7 Signs You Have Water Damage In Your Walls

Water damage in your walls is easy to detect if you know the signs. The sooner you spot it, the better, as you don’t want it to get worse. Here are some telltale signs that you have water damage in your walls.

Water damage in your walls is a headache that no one wants in their home.  Not only can it compromise the structural integrity of your home & cause costly damages, but it can also impact your health. It is easy to detect water damaged walls if you know the signs, and the sooner you spot it, the better, as you don’t want it to get worse. Here are some telltale signs that you have water damage in your walls.

1. Bubbling, Peeling or Cracking Paint

Paint or wallpaper that is peeling, cracking, bubbling or flaking is an indication that there is water damage present underneath. This is a simple sign of water damage you can look out for. However, figuring out how much damage is occurring behind the walls where you can’t see it is more challenging, so it’s best to call your local plumber.

2. Discolouration or Staining

Drywall that has become discoloured, such as streaks running from the ceiling down the wall, indicates water damage. If you notice this, examine it closely using good lighting for any little colour changes on the wall. Although shadows can occasionally hide discolouration, they can also be mistaken for water damage.

3. A Strangely High Water Bill

A great way to discover a water leak is reviewing your monthly water bills and checking for any abnormal changes. If you haven’t modified your water-using habits but consumption levels have gone up, there may be a leak somewhere unseen that is causing water damage in your walls. Test it out by writing down the water meter’s reading, turning off all water sources, leaving the house for three hours, and then verifying the reading once more. This will quickly reveal the truth.

4. Warping of Walls

Wall replacement may be necessary if the drywall has been warped by water damage, although repairing cracks and bulges and drying out the wall might take care of minor damage. Early action can stop additional harm and prevent systemic issues. To identify water damage, look for drywall discolouration or softening, as well as sponginess.

5. Mould Growth

If there is visible mould or mildew on the drywall, then you know for sure that water has been leaking into the house and condensing on the wall surface. This produces an environment where bacteria can flourish. If mould is not promptly addressed, it can seriously damage the structural integrity of walls and could be harmful to your health. 

If the mould is in a small area, you can attempt to remove it by yourself. However, it is advised that you hire a specialist to deal with bigger regions ‒ especially if it’s black mould. A telltale indicator of mould is its musty stench, which should not be ignored.

6. Wet or Damaged Flooring

Moist carpeting or flooring is an indication that there might be water seeping through your walls. Look for evidence of water damage in adjacent rooms and the area above to confirm this. Inconspicuous areas, like nooks or rarely used rooms, may show signs of degradation. Subflooring that has water leaking into it may have a flooded foundation or leaky pipes. Various flooring kinds may exhibit damage symptoms, including warping or buckling. Investigate the water damage as soon as you notice it to prevent further harm.

7. A Softened Drywall

Detecting interior water damage in drywall can be difficult early on since the exterior will initially appear normal. A reliable method for checking for softness, buckling or depression in the drywall (all signs of water ingress) is to simply press against it. Rub your palm over the walls to look for any damp or soft spots, as well as any swelling. If it feels spongey or soft at all, then you know your drywall has water damage.

If you have noticed any of these signs and are worried about water damage in your walls, then get in touch with the experienced, reliable, and trustworthy plumbers at Wild Water Plumbing today! We can detect the cause of your water leak and address concerns of rising dampness and mould in your home to save you money and avoid health risks.