While you’ll likely notice water damage from a flood or burst pipe, hidden water behind your walls can be much harder to find. Hidden water leaks are also far more dangerous.
If you suspect a hidden leak, there are a few telltale water damage in wall signs to watch for. If left undetected, water in walls and unseen leaks can cause some major damage.
From the signs to the potential dangers, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about detecting leaks before they become an expensive problem.
Water Damage in Wall: What Are the Hidden Dangers?
A water leak in your walls can be a sign of a bigger structural issue. When you notice the signs, you’ll want to have a water damage repair professional come to check it out right away.
When too much water leaks into your walls it can cause your insulation, wood, and drywall to warp, stain, and deteriorate. Moisture will also cause mold.
Undetected mold can lead to serious health problems. Constant water exposure will also compromise the stability of your home.
Signs to Watch For
If you suspect a water leak behind your walls, there are a few major signs to look out for. From foul odors to stains, and warping, here are some major red flags that you have a water leak in your walls.
1. Bad Odor
If you have excess water in your walls, the moisture will start to cause a musty odor. Walls are vulnerable to the growth of mold. Growths of mold have a distinct foul smell.
If you can smell something strong in a specific area of your wall, this could be a sign that you have mold growing.
2. Mold
You will usually see mold and extra moisture in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. One big sign that there is a problem is if you see mold growing near your baseboards, ceilings or walls in other areas of your home.
If you see mold and it isn’t near a plumbing fixture, you’ll want to investigate for a water leak.
3. Stains
Stains on your walls is a common indicator that there is a water leak. If you have a leak, water will start to absorb into your drywall. You’ll soon start to see a stain. If this stain continues to get larger, you probably have a leak in your plumbing.
4. Peeling Paint
If there is extra moisture behind your walls, you’ll start to notice that your paint or wallpaper is peeling. Sheetrock can only hold so much moisture before it starts to buckle.
If you suspect a leak, look near the seams for separation. You will also see paint flake off near the leak.
5. Buckled Ceiling or Floor
Excess moisture in a wall can also cause your ceiling or floor to buckle. If you see stains, warping, bending, or buckling, this could be a sign that there is a water leak in a wall nearby.
Repairs and Testing
If you suspect a water leak, speak to a professional about water damage in wall testing. Finding the source of the leak can help stop further damage and make sure your home is safe.
Mold, warping, and buckling caused by a water leak can not only make your home unsafe but it can also cause structural problems. Getting a pro in to check the problem area will always be worth the investment.
For more repair tips, visit the home advice section for more great resources.