How To Identify Floor Water Damage [19 Signs + Steps To Take]

Leaky pipes, storm floods, and plumbing problems are just a few of the many ways water can damage your flooring. After the onset of flooding, it only takes 24 to 48 hours to cause significant damage. If left untreated, water can cause damage that can lead to bigger issues — like structural damage, mold growth, and damage to belongings.

This guide covers key signs of floor water damage for different floor types, what to do after noticing flooded floors, and how water damage restoration professionals can help determine if the flooring can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Signs of Floor Water Damage

Water damage can look different depending on the type of flooring. Whether there are stains, warping, or a foul odor coming from the floors, it’s important to know the signs of water damage and when to call the professionals.

Here are key signs of floor water damage for different flooring types.

Hardwood

Because of the organic fibers in hardwood flooring, it’s more susceptible to water damage if the water isn’t removed right away. Here are some common signs of water damage on wood floors:

• Warping: Moisture absorbed by wood floors can soften them, causing the boards to warp. When the water dries, the planks may be raised, curled, and completely distorted from their original shape.
• Staining: Dark spots and discoloration on the wood can also be signs of water damage. These spots appear because of the mineral content in water deposited into the wood during flooding.
• Mold: Signs of mold include black, gray, or white dots, as well as a musty odor as a result of mildew.

Vinyl

Although many types of vinyl floors are water-resistant, they can still sustain damage when impacted by a large amount of water or moisture. Signs of water damage in vinyl flooring typically include:

• Bubbling: A buildup of water beneath vinyl can cause it to bubble, which is visibly noticeable and can be felt when walking on the flooring. The bubbles can remain even after the water dries up.
• Gapping: Water can loosen the adhesive that holds vinyl flooring down, which can cause a gap between two planks. A white buildup may also become noticeable after water dries due to the minerals in the water.
• Discoloration: Trapped moisture can cause discoloration on vinyl flooring, which may present as a yellowish stain, dark spots, or faded areas.
• Mold: Even though the flooring itself is resistant to water, mold can develop under the flooring and on the subfloor material. After extensive water damage, be aware of black, gray, or white dots, as well as a musty odor that is the result of mildew.

Tile

Tile floors are generally durable and water-resistant, making it hard for water to get through the grout and surface. However, if the tile or grout has cracks that allow water to seep through or there has been severe flooding, the tile can sustain damage. Some common signs of water damage on tile floors include:

• Loosening: Moisture can dissolve the adhesive that holds tiles down, causing them to loosen and shift.
• Damp grout: If grout lines are moist or wet even after trying to dry them, it can indicate water beneath the tiles.
• Foul odor: If a musty smell is apparent in the surrounding area, it may mean mold and mildew have formed under the tiles.
• Mold: Even though the tile itself is water-resistant, cracks or other damage can allow mold to develop under a tile floor.

Linoleum

Linoleum is another water-resistant flooring that can still be impacted by water damage. Some common signs of water damage on linoleum floors include:

• Sponginess: If water becomes trapped under linoleum and sits for too long, it can cause damage to the subfloor. Damage to the subfloor will leave linoleum floors feeling soft and spongy.
• Curling: Water can cause linoleum to loosen and curl at the edges. Once dry, the floor loses its original shape and will need to be replaced.
• Bubbling: Trapped water beneath the flooring can also cause bubbling, creating noticeable pockets of water on the floor's surface.
• Mold: While this type of flooring resists water, extensive water damage can result in mold developing under the flooring on the subfloor. Look for black, gray, or white dots, as well as a musty odor as a result of mildew.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is mostly water-resistant, but because it is constructed from wood, it can still sustain water damage that may require complete flooring replacement. Here are some common signs of water damage on laminate floors:

• Buckling: Like linoleum, excess moisture can cause laminate planks to buckle and curl, leading to damage that cannot be repaired.
• Cracking: Water damage can cause laminate planks to swell, and when dry, the surface can become uneven and begin to crack.
• Splitting: High moisture levels can accumulate between the planks, causing the material to expand and separate from other planks. This can lead to gapping and splitting in the flooring.
• Mold: Just because flooring is water-resistant it doesn’t mean mold can’t develop under the subfloor. After a water damage event, keep an eye out for black, gray, or white dots, as well as a musty odor that results from mildew.

