No one wants to discover that they have a water leak somewhere in their home. However, it’s even more challenging when that leak is behind a wall. If your boiler is leaking or there’s a loose pipe under the sink, it’s usually relatively simple to fix.
Inside the wall, however, not only is the potential for water damage greatly increased, but it’s also harder to find. You’re not likely to realise there’s a problem until the leak has had weeks or even months to develop.
Signs of a Leak Inside the Wall
You may notice some odd signs around the house and if you’re not sure what they mean, you should call in a professional to help diagnose the issue. However, the following signs may indicate there is water dripping in the wall.
Musty or mouldy odours: Do you smell an odd scent when you are in a certain room? If you smell mildew or mould, it could be that you have a leak in the wall. Some types of building materials can retain the water so you only smell it and never see it.
Discolouration: Are there odd spots on the walls or ceiling? This may be caused by water that soaks through and then dries. It can create darker or lighter stains on the wall and ceiling. If there’s no other reason for this, assume water.
Bubbling paint: Is the paint starting to blister in certain areas of a wall? If you have wallpaper, you may also notice this happening. After a blister has formed, the paint or paper may begin to peel off the wall, due to the moisture behind it.
Warped walls: If you have plasterboard on your walls, you may notice that certain areas are beginning to warp and curve. This can indicate a slow water leak that is wicking up the plasterboard and causing it to weaken.
Water on the floors: Are your floors getting damp? If you notice wet carpet or a puddle on tile, there may be a leak, particularly if it continues to occur.
If you notice any of these signs, contact Leak Tracers Direct to find out exactly where the leak is so it can be repaired.