Has Water Been in Your Home? Free Homeowner Checklist

After a summer of record rainfall in Edmonton, a lot of homeowners are wondering the same thing: did water get into my home, even if I didn't see it happen? Water damage isn't always obvious. It doesn't always show up as a puddle on the floor. Sometimes it's a smell, a stain, or a soft spot you only notice weeks later. Here's a room-by-room checklist to help you catch it early.

Basement

The basement is ground zero for most water intrusion, so start here.

• Look for water stains or discoloration on walls, especially near the floor line
• Check the floor for any dried water rings, warped flooring, or a fine layer of silt/sediment (a sign water came in and receded)
• Smell for mustiness — a persistent musty or earthy smell is one of the earliest signs of hidden moisture, even before mold is visible
• Inspect the sump pit — is there debris or a waterline higher than usual? Is the pump running more frequently than normal?
• Check floor drains and basement toilets for any signs of backup residue or odour
• Press on drywall near the floor — does it feel soft, or does the paint look bubbled?
• Look behind and under stored items — boxes on the floor are often the first thing to show water damage and the last thing people check
  

Foundation (Interior and Exterior)

• Walk the interior foundation walls looking for new cracks, efflorescence (white, chalky mineral deposits), or damp patches
• Walk the exterior perimeter after a rain and look for pooling water sitting against the foundation
• Check that the ground slopes away from your home — water should move away, not toward, the foundation
• Inspect downspouts to confirm they extend at least 6 feet from the house and aren't discharging near a window well or foundation crack

Crawl Spaces

• Look for standing water or damp soil, even a small amount
• Check insulation for sagging, staining, or a heavier-than-normal feel (wet insulation loses effectiveness and holds moisture against wood framing)
• Smell for mustiness, same as the basement

Windows and Window Wells

• Check window wells for accumulated debris or standing water
• Inspect the seal around basement windows for water staining or gaps
• Look at the sill and frame for soft wood or peeling paint, which can indicate repeated moisture exposure

Attic and Upper Floors (Yes, Really)

Water damage isn't only a basement problem, especially after wind-driven storms.

• Check ceilings for new stains, especially brown or yellow rings
• Inspect around skylights and roof penetrations
• Look in the attic for damp insulation or staining on the underside of the roof deck

• Musty odor anywhere in the house that wasn't there before
• Unexplained increase in your water bill, which can point to a leak you haven't located
• Peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper
• Warped baseboards or door frames that used to fit properly and now stick
• Visible mold, even small spots — mold needs moisture to grow, so its presence always means water got there first

When to Call a Plumber

If you notice any of the above — even something as small as a musty smell or a slightly soft patch of drywall — it's worth getting it looked at. Hidden moisture only gets worse the longer it sits, and with the amount of rain Edmonton has seen this summer, a lot of homes have taken on water without anyone realizing it yet.

Catching it early is the difference between a simple fix and a much bigger repair. If you're not sure, we're happy to come take a look!