Signs of water leakage on walls Wet or faded drywall. Peel paint or wallpaper off the wall. A buckle, crack, or water stain on the drywall of the ceiling or floor. While many water leaks are due to faulty plumbing, leaks can also come from rainwater that drains inside walls or from a cracked, leaky base.
Prolonged leaks can cause structural damage to walls and can also cause serious mold problems on walls. You can detect wall leaks by looking for key signs of water damage, such as peeling paint or wallpaper or discoloration spots. A musty smell inside can also indicate a water leak. Identify the exact location of a water leak by using a water meter or by cutting through walls.
Discolored areas: Water pipes that leak inside walls can cause discoloration spots to appear. Wet stains are unmistakable signs of water damage to walls, but they do not always indicate the location of the problem. To determine if the leak comes from a faulty pipe, turn off all faucets and appliances that use water in your home and note the number on the water meter. Moisture meters and infrared cameras are just two examples of the advanced equipment used by catering professionals, such as Zaba's ServiceMaster Restoration, to detect hidden leaks in walls.
An accredited water damage company will provide you with a detailed quote that outlines the process of repairing leaks. In addition, check the walls for discolored spots or bubbles, which could mean that there has been water damage. Water leaks must be addressed immediately, as they can cause structural damage and affect your safety and that of your family. When choosing where to cut, keep in mind that the area of visible water damage might not be where the leak is found.
As water escapes from pipes and seeps through walls, it can damage wallpapers or moldings. Knowing what to do if the wall is leaking water saves cleaning time and reduces the chance of serious water damage. Let a water damage specialist, such as ServiceMaster by Zaba of Chicago, Illinois, handle the permanent repairs and restoration of the drywall. When deciding where to cut, keep in mind that the area of visible water damage may not be where the leak is located.
To detect a water leak in the wall, see if there are any standing pools of water near the walls or near major appliances that use water, such as the washing machine.