3 Signs There’s A Water Leak inside a Wall

According to statistics, the second most filed insurance claim by homeowners in America is for water damage. Property deterioration caused by water damage affects about one in fifty homes in America. The average insurance payout for water damage repairs is around $15,000 while the average cost of repair for water damage can be anywhere from $5,000 to $70,000. This includes any reconstruction efforts such as replacing drywall, putting in a new floor, etc.

While homeowner’s insurance can help cover the costs, it’s imperative that the leaks be detected before they inflict extensive damage.

Causes of Water Leaks:

The plumbing system is normally hidden inside the walls for aesthetics and design purposes. This makes it difficult to detect any damage or small leaks that cause water to seep out and start accumulating within the walls. Water leaks can be caused due to a number of reasons:

• Extreme temperatures causing the pipes to freeze and burst.
• Excessive water pressures due to mineral deposits or other external forces that lead to tiny punctures in the pipes.
• Crumbling of weak pipes due to the weight of concrete and other structural issues.
• Corrosion and deterioration of old copper pipes used in plumbing systems in the past.

The important thing is to make sure that any leak is detected as soon as possible to contain the water damage to the structure of the house.

Signs of Water Leaks:

There’re some telltale signs that can indicate a water leak inside the walls;

Wet Spots – One of the key indicators of leaking water is the appearance of wet patches on the walls or the floor. Concrete and stone have a low ability to soak in large amounts of water. Before long the water starts seeping through giving the impression that the wall is sweating.

Mold – Moisture and lack of proper ventilation create the ideal conditions for mold to grow. The growth of mold on certain parts of the wall, especially in the corners is an obvious sign of the presence of a water source that’s helping it thrive.

Peeling and Bubbling Paint – If the paint starts to bubble and flake on certain parts of the wall, it could be an indicator of moisture which is causing it to come off the walls. Peeling wallpaper or rotting floorboards is also an indicator of water leaks inside the walls.

Get Your Home Inspected!

Professional plumbers can easily detect water leaks through various tools such as moisture meters, infrared cameras, and comparing the water usage against the water bills. Pro Serve Plumbers is a trusted plumbing company in Fort Worth TX offering regular inspection and emergency plumbing services to catch a water leak before it can cause too much structural damage.

Call us today at 817-244-0614 to book an appointment and keep your home protected against water damage!