Carpet

Water damage on carpeting is typically easy to feel and see unless it’s a small leak. However, if water is left unattended, it can lead to damage that can go unnoticed. Some common signs of water damage on carpet floors include:

• Dampness: One of the most obvious signs of water damage is wetness. Water can seep through the carpet into the padding below, causing damage and mold growth if not dried quickly.
• Wrinkling: When the carpet becomes wet, it shrinks and stretches, causing a wrinkled or rippled appearance.
• Baseboard damage: Surrounding baseboards can start to show staining or discoloration at the first sign of water damage. That water can then leak into the carpet, so it’s important to act fast before it affects the flooring.
• Mold: Water or excessive moisture that is left on a carpet can lead to the development of mold. Carpet that is discolored with black, gray, or white dots and has a musty odor as a result of mildew could also have mold.

Concrete

Though concrete is super durable, it is still prone to water damage. Here are some common signs of water damage on concrete floors:

• Peeling paint: If the concrete has been painted, it will start to peel, bubble, or chip due to the excess moisture.
• Cracking: When moisture becomes trapped in concrete, it travels up to the surface, causing it to crack. Air can then get into the cracks, affecting the durability of the concrete.
• Mold: Moisture can lead to mold growth on concrete, which can appear in the cracks, on the surface, or along the edges of the floor.

What To Do After Finding Flooded Floors

Once the water has been identified or signs of water damage have appeared, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. Here are a few steps to take the next time signs of water damage appear.

1. Stop the Water Source

First and foremost, it’s important to know where the water is coming from and stop it before it continues to do more harm. Is a toilet overflowing in the bathroom? Did an old pipe suddenly burst? If the water is coming from an internal source and not caused by external factors like a storm, shut off the main water valve to prevent further flooding.

If the water source can’t be found, but there are clear signs of water damage, call water damage mitigation professionals so they can find the source and inspect the building for damage.

2. Call Water Damage Restoration Professionals

A restoration team can come in with the proper tools needed to repair or replace floors that have been affected by water. They can also spot further damage that may not be noticeable to the average person.

Restoration professionals can perform the following services to help repair water-damaged flooring:

• Inspection: A restoration specialist will run a full inspection of the property — assessing the moisture levels, determining what needs to be removed, and ensuring there are no safety hazards.
• Drying: If done quickly, drying can help prevent mold growth and stop further damage. During this process, the water is removed with special equipment, and dehumidifiers can be used to eliminate excess moisture in the air.
• Cleaning and sanitizing: Restoration professionals can also assist with floor cleaning and sanitizing, helping to remove any odors or stains resulting from water damage. This ensures homes and businesses are clean and safe after a flood.
• Mold removal and prevention: Further cleaning and sanitizing can help contain all affected areas to stop the spread of mold. This process also involves the removal of affected floor parts and other contaminated belongings.

3. Determine If Floors Should Be Replaced

The restoration team will be able to determine whether the flooring can be repaired or needs to be replaced, depending on the extent of the damage, the type of water, and the type of flooring. Typically, a floor will need to be replaced if it’s endured significant damage, has become contaminated with mold and mildew, or the water was contaminated.

Should You Repair or Replace Water-Damaged Floors?

Every case of flooding is different, and deciding whether a floor can be repaired or needs to be replaced depends on several factors.

Extent of Water Damage

Restoration professionals use meters to determine the level of moisture in the flooring and decide whether it’s salvageable. Typically, the longer water sits, the higher the chance it will cause damage.

If the water dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold likely did not grow, and the flooring may be salvageable. However, it’s always best to get a proper inspection to ensure there’s no mold growth.

If the water sat longer than 48 hours and seeped through the flooring, the trapped moisture likely turned into mold and caused damage to the flooring. In some cases, the water may seep through to the subfloor. If the subfloor is severely damaged, replacement is necessary to protect the integrity of the flooring structure. Rainbow Restoration can help evaluate the damage and give recommendations on the next steps.

