It was one of the top 10 wettest springs on record in Central Oklahoma — and the rain hasn’t ended yet. But luckily, your home has stayed dry. No flooding, no leaks, no problem. Right?
Maybe not.
Water damage is one of the most frequent causes of homeowners insurance claims in the U.S., and at Sooner Cleaning + Restoration, we know that the most serious damage often begins where you can’t see it. Rain can seep in through foundation cracks, slip behind exterior walls, and sneak under flooring — often without leaving an immediate, obvious trail.
Vulnerabilities in roofs, aging seals around windows and doors, and even damaged brick, flashing, or siding can quietly invite water inside. Left unchecked, this hidden moisture can cause potentially dangerous mold and mildew, rot wood framing, compromise electrical systems, and reduce indoor air quality for your family.
The bottom line? If water is getting in — even slowly — it won’t fix itself. And the longer it lingers, the more costly the consequences.
Six signs of hidden water damage in your home
So, if you don’t see the water coming in, how will you know it’s there? Carrie Mitchell, co-owner of Sooner Cleaning + Restoration, shared six signs of water damage to look (and smell) for as you assess your home this spring and summer.
Musty odors - Follow your nose! Have you noticed a new musty or earthy smell in your home? Sniff out where the odor is the strongest or seems concentrated, and examine the area for dampness and staining.
Damage to walls - Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper, brown or yellow stains, and warping walls or baseboards are all signs of water damage.
Changes to floors - If your hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile flooring is popping up, warping, cupping, becoming loose, or otherwise changing its shape for reasons you can’t explain, water is often the culprit.
High humidity or excess condensation - The ideal humidity level for a home is between 30% and 50%. Persistent condensation on windows, toilet tanks, and pipes can indicate high humidity. A digital humidity gauge costs about $10 and allows you to monitor levels in your home. If the humidity remains above 50% for extended periods or increases drastically without a decrease, you may have a moisture issue.
New pests - Termites are always a red flag for moisture problems, but water damage can create ideal environments for other bugs, including cockroaches, silverfish, and ants, to thrive. Water damage to your foundation and exterior walls can also make your home vulnerable to rodents, such as mice and rats.
Mold and mildew - If mold is visible on a ceiling, wall, floor, or objects that sit on the floor, it’s a sure sign that water is somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Keep moisture out with preventive maintenance
If your home is in the clear (phew!), keep it that way with regular maintenance.
Inspect your roof, attic, and basement routinely for signs of water entry.
Check the seals on and around windows and doors annually.
If your home has a sump pump that is more than five years old, plan for its replacement — they typically last 7-10 years. Likewise, keep French drains clean and free of debris.
For older homes and homes with basements, invest in an appropriately sized dehumidifier and clean the filter at least once a month.
Need a mold test?
DIY tests may seem promising, but they won’t tell you your home’s whole story. When we test for mold at Sooner Cleaning + Restoration, we measure the amount of mold in the air of your home. Home tests and tape-lift tests can’t do that – but it’s critical in determining whether and how to treat mold.
get local, expert help with water damage
Water problems don’t solve themselves. If historic rainfall has led to issues in your Oklahoma City metro area home, Sooner Cleaning + Restoration is ready to help. Call us at 405-329-8999. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to tackle water damage issues for the Oklahoma City metro area.