NEW vs. OLD WATER DAMAGE

3/3/2023 (Permalink)

Water Damage caused by a broken washing machine

The most frequent form of property damage is caused by water and there are numerous ways it can occur. Nature, for one, can be the cause through sudden storms and flooding. A pipe burst is another common culprit, especially those sneaky slow leak. Sewage backups is the worst unmistakable type of water loss. Here are some ways to determine whether its new or old.

Tactile Cues

You can determine how old the damage is touching the water spot. New water damage will not have had time to weaken the dry wall, when still wet, it will still feel hard. Older water damage spots will feel squishy, you will be able to move it without much pressure or force.

Visual Cues

The age of water damage can be estimated the same way people figure out the age of mess, by the rings. Newer spots will be one dark spot, but older water damage spots will begin to develop rings. The older the spot, the more rings it will have.

Bacteria takes time to colonize, if you see mold, that means the water has been there for a few days. If you notice decay, this means that your house has been exposed to consistent standing water over a period of time.

If you need a water damage restoration service in your area, SERVPRO of Ventura is here to help. Call us at (805) – 656 – 3911.