There can be a myriad of causes as to why there is water damage inside your home. Some examples of these sources include floods, burst pipes, sewage backups, and more. However, while some of these signs are quite obvious, some of them are a lot harder to detect.
This is even more so when it comes to detecting leaks located behind a wall. As such, if you have any suspicions that you have leaking pipes behind a wall, we’re here to help answer all the questions that you may have.
If you want to learn more about how to tell if pipes are leaking behind a wall, feel free to continue reading our article below.
The Signs Of A Water Leak Behind Walls
As previously mentioned, some signs can be more obvious while others are much harder to notice. From musty odours to mould growth, there are a couple of ways that you can tell you have a leaking pipe behind your wall. Here are just a few of these signs to look out for:
1). Musty Odours
Foul smells are caused if there is excess water or moisture that gets absorbed into building materials such as drywall, sheetrock, or wood. Additionally, excess water or water damage in wall cavities can lead to mould growth, which also has a musty odour. If you find that there is a strong smell around a certain area of a wall, this can be a sign either of a water leak or mould growth.
2). Mould On Walls And/Or Baseboards
As previously described, mould growth is caused by excess moisture whether it be in kitchens, bathrooms, or even basements. If you find mould on your baseboards, ceilings, and walls, there is a possibility of a moisture source behind the walls especially in an area not near any plumbing fixtures.
3). Visible Stains
When water leaks within the walls and is absorbed into the building material, it will leave a noticeable stain. If the stain persists and continues to grow, there’s a good chance that there is a pipe leak.
4). Peeling Wallpaper Or Paint
Peeling or bubbling paint on your wall is another telltale indication of a leak behind your walls. This often occurs if the sheetrock behind the wall has absorbed large amounts of water. Make sure to check for separation in the wallpaper on the seams or try to flake the paint to find the water leak.
5). Warping Walls
Sheetrock will bend and curve if it absorbs too much water. This is also known as a warp. Excessive warping is dangerous as it can lead to structural damage and costly repairs. This is another clear indicator of a water leak behind your wall.
6). Stained Or Buckled Floors And Ceilings
Once the sheetrock absorbs too much water or moisture, it will affect the surrounding ceilings and floors. If you find signs of stains or buckling in your floors and ceilings, try checking nearby walls for signs of water damage.
Aside from identifying these six signs, there are also other ways to determine if you have a water leak. One such way is by examining your water meter. Turn off faucets and appliances that you use water. Check your water meter and record the usage number.
From here, leaver the water off for around 3 hours both inside and outside your home. Examine the water meter again and view the usage numbers. If the water usage number has risen, then there is a hidden water leak.
What To Do When You Find A Water Leak
Water leaks are urgent matters that need immediate attention. Most of the work when it comes to fixing water leaks should be left up to the professionals; however, there are a few things you can do in the meantime.
For example, the first and most important step is to identify the source, or at least the signs, of the water leak. From here, if you are capable, it is recommended to remove the wet drywall or sheetrock by drying them out or replacing them.
Once you have been able to identify the source and attempt to dry out excess moisture, call up a professional water damage restoration service to help fix the water leak problem. With their knowledge and expertise, they will be able to help effectively fix the issue at hand.
If you suspect that you might have a water leak behind your wall, please call us at Water Leak Detection for a free consultation today on 1300 425 325 or leave an inquiry on our website.
