Solved! What Are the Signs of Water Damage in Walls, and What Should I Do About Them?

Q: I think I hear water running in my home, and I’m afraid there’s a leak somewhere. How do you know if you have water damage, and what are some signs of water damage in walls? Should I call someone to check it out? 

A: If you suspect a leak, the first sign of water damage will likely be a stain on your walls or ceilings. Signs of water damage in your walls can be light-brown or beige spots. You could also find a spot of peeling or flaking paint that’s caused by excess moisture.

These are clear signs of an active leak, and your first move should be to turn off the water to your home. You can do this yourself or contact your city’s utility department. Your next step is to call a plumber, who can determine where the leak is coming from and how to repair it. It’s also a good idea to look around the rest of the home for some of the other signs of water damage to identify which areas have been affected.

Stains on the walls or ceilings are some of the first signs of water damage that homeowners notice. 

The most obvious sign of water damage in the wall is discoloration or stains on your walls or ceilings. These stains can start small and grow if the leak isn’t discovered and addressed quickly. If your walls or ceilings are white, you may notice a beige or brown spot, which is a clear indicator of water damage. If you have darker-colored walls or ceilings, you can check for water damage by looking for a patch that may be deformed or sunken. Water damage can occur in several places, so the more thorough your search is, the better.

Moisture can cause paint to flake or peel. 

Since drywall isn’t waterproof, moisture that seeps in can affect the way paint looks and feels. Check for flaking and peeling, which are both signs of wall water damage. No matter what color, sheen, or type of paint is used, excess moisture will force the paint to lift off its surface. Although the peeling or flaking may start out small, it will continue to spread if the leak isn’t contained as the extent of the damage increases. Finding the leak may be as simple as inspecting your appliances or fixtures, or you may require the help of a plumber.

Soft or warping drywall can signal water damage. 

Your drywall will show signs of water damage in the wall by warping, swelling, or sagging as it succumbs to the weight of the water it absorbs. Your walls or ceilings may puff out and look swollen, or they may sink or cave in. Regardless of whether the spot is small or large, it could eventually lead to structural damage, which could cause harm to you or other residents of the home. In this case, it’s advised to call either a licensed plumber or a water damage restoration company you trust to assess the damage and address the issue before it gets out of control.

Sounds of running water or an increase in your water bill can mean there’s a leak somewhere in the house. 

You could be dealing with a water leak if you see a significant, sudden jump in your water bill or a gradual increase over several months. In this case, you’ll probably need to contact a plumber who can come out and test your pipes. Because water damage in the wall can go unnoticed before any damage occurs, it’s best to have an expert check your home if your water bill has risen unexpectedly.

If you can actually hear water running when no one is taking a shower or the dishwasher and washing machine aren’t in use, you can try to determine where the sound is coming from and look for water damage on the wall for confirmation.

Water damage can cause musty smells or visible mold. 

Musty smells are often hard to miss and indicate a buildup of moisture where it’s not supposed to be. It’s helpful to identify where the odor is coming from so you can look for signs of mold or water damage inside walls. Visible mold looks like light green to black spots. It will also have a distinct odor. If you can see and smell mold on your walls or ceilings, it’s best to call a professional water mitigation company instead of trying to address it yourself. These professionals will be able to figure out where the leak is coming from and use treatments to target the mold so that it doesn’t return days later.

Finding the source of the water and stopping any leaking is imperative to prevent any further damage. 

The minute you see signs of water damage to your walls, it’s time to spring into action. There’s no time to waste since water damage can lead to the growth of mold and mildew and compromise a home’s structure. If you don’t have experience dealing with water leaks or if the leak is actively dripping through your walls or ceilings, the best thing to do is shut off your water until a plumber can come to your home and find the source of the leak. Once the leak has been stopped, a professional plumber can provide an estimate to fix the leak and repair the damage, or they can refer you to a water mitigation company that can address the affected drywall and excess moisture. The longer you go without discovering and repairing the leak, the more damage it will do and the more money it will cost to restore your home.

Homeowners will need to replace any damaged drywall and insulation. 

Once the leak has been fixed, it’s time to address the damaged drywall and insulation. This is a necessary next step to ensure no mold or mildew grows on the affected area and that your home looks as good as it did before the leak. If you’re a seasoned DIYer and drywall damage is relatively small, this is a job you can probably tackle yourself. It’s best to remove any wet insulation and let the area dry out for 48 hours before putting in new insulation and drywall.

Suppose you have extensive damage to the ceiling or walls. In that case, it may be time to call in water mitigation professionals who have the materials and equipment to treat the area and replace the drywall and insulation. Plus, they can test areas to detect moisture and spray affected areas with products that prevent mold and mildew growth.