5 Ways To Spot Water Damage Early In Rental Properties

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Contact the commercial water damage professionals at SERVPRO when you spot water damage in a rental unit.

The best way to prevent severe issues is by being proactive.

Water damage in rental properties is one of the most common property management problems. Whether it's a flooded unit, faulty plumbing, or even severe weather, water damages need to be spotted early on before they impact other properties.

The best property managers know how to spot water damage in rental properties early on to avoid more expensive problems down the line. The professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties put together the following guide to help property managers identify the five tell-tale signs of water damage so that they can act accordingly before any significant damage occurs.

What is water damage?

Before we go into what you should look for, first know what water damage is. Water damage is any type of damage caused by water, whether it's a flood or leaks, but it can also include things like extreme humidity and the effects of freezing.

Water damage is not only expensive to repair but also hazardous. Water damage can be placed into three categories based on the source of the water damage.

Category 1: Clean Water - This is regular old H2O and will only affect the surface level. It's considered to be the least hazardous type of water damage.

Category 2: Gray Water - This is water that has been contaminated but may contain chemicals, such as in a dishwasher or washing machining water.

Category 3: Black Water - This is sewage or other forms of contaminated water. Blackwater can contain microorganisms and pathogens that are hazardous.

The five signs to look out for

Several signs of water damage will help property managers spot the issue early on. Below is a list of the top five things that you should look out for:

1) Look for watermarks on the ceiling

Stains or watermarks that appear on a ceiling are a tell-tale sign of a plumbing leak - either a broken pipe, a faulty seal, or a loose connection which will often become evident when it becomes time to pay the water bill! 

2) Watermarks on the floors

As soon as a stain appears on the floor, consider it a red flag that water damage is involved. The problem with floor stains is that several different issues can cause them, but if there are multiple watermarks in one location, it's safe to assume there is a water leak issue.

3) Hard to open windows

If the window begins to stick or is difficult to open, this could indicate moisture in your walls. If not dealt with quickly, this can lead to mold and mildew growth.

4) Mildew and mold growth on walls, fixtures, and carpets.

Mildew and mold should not be taken lightly. If you notice mold or mildew growing in places exposed to moisture or humidity, there could be a larger issue than just water damage.

5) Plumbing issues

Plumbing issues like sludge buildup in sinks and toilets or unusual smells coming from pipes or drains are never a good sign as this could be the result of a clog that can turn into a leak.

Final Thoughts

Even though it takes a little bit more effort upfront, spotting water damage early on will prevent future issues from occurring and save you lots of headaches down the line - not to mention money! If you do happen to spot any of the water damage signs above, it's best to contact a professional with experience in restoration, like SERVPRO.

If you are looking for more information about commercial water damage, please contact us at any time. SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties is available 24/7, 365 days a year. We are certified by the IICRC and are ready to help mitigate the damage caused by water or other unexpected issues that may arise.