New York is prone to flooding, which means water damage is always a potential issue. While easy to spot in houses, water damage in NYC apartments often goes unnoticed for a long time – until it worsens.
Failing to notice water damage can also lead to expensive repairs, destroyed belongings, and mold invasions. The good news is that you can catch it early once you know what to look for.
So, if you want to avoid costly repairs and ensure nothing gets in your way of enjoying everything NYC has to offer, stick around to discover the hidden signs of water damage in apartments.
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The causes of water damage in NYC apartments
At Manhattan Flood Restoration, we regularly respond to and mitigate multiple potential causes of water damage in NYC, including natural disasters and human error. The most common include:
- Malfunctioning appliances
- Leaking pipes
- Toilet overflows
- Sewage backups
- Floods
- Broken roofing
- Leaking AC units
While you can protect your home from leaks and other damage caused by human error, floods and storms will still happen. Older apartments, basement buildings, and ground-floor buildings are at higher risk of damage.
The subtle signs of water damage in an apartment
You might not see visible signs of water damage, such as puddles on the floor, but that doesn’t mean your apartment is safe. Understanding the subtle signs of damage can help you reduce further damage.
Here are some subtle signs to be aware of.
Musty odors
Mold and mildew don’t stay subtle for long; they often create a musty odor that becomes impossible to ignore. Unfortunately, even though you might smell mildew and mold, it doesn’t mean it will be visible.
The spores can take root and penetrate walls, ceilings, and flooring, making it difficult to isolate where the odor is coming from.
Changes to the ceiling and walls
Your walls and ceiling can also show signs of water damage. If you notice any discoloration (typically brown or yellow stains), it could mean there’s a nearby leak. When water becomes trapped inside your walls, it can impact the wallpaper.
Looking for signs of cracking, peeling, or bubbling can help determine whether the ceiling or walls have been exposed to excess moisture.
Flooring changes
Identifying damage to your carpets is easy, as they’re often damp and retain water. Unfortunately, laminate and wooden floors are much harder to identify. If the flooring feels soft or buckles slightly when you walk over it, it might point to a leak.
Strange sounds
Apartments in NYC can make a lot of sounds, but dripping water shouldn’t be one of them. If you notice a dripping sound and haven’t left any taps on, it usually means there’s a leak.
Gurgling sounds in the toilet or sink can indicate a blockage, which increases the risk of an overflow.
Higher bills
Are your water bills steadily climbing? If you’re not consciously using extra water, but the bills keep increasing, you’re probably dealing with a leak.
These costs can increase dramatically over time, so make sure you review your bill and usage each month to see if anything’s wrong.
Now, it’s time to find hidden water damage and plan how to mitigate it. The following steps will help you isolate signs of leaks, flooding, and other forms of damage:
- Look Closely: Walk around your apartment and look for minor signs of discoloration, cracking, or anything else that looks wrong. It’s easier to do this when you hear water dripping or isolate musty odors, but performing general checks is a good idea, even when nothing seems wrong.
- Perform Full Inspections: It’s also essential to check for leaks or pooled water in hard-to-reach areas, such as around the dishwasher or washing machine.
- Monitor Humidity & Moisture: Hygrometers are affordable tools for monitoring indoor humidity levels. If your meter’s reading exceeds 50%, it might mean you have a moisture issue. Moisture meters isolate dampness under the floorboards or behind walls.
When to contact a professional about water damage
If you feel that something’s not right but can’t identify where the water is coming from, it’s beneficial to contact a specialist. Professional water damage restoration companies have access to industry-grade tools and offer support from start to finish.
For example, aside from isolating the source of water damage, a restoration company will also remove moisture from the property, dry it out, eliminate mold, and go out of their way to restore your apartment to its pre-loss condition.
Even if you identify the source of the water damage, a certified remediation service knows how to minimize repairs and reduce costs.
Can I prevent water damage in my NYC apartment?
While natural disasters and floods are impossible to avoid, you can potentially prevent water damage in your apartment by staying alert and performing ongoing maintenance. The following tips can also reduce the severity of any water damage:
- Prioritize Maintenance: If you rent your apartment, the landlord or property management company should be responsible for major maintenance, but it’s important to assess any issues regularly and contact the relevant person to prevent them from worsening.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Water will happily seep into any material that lets it, but using seals around the doors and windows can prevent excess moisture from sneaking in.
- Dehumidifiers: If you dry your clothes at home or know that your apartment gets higher moisture levels at certain times, a dehumidifier can be a wise investment.
- Check The Roof: Top-floor apartments have epic views, but there’s also a risk of damage from roof leaks. Make sure that property management checks the roof regularly and performs general maintenance.
- Don’t Wait Around: Never leave a potential problem to get worse. Not only will the repairs be more expensive, but it can also lead to your landlord or property management company refusing to pay.
Need some advice?
Whether you know what you’re dealing with or aren’t sure, seeking professional advice reduces potential damage and increases the chances of a successful restoration. If you need any advice or would like to arrange an on-site visit, please get in touch with our experts today. We offer a full remediation service and can help you with the insurance claim.
