Quick answer. Look for new stains on ceilings and walls, soft or swollen trim, musty smell, floor cupping, peeling paint, window condensation that returns, and unexplained spikes in your water bill. Catching these early keeps repairs small and helps prevent mold.
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Why Water Damage Starts Quietly In Vancouver Homes
Coastal rain and long wet seasons push moisture into weak points such as window seals, roof penetrations, and older drain tile. Cool nights and warm showers raise indoor humidity and create condensation on cold surfaces. Hillside lots and dense tree cover slow drying around foundations. These conditions let small leaks stay hidden until stains or odour appear.
Room By Room Checklist
Kitchen
- Dark lines or soft spots under the sink
- Warped toe kicks at the base of cabinets
- Drips at fridge line or dishwasher hose
Bathroom
- Peeling paint near the shower ceiling
- Soft drywall around the tub surround
- Loose or missing grout and persistent caulk gaps
Living and bedrooms
- New ceiling rings or shadow stains near light fixtures
- Baseboard swelling or separated corners
- Spongy spots on engineered or laminate flooring
Basement and crawlspace
- White powder on concrete walls known as mineral residue
- Damp carpet edges and rusty tack strip
- Water line marks on foundation walls after storms
Attic
- Dark patches on roof sheathing
- Wet insulation or compressed batts near bath fan ducts
- Daylight at roof penetrations or loose flashing
Two Minute Leak Test
- Make sure no taps or appliances are running.
- Find your water meter and note the small flow indicator or the last two digits.
- Wait two minutes. If the indicator moves you may have a supply side leak.
- If it moves only when a bathroom or kitchen is used the leak may be at a fixture or drain.
This simple test helps you decide if you need a plumber or a restoration inspection.
Early Sign And What To Do Next
| Sign | Likely cause | What to do now |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling ring near a bathroom | Shower splash, failed caulk, slow pipe leak | Take photos, stop use, check caulk, book moisture check |
| Cupped hardwood or soft laminate | Dishwasher or fridge line leak, wet subfloor | Pull toe kick panel, look for drips, start ventilation |
| Musty smell in a closet | High humidity, exterior wall condensation | Space items, run a small dehumidifier, check exterior caulking |
| Efflorescence on foundation | Moisture wicking through concrete | Clean gutters, extend downspouts, inspect perimeter drainage |
| Peeling paint above shower | Steam without venting, fan not ducted outdoors | Run fan longer, verify duct, consider timer switch |
| Rust at water heater base | Weeping tank or valves | Place a dry towel to monitor, schedule service |
Notes For Condos And Strata Owners
- Document leaks with time and photos and notify the manager and your insurer
- Ask about building fan settings and fresh air supply if window condensation is constant
- If a neighbour leak affects your suite request access notes and incident logs
What To Check After Heavy Rain
- Attic sheathing near vents and skylights for dark patches
- Ceiling corners for new hairline cracks or stains
- Foundation edges for damp carpet or musty odour
- Window sills for pooled water and soft wood
- Gutters and downspouts for blockages and splash over
When To Call A Restoration Team
Call when materials feel soft or swollen, when odour returns after cleaning, when stains spread, or when you find moisture in multiple rooms. A certified team can map moisture, set clean containment, dry to target levels, and protect rooms you still need to use. Good documentation with photos and readings also helps your insurance claim move faster.
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Serving Vancouver, West Vancouver, and North Vancouver
Learn more on our Water Damage Restoration page and our Mold Remediation page.
FAQs
Does a musty smell always mean mold
It can be a sign of hidden moisture. Ventilate the room and check for wet drywall or carpet. If the smell returns book a moisture inspection.
Is window condensation normal
Light fog in cold weather can be normal. Be concerned if water pools on sills or paint peels since this can point to high humidity or poor seals.
How fast can damage spread
Small leaks can grow quickly once finishes get wet. Early drying keeps repairs simple and helps prevent mold.
Will insurance help
Coverage depends on the cause and policy endorsements. Clean documentation and quick mitigation improve your outcome. We can prepare a claim ready estimate with photos and moisture logs.
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