Water damage can occur in your home for a variety of reasons. Floods, broken pipes, and sewage backups are just a few of the more obvious causes of water damage, and homeowners will notice these problems right away. But some water damage causes, such as leaks behind walls, are considerably trickier to spot. Unseen leaks often cause extensive damage before they are discovered by the homeowner.
What Are the Dangers of Hidden Water Leaks?
Problems like structural damage and mold growth can develop from undetected water leaks, making them a major threat. Warping, staining, bubbling, and degradation are all results of excess water and moisture being absorbed by the wood, drywall, insulation, and wallpaper. Mold can also grow and spread behind walls and ceilings through hidden water leaks, making it difficult to find.
If hidden mold is not discovered and removed, it can result in substantial damage as well as health problems for individuals who are exposed, such as allergies and infections.
That said, even while water leaks behind walls occur out of sight, there are usually a few telltale signals that can help you find them. Here are some telltale indications of water damage occurring behind your walls.
Strange Odors
When porous construction materials like wood, drywall, and sheetrock absorb excess water or moisture, a musty odor can result. Mold can grow in the cavities of water-damaged walls, and it gives off a strong, musty odor. Its presence in a specific part of your wall may indicate the presence of a water leak or mold formation behind it.
Mold on the Walls and Floors
It’s not uncommon for mold to flourish in damp environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. The presence of mold on your walls, ceilings, or baseboards indicates the presence of hidden moisture behind the walls, even if the affected region is far from any plumbing.
Visible Stains
There will be an obvious stain in the drywall or sheetrock if there is a leak inside the walls. Expanding stains on the wall are frequently a sign of a plumbing leak that is not visible to the naked eye.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Too much moisture behind the walls might eventually cause paint and wallpaper to peel or bubble. When the sheetrock beneath the wall has soaked up too much water, this is what usually occurs. A water leak may not be immediately obvious, so keep an eye out for telltale signs like peeling wallpaper or paint.
Walls That Warp
A wall will warp if the sheetrock behind it soaks up an excessive amount of water, causing it to bend and curve. Warping to an extreme can cause structural damage that can be very costly to fix. You know you have a water leak if you notice your walls changing drastically in any way.\
Stained or Buckled Ceilings and Floors
Sheetrock that has soaked up an excessive amount of moisture might have an effect on the adjoining ceiling and floor. If you see an issue, such as water stains or buckled floorboards, investigate the adjacent walls for similar damage.
Steps to Take Upon Discovering a Water Leak
If you suspect a water leak behind a wall, you should call a professional immediately. In order to repair a water leak in your home on your own, you’ll need to cut out the soaked sheetrock or drywall and either dry it out or replace it. Finding and fixing the water’s original source is a challenge in and of itself. If you need your walls removed or repairs made, all you have to do is call a water damage restoration expert, and you can rest assured that the job will be done right.
Conclusion
There are several obvious signs of a water leak behind the walls. If you suspect a leak, it’s important to have it checked out as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your home.
If you are looking for a company that does water damage restoration in Frisco, TX, look no further than our services here at Restoration Solutions. We have over 20 years of experience in the restoration business, serving builders, homeowners, and single-family property managers. Call us today, and let us tend to your behind-the-wall leaks in no time!
