Power Tip: Any patches of mold larger than a few square feet should always be taken care of by a restoration company that provides certified mold removal and remediation. If you spot the stuff on walls or baseboards in other rooms of the house, it’s a good indicator of undetected water leaks. Mold usually grows in wet areas like kitchens, baths and laundry rooms. Power Tip: Structural materials can retain water like a sponge, so peculiar smells may be your only sign of leaks behind the walls. It generates a musty smell that can help you find hidden leaks. Persistent Musty OdorsĪs water slowly drips from a leaky pipe inside the wall, flooring and sheetrock stay damp and develop an odor similar to wet cardboard.

If you know how to detect water leakage in walls, you can minimize potentially serious damage.īe on the lookout for these 12 signs of water leaks behind your drywall. When a slow leak starts inside your home’s walls, it doesn’t attract attention, but it does leave solid clues.

You quickly identify the source, pinpoint the problem and take care of repairs. When a frozen pipe bursts or a drain backs up, you know something’s wrong right away. To fix water damage in your walls, repair the source of the leak, clean up standing water, and contact a restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba for more expensive or complex jobs.ġ2 Warning Signs of Water Leakage Behind the Wall.If you suspect water damage behind your walls but can’t see it, an infrared camera or moisture meter can help confirm your suspicions.To identify water leakage in your walls, look for signs like musty odors, mold growth, new or worsening stains, peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper, buckling ceilings and floors, wet or discolored areas, the sound of dripping water or warped sheetrock.Undetected water leaks in your walls can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your home and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew formation.

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