Signs That you Have A Water Leaker Inside A Wall

A water leak inside a wall has been a central problem that every homeowner is so worried about. There are many potential causes of water damage in your home. Some sources of water damage, like floods, burst pipes, and sewage backups, are obvious and homeowners notice them directly. However, there are some sources of water damage that are far more difficult to detect like water leaks behind walls. Homeowners typically don’t notice hidden leaks until they already caused a substantial amount of damage

Paint or Wallpaper Peeling

Too much moisture behind the walls can eventually cause paint and wallpaper to start out peeling or bubbling. This normally happens when the sheetrock behind the wall has absorbed too much water. Check for separation within the wallpaper along the seams or flaking paint to assist locate a hidden water leak.

These signs are applicable to pipe leaks behind the wall. However, if you have other leaking pipes like the sewer pipe, it is best to call a plumber right away. It is best to understand where your drains go and how your wastewater is being processed. To understand what happens to your wastewater, you may check out the wastewater treatment plant construction Baton Rouge LA which I find to be very helpful when it comes to plumbing and wastewater treatment.

Mold on Walls and Baseboards

Mold growth normally appears in areas with excess moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If mold appears on your walls, ceilings, or baseboards, especially in an area that is not near any plumbing fixtures, it is very likely that there is a source of moisture behind the walls.

Visible Stains

Water from a leak within the walls will get absorbed within the drywall and sheetrock which can cause a clear stain. If the stains on your wall continue to get bigger, this is usually a good indication that there is a hidden plumbing leak.

Warping Walls

When the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs an excessive amount of water, it’ll bend and curve which causes the wall to warp. Excessive warping can lead to structural damage which is very expensive to repair. If there’s warping on your walls, this is often a transparent indication of a water leak.

Musty Odors

Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth which also has a pungent musty odor. If there is a strong musty smell near a certain area of your wall, there could be a water leak or mold growth behind it.