When many of us think of a water leak, we envision a massive pool of water collecting on the floor from a broken appliance or pipe. Those types of leaks certainly happen, but you need to be vigilant about leaks that hide behind walls. Wall water leaks cause just as much—if not more—damage than visible leaks because they can go untreated for so long.
Thankfully, you can mitigate that damage while saving yourself a ton of money by knowing the signs of hidden water leak.
Continue reading to learn more:
- Standing water on the floor: The water leaking out from behind your wall will eventually drip down, so check for puddles on your floor or suspiciously-wet carpeting. Keep in mind that standing puddles near washing machines or toilets could indicate a problem with that appliance rather than a leak behind a wall.
- Discoloration: The surface of the wall will start to become discolored once the leak has gone on for long enough. You’ll likely notice an irregularly-shaped dark spot near the location of the leak. Keep in mind that this dark spot will only grow larger over time, so it’s best to nip it in the bud and call a plumber as soon as possible.
- Texture changes: Significant water leaks eventually lead to texture changes on the surface of the wall. You may notice a bubble-like texture on the paint or wallpaper or drooping sections in the drywall. If the problem isn’t remedied soon, the weight of the water can eventually cause the drywall to sag and collapse.
- Mold or mildew: With leaks often come mold and mildew. Mold growth starts out small, but it can spread quickly if the leak is left untreated. Remember that some mold types are harmful to our health, so it’s best to get that taken care of right away.
- Musty smells: You may smell a leak before you can actually see the evidence of it because mold and mildew carry a musty odor. If a room is starting to smell a bit off and there’s no other explanation for the odor, our tip is to call a plumber to check for water leaks.
- Dripping sounds: Homeowners can often hear a leak before they see or smell one. Listen closely for faint dripping sounds after you flush a toilet, turn on a sink or get out of the shower. New plastic PVC piping will amplify the noise, making it easier to detect.
- Higher water bills: You might find out there’s an issue when you open up your monthly water bills. If your statement is abnormally high and you haven’t been using more water, there could be a leak somewhere in your house. You can try calling your water company to dispute the bill, but you’re better off just hiring a plumber for repairs.
Call our team if there’s trouble
Whether you’ve pinpointed wall water leaks or suspect them, call our pros at Big City Plumbing, LLC. We’ll send an emergency plumber out as soon as possible to remedy the situation.