How severe your water damage problem is will depend on where it’s located and how quickly it’s discovered (or how long it’s gone unnoticed…).

At the minor end, you might be dealing with damp patches, peeling wallpaper or musty smells. Left unchecked though, water can rot wood, damage plaster and cause harmful mould to grow.

In more serious cases, water damage can affect a house’s foundation or structural integrity.

When water seeps into the soil around your property, it can cause expansion, contraction and even erosion. Over time, this puts pressure on the foundation, leading to cracks or movement. This can lead to:

• Cracks in walls or floors
• Doors and windows sticking or not closing properly
• Uneven floors

These are serious issues that can drastically reduce a property’s value and put potential buyers off.

Prevention is always better than cure and taking small steps now can save big repair costs later. Some simple ways to reduce the risk of water damage include:

• Keeping gutters and downpipes clear
• Making sure your roof is well maintained
• Checking for leaks under sinks, around toilets and in basements
• Making sure your garden drains away from your house rather than towards it

If you think you may have a water damage problem in your home, here are the signs to look out for:

• Stains on ceilings or walls
• Warped floors, peeling wallpaper or bubbling paint
• A musty or damp smell
• Visible mould
• Sounds of dripping water even when all your taps are off

If you’re not sure, professional surveys can uncover hidden water damage before it gets worse.

The process usually involves three steps:

1. Stop the source of water – whether that’s a leaky pipe, roof damage or poor drainage.
2. Dry the area out – industrial dehumidifiers may be needed in some cases.
3. Repair and restore – from replacing plasterboard and flooring to dealing with structural repairs.

Costs for dealing with water damage vary drastically depending on how severe the problem is. A small leak might only set you back a few hundred pounds, but significant foundation or roof damage can run into the tens of thousands.

It’s worth checking your policy, as many homeowners don’t necessarily know if their home insurance covers water damage. In most cases, sudden events like burst pipes are covered, but gradual leaks, damp or poor maintenance often aren’t, so it’s best to check the fine print with your insurer.

Yes, you can sell a house with water damage, but it’ll be more complicated and drawn out than a regular house sale. Many buyers are cautious about properties with water issues, especially if they involve the foundation, and lenders will be reluctant to approve mortgages if surveyors highlight structural problems.

You might find your best bet is to sell directly to a cash house buyer, such as House Buyer Bureau, who will be happy to buy your houses as-is.

Selling a home with water damage typically requires:

Steps and requirements

• Disclosure – You are legally required to inform potential buyers of any known water damage.
• Repairs (if possible) – Fixing the damage before selling can make the house more attractive, though it can be costly.
• Adjusting the asking price – If you don’t want to repair, you’ll need to set a realistic price to reflect the property’s condition.
• Finding the right buyer – If you’ve had no luck on the open market, you might opt for a quick house sale with a cash buyer, but they will offer less than market value.

Read our guide on how to sell a house on a floodplain for further information.