Water damage should not be taken lightly, especially regarding the walls in your home or business. According to the EPA, the average household's leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year, with 10% of homes having leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
All that water has to go somewhere—and unfortunately, it often seeps into your walls, causing hidden damage that can compromise your property's structure and your family's safety.
Unchecked water damage can cause serious safety issues and costly repairs. Catching it early is key! This guide from ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint, your water damage restoration experts, covers the top seven early warning signs of wall water damage and what to do if you spot them.
How Do Walls Become Water Damaged?
Before exploring the warning signs, it’s important to understand how water damage can affect walls. This often occurs due to various factors, such as:
The problem with water damage behind walls is, unlike a flood or exposed busted pipe, it's not always visible and can go undetected for long periods. This makes it even more crucial to know the early warning signs so you can take action as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Hidden Water Damage
When water finds its way into your walls, it can lead to a host of problems that can affect your health, safety, and property. Some dangers associated with hidden water damage include:
Mold growth
Structural damage
Electrical hazards
Increased risk of fires
Plus, water damage can escalate quickly and cause even more costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Fortunately, some signs can alert you to hidden water damage before it becomes a significant issue.
7 Signs of Water Damage Behind Walls
You don’t need to be an expert to recognize the early signs of water damage on your walls. Here are common warning signs to watch for:
Musty, Damp Odors: Often the earliest warning sign of hidden water damage, a persistent musty smell resembling wet cardboard or old books can indicate moisture trapped behind walls. If a room smells damp even when there's no visible water, investigate further.
Water Stains or Discoloration: Look for yellowish-brown stains that may start small but grow over time. These stains often have irregular edges and may darken after rainy weather. Even slight color changes in your walls deserve attention.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: When water seeps through walls, it breaks down the adhesive bonds in paint and wallpaper. Watch for bubbling, rippling, or peeling patches, especially at wall seams or near windows and doors.
Changes in Wall Surface: Run your hand along the wall—healthy drywall feels solid and smooth. Look for areas that feel soft, warped, bulging, or with different temperatures. These changes indicate moisture problems behind the wall.
Water Accumulation at Wall Bases: Check where your walls meet the floor. Dark lines, consistent dampness, or water beading in these areas indicate water traveling down inside the wall cavity.
Condensation or Moisture: If certain wall areas feel damp or show consistent condensation, especially when it's not humid, you may have a leak creating excess moisture within the wall.
Dripping or Running Water Sounds: Listen for unusual sounds in your walls when your home is quiet, particularly at night. Dripping, trickling, or rushing sounds could indicate active leaks, even if you can't see them.
How to Fix Walls with Water Damage
If you spot any warning signs of water damage, immediate action is crucial to prevent further damage and potential hazards. While you may want to handle small areas of water damage yourself, most situations require professional attention due to the complexity of properly drying and restoring affected areas.
Follow these essential steps to address the issue promptly:
If you suspect a plumbing problem, immediately shut off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
Contact a professional water damage restoration service, such as ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint, for a thorough assessment.
Remove furniture and personal belongings from the affected area to prevent further harm.
Increase airflow by opening windows and doors to promote ventilation.
Use a dehumidifier to eliminate excess moisture and speed up the drying process.
The water damage restoration process typically involves removing damaged drywall, thoroughly drying the affected area, and replacing materials with new ones. This requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure the area is completely dry before reconstruction begins—otherwise, you risk trapping moisture that can lead to mold growth and structural issues.
Remember: what might appear as a small water spot could indicate a much larger problem behind your walls. Professional water damage restoration companies like ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint have the tools and experience to detect the full extent of the damage and handle the restoration process safely and effectively.
Trust ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint for Hidden Water Damage Repairs
If you've noticed any of these early warning signs of wall water damage, don't hesitate to contact ServiceMaster by Fuson – Flint for immediate assistance. Our team is available 24/7 for water damage restoration services in Flint and the surrounding areas!
Addressing hidden water damage is urgent and important, and we have the experience and equipment to handle it quickly and efficiently. Whether you've experienced a leak, flood, or other water damage issue, our team is here to help restore your property and peace of mind.
Contact us today for expert water damage restoration services!