Water damage can cause a variety of smells in your home depending on the source and extent of the damage. Identifying water damage by smell can help you locate the source and determine if mold is present. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll answer key questions about water damage smells before diving into more details:
What are the most common smells caused by water damage?
The most common smells from water damage include:
– Musty, earthy smell – This smell is caused by mold and mildew growth, which thrive in damp environments. It’s one of the first signs of water damage.
– Rotten egg odor – This distinct sulfur-like smell is caused by bacteria growth in standing water.
– Sewage smell – A stench from wastewater backups or leaks into walls or flooring.
What causes the musty smell from water damage?
The musty, moldy smell from water damage is caused by excess moisture allowing mold and mildew to grow. Mold releases smelly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as it feeds on materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. The longer the water damage goes unaddressed, the worse the musty odor will become as mold spreads.
When does water damage start to smell?
You may start smelling odors from water damage within 24 to 48 hours after flooding or a leak. Mold and bacteria growth causing musty, rotten egg, or sewage smells can begin quickly in damp environments. However, you may not notice odors right away depending on factors like:
– Location of water damage – Smells may be contained behind walls.
– Type of materials affected – Porous materials like drywall and wood foster more mold growth.
– Ventilation – Smells spread more in poorly ventilated areas.
Here is a table summarizing when you may notice smells from water damage:
| Type of Smell | When Smell Starts |
|---|---|
| Musty, Earthy (Mold) | 24 to 48 hours after water damage event |
| Rotten Eggs (Bacteria) | 24 to 48 hours if water damage not addressed |
| Sewage | Within days if leaks into walls or flooring |
Can I identify the source based on water damage smells?
Yes, the type of odor can indicate the source of water damage:
Musty Odor
A pervasive musty smell usually means there is mold growth from high moisture levels. Potential sources include:
– Flooding
– Leaky roofs
– Plumbing leaks
– High humidity
– Leaky appliances like dishwashers
– Basement seepage
Sewage Odor
The smell of raw sewage is a sign of contaminated water damage. Potential sources include:
– Backed up sewer drains
– Broken sewer pipes in walls or floors
– Failed sump pumps
– Malfunctioning appliances connected to wastewater lines
Rotten Eggs
The rotten egg smell indicates bacterial growth in standing water and wet materials. Potential sources include:
– Clogged AC drip pans overflowing
– Roof leaks puddling in attics
– Plumbing leaks saturating walls or subfloors
– Flooding not drying quickly enough
Identifying odors from water damage helps narrow down the source so you can address the problem.
What should I do if I smell water damage in my home?
Here are important steps if you notice water damage odors:
– Ventilate the affected areas – Open windows, run fans, and circulate fresh air.
– Find and stop the source of damage – Locate leaks, overflows, and seepage causing excess moisture.
– Remove wet, porous materials – Discard soaked carpets, drywall, insulation and other mold prine materials.
– Thoroughly dry areas – Use dehumidifiers, fans, and portable AC units to dry out the space.
– Clean affected surfaces – Scrub buildup of bacteria and mold growth with detergents.
– Consider professional help – For major mold issues or sewage contamination, call water damage and mold remediation specialists.
– Check for hidden mold – Inspect behind walls and under materials where smells originate.
Catching and fixing water damage early is key to preventing worse mold growth and smells long-term.
Can I get rid of the smell from water damage?
You can eliminate smells from water damage through thorough drying, cleaning, ventilation, replacing soaked materials, and by fixing the source of the water problem. However, mold odors may linger or resurface if the excess moisture isn’t properly remediated.
Deep-rooted smells from water damage in walls, flooring, or behind building materials may require removal and replacement of those materials to fully get rid of odors. Ozone shock treatments and sealants specifically formulated to block stubborn water damage smells can help in extreme cases.
Prevention is also important – fix plumbing leaks, maintain proper drainage, and reduce interior humidity to help prevent water damage and associated smells.
When should I call a professional for water damage smells?
Call a water damage restoration company or mold remediation specialist for assistance if you notice:
– Strong sewage smells signaling contaminated flooding.
– Musty smells present after thorough cleaning and drying efforts.
– Visible mold growth on surfaces after water damage.
– Wet spots showing through walls or floors indicating hidden moisture.
– Rotten egg or sulfur smells that persist after fixing the leak source.
– Mold-related health issues like worsening allergies and asthma.
The longer excess moisture and smells persist, the greater risk of hidden mold growth in walls and places difficult to reach. Professional companies have specialized tools and methods for finding hidden moisture, eliminating odors, cleaning up contamination, and preventing future water damage issues.
Can water damage smells make you sick?
Yes, water damage smells can be signs of contamination making you sick. Hazards include:
Mold Exposure
Inhaling airborne mold spores and mycotoxins may cause:
– Coughing
– Wheezing
– Eye irritation
– Skin rashes
– Runny nose and mucus
– Sore throat
– Asthma attacks
Bacteria
Bacteria like E. coli or legionella growing in wet areas may cause:
– Nausea and vomiting
– Diarrhea
– High fever
– Pneumonia-like symptoms
Raw Sewage
Pathogens in raw sewage can lead to:
– Gastroenteritis
– Hepatitis A
– E. coli
– Vomiting and diarrhea
– Abdominal pain
See a doctor if you experience flu-like symptoms after noticing water damage smells, as you may need treatment for an illness caused by contamination. Children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to adverse health effects.
Conclusion
Water damage smells indicate ongoing moisture issues that need to be urgently addressed. Typical odors include a musty, earthy scent from mold growth, a rotten egg smell from bacteria, and a sewage stench from wastewater leaks. These smells usually start within 48 hours of water damage occurring. Identifying the source based on the odor type and promptly fixing leaks and removing affected materials can help eliminate smells. However, professional remediation help may be needed for major mold, bacteria or sewage contamination. Water damage smells also warn of health hazards from mold spores, bacteria and pathogens. So if smells persist despite your best clean-up efforts, contact a water damage specialist to prevent worsening of moisture issues and potential illness.