Type of Water

The type of water damage is another important factor to consider, as some water can be contaminated and hazardous. Types of water involved in damage include:

• Clean water: Caused by broken water supply lines and leaks from faucets or appliances. Although this water is considered clean initially, if left unattended, it can become contaminated.
• Gray water: Caused by sources such as washing machines, dishwashers, or toilet overflows. Gray water may contain chemical or biological contaminants requiring additional cleaning and disinfection.
• Black water: Results from sewage backups, flooding from rivers or streams, or standing water has been present for an extended period. Black water contains harmful pathogens, bacteria, and potentially toxic substances.

It’s critical to address all types of water damage promptly, regardless of the category.

Type of Flooring

The type of flooring also plays a major role in determining whether or not flooring can be repaired or if it should be replaced. Certain floorings, like tile and vinyl, are more water-resistant than others but can still suffer from water damage.

Consider repairing the flooring if it only encountered surface-level damage — for example, water stains on hardwood that can be sanded and refinished or mild odors on carpet that can be fixed with a deep cleaning and sanitizing. Other cosmetic damage, like lifting, may be repaired by screwing boards back in place or reinstalling so long as the subfloor isn’t damaged.

If the water damage has caused your flooring to buckle, curl, or bubble, it may cause permanent damage that isn’t salvageable. For example, moisture on laminate flooring can cause the planks to curl and not fit back into place.

Even if the flooring can be repaired, replacing the flooring with something more water-resistant might be the better option. Though water-resistant floors can still sustain damage, they help keep water and moisture at bay if another flooding incident occurs.

Floor Water Damage Repair Cost

Depending on the provider and policy, insurance may cover water damage. Most home insurance policies will cover water damage costs in the event of a natural disaster or other accidents, but flooding due to faulty appliances or plumbing leaks may not be covered. Contact the insurance provider for detailed policy information to determine whether or not flooding is covered.

If the damage isn’t covered by insurance, weigh the costs to determine if it’ll be worth repairing or replacing the flooring. If the floors are salvageable, restoring them through professional drying and cleaning may be more cost-effective than replacing them altogether. Fixing the source of the flood should also prevent a reoccurrence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floor Water Damage

How Long Does Water Have To Be on the Floor To Cause Damage?

It takes 24 to 48 hours for large amounts of water to cause damage to flooring, making it crucial to act fast to prevent mold growth and further damage. Minor spills and surface moisture that can easily be cleaned and dried are not usually a cause for concern; however, large leaks or flooding that have seeped through the flooring should be taken care of as soon as possible to salvage the flooring.

What Happens If Water Gets Under Flooring?

If water gets trapped under flooring, it can cause mold to grow, which poses a health risk if left untreated. If water damage goes unnoticed, the moisture can spread to the subfloor, causing damage that will require a completely new flooring installation.

Does A Wet Subfloor Need To Be Replaced?

If the subfloor has significant water damage from flooding and was exposed to moisture for a long period, it’s best to get it replaced or have the damaged sections removed. Some signs that may indicate subfloor damage include floor sinking, loosening, cracking, and squeaking.

In some cases, water-damaged subflooring may be salvageable through quick remediation methods. For example, rapid structural drying can help prevent the growth of mold and stop structural damage.

It’s always recommended to call a restoration professional to assess the damage, test the moisture levels, and determine the best course of action for water-damaged subflooring.

How Long Does It Take for Water To Dry Under Floor?

Drying out water damage can take two to five days with the proper drying equipment, but drying times can differ depending on the amount of water and the type of flooring. Some flooring may be able to dry without removal, but others, like wood floor planks, may need to be removed to properly dry in a temperature-controlled environment.

Contact the Professionals for Floor Water Damage Repair

No matter if it’s an overflowing toilet or an influx of rain, even a small amount of water can cause irreversible damage to flooring if not treated quickly. Rainbow Restoration will help restore your home or business after the first signs of floor water damage.

Rainbow Restoration’s professional water damage restoration teams will address the source of the water damage, remove the excess water, clean and dry the area, and remove mold to restore your home or business to its best possible condition.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Request an appointment with your local Rainbow Restoration today to find out how we can help restore your water-damaged floors.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Rainbow Restoration is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Rainbow Restoration professional for a custom, on-site assessment.