Area for Mold

Mold growth is another indicator of water damage age. When water sits for a few days, the bacteria within it can colonize and create mold. 

It’s vital to take the necessary precautions when inspecting the damaged area for mold. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in airborne mold spores and gloves to prevent direct contact.

Examine the Water Damage for Decay

Finally, you’ll need to examine the area affected by water damage for decay or deterioration. Most building materials don’t decay very quickly, so significant deterioration indicates that standing water has affected the area for some time.

What to Do If You Have Water Damage in Your Building

If you have water damage, professional water damage restoration services from Steam Smart Pro are the solution. We employ a four-stage process to quickly diagnose, address, and fix your water damage issues: Our process involves inspection, water removal, drying, and sanitizing:

• First, we’ll inspect the affected area both visually and using measuring devices. Inspection allows us to determine the source, scope, and moisture levels of the water damage.
• Next, we’ll utilize extractors and water pumps to remove any standing water. Timely water removal helps reduce the effects of the damage.
• Then, we’ll dry the water damage spots to extract any remaining moisture. We use humidifiers and fans to dry the area effectively.
• Finally, we clean and sanitize any areas affected by water damage to eliminate mold and mildew and ensure your property is safe. We can also sanitize any carpets that may have been in the areas that suffered from water damage. 

Call Steam Smart Pro Today for Professional Water Damage Restoration Services

Hopefully, you now better understand how to tell if water damage is new or old. By carefully following the six steps we outlined, you can effectively approximate the age of any water damage inside your home or commercial building. Once you’ve determined whether your water damage occurred recently or has existed for an extended period of time, Steam Smart Pro can help prevent any further property damage.

Our experienced team provides professional water damage restoration services to help you stay safe and avoid paying for expensive structural repairs. Call Steam Smart Pro today at 520-416-4308 to schedule an appointment or learn more about different types of water damage. 

Author Bio:

Eric Bullard

The owner of Steam Smart Pro in Tucson, AZ, brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the field of carpet, tile, and air duct cleaning. With a strong dedication to quality and a deep understanding of effective cleaning techniques, Eric consistently delivers outstanding results to his satisfied residential and commercial clients.