Is Your Water Damage New or Old?

How to Tell If Your Water Damage Is New or Old — And Why It Matters

Water damage isn’t always obvious — and it’s not always recent. You might notice a stain on the ceiling, a warped floorboard, or peeling paint and wonder: Is this fresh damage or has it been here for weeks?

Knowing whether your water damage is new or old is critical. Why? Because older damage can lead to mold, rot, and structural issues that are much more expensive to repair. The faster you act, the more you can save.

In this expert guide, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons breaks down how to identify the age of water damage in your Chicago or North Shore property — and what steps to take to stop it from getting worse.

Common Causes of Water Damage in Chicagoland

Before diving into detection, here’s a quick refresher on what causes water damage in the first place:

• Burst or leaking pipes
• Roof damage or poor flashing
• Appliance overflows (dishwashers, washing machines)
• Sewage backups
• Ice dams in winter
• Flooding from heavy rains or snowmelt

Whether it’s from a hidden leak or a sudden basement flood, knowing how long the damage has been festering can make or break your insurance claim and your restoration timeline.

1. Touch Test: Soft or Firm?

Fresh water damage usually feels damp but firm. The material still holds some integrity — drywall, wood, and paint may feel cool or wet, but not crumbling.

Old water damage, on the other hand, breaks down material over time. It often feels:

• Soft or mushy to the touch
• Warped or buckled (especially hardwood or vinyl)
• Weak or flaking (common in drywall or plaster)

Did you know? Drywall can absorb water vertically at a rate of 1 inch per hour for the first 24 hours of exposure. This quick spread can lead to significant damage fast if unnoticed.

2. Look for Stains and Rings

Water stains tell a story — and like tree rings, they reveal age.

• A single dark spot = recent damage
• Multiple concentric rings = recurring or old damage (usually from a slow leak or intermittent moisture)

Color can also help:

• Light yellow or tan stains = fresh
• Brown, black, or multiple shades = long-term or repeated exposure

Check around ceilings, baseboards, corners, and near appliances. These areas often hide aging damage.

3. Check for Mold and Mildew

Mold is the clearest sign that water has been sitting for too long. It typically begins to grow within 24–48 hours of moisture exposure.

Signs of mold from old water damage include:

• Musty odors
• Black, green, or gray fuzzy patches
• Visible clusters on walls, ceilings, baseboards, or HVAC vents

If you spot any mold, assume the water damage has been present for several days or longer — and call for professional mold remediation immediately.

4. Use a Moisture Meter (or Call a Pro)

High-quality water damage pros like ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons use moisture meters to detect trapped water behind surfaces, even when there’s no visible sign of damage.

• Moisture meters help determine if walls, floors, or cabinets are still wet inside
• They can confirm whether the damage is active or dried out
• We also use infrared thermal imaging to locate hidden moisture pockets

This tech helps confirm whether your water problem is new, active, or resolved — and guides your cleanup strategy.

5. Smell It: Odors Signal Age

Old water damage often smells musty. That’s not just unpleasant — it’s a sign of microbial growth and decaying material. If you notice:

• Persistent earthy/musty smells
• Odors worsening with HVAC use
• Strange smells coming from walls or flooring

…it likely means the water intrusion wasn’t recent.

Why It Matters: The Longer You Wait, the More It Costs

New Water Damage:
Can often be dried and repaired quickly if caught early. Minimal mold risk.

Old Water Damage:
Leads to mold growth, wood rot, crumbling drywall, odor absorption, and insulation failure. May require reconstruction and remediation.

What to Do if You Suspect Water Damage — Old or New

If you’re unsure when the damage occurred — or you’ve confirmed it's been sitting a while — act fast. The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes.

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons Offers:

• Residential Water Damage Cleanup
• Commercial Water Damage Services
• Mold Remediation
• Structural Drying & Dehumidification

Chicagoland homeowners, insurers, schools, and property managers trust us. We’ll locate the problem, stop the source, and fully restore your space.

Contact ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons for an inspection or 24/7 emergency help.

FAQ: Water Damage Age Detection

How long before mold starts after water damage?
Usually within 24–48 hours, depending on humidity and material types.

What if the water damage looks dry?
It may have dried on the surface while still wet inside. Professionals can test it with meters.

Will insurance cover old water damage?
Not typically. Most policies cover sudden and accidental water damage — not gradual leaks or deferred maintenance.

About ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons

ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons is part of the nation’s oldest restoration company, founded in Chicago in 1929. With more than 40 years of local service, we bring unmatched experience and IICRC-certified expertise to every water, fire, and mold restoration job.

We proudly serve homeowners and businesses across Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore, including Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook, Glenview, and beyond.

Our services include:

• Water & Flood Damage Restoration
• Fire & Smoke Cleanup
• Mold Remediation
• Specialty Cleaning

Awards include the 2020 BBB Torch Award and Skokie Business of the Year Honorable Mention.

Call us anytime at (773) 376-1110 or visit our homepage.