How To Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall
Sometimes water damage can occur without you even knowing it. And because water damage isn’t always obvious, it can cause considerable damage before it is detected. A slow leak may lurk inside the walls of your home before any damage is visible. So how do you fix a problem you can’t see?
Learn how to determine if water is leaking behind the walls and what you can do to fix it and mitigate the damage.
Step 1. Inspect Visually
The first step in this process is a thorough visual inspection. This initial assessment involves closely examining various aspects of the walls and ceilings for signs of water damage or leakage.
Check for the following to spot a water leak:
Discoloration: Look for any unusual, difficult-to-remove stains or marks on the walls or ceilings, as these can indicate a slow, persistent leak.
Peeling paint or wallpaper: Water leakage often causes paint or wallpaper to peel, bubble, or warp.
Mold and mildew: Visible mold or mildew growth, often appearing as black, green, or white patches, suggests prolonged exposure to moisture.
Warped or buckled walls and ceilings: Warping or buckling of the surface can be a result of water damage.