Without knowledge and training, it’s difficult to detect hidden wall leaks in your Lehigh Acres, FL, home. However, several signs can help you assess whether a leak is occurring within your walls. These signs include warping walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, water staining, the musty odors of biological growth, and buckling of your ceiling or floors.
Warping Walls
Warping walls indicate that the sheetrock is absorbing lots of water. This moisture absorption makes the wall curve inward and warp. Extensive warping causes major structural damage.
Peeling Paint or Wallpaper
Moisture buildup behind the walls causes paint and/or wallpaper to peel. Excessive moisture can also cause paint to crack and chip. Look for separation in the wallpaper’s seams to help you find the water leak’s source.
Water Staining
When interior sheetrock and drywall absorb water, it leaves water stains on exterior walls. Stains are likely unnoticeable until they grow larger. Large stains indicate a major issue that requires professional plumbing leak detection test and repair.
Musty Odors
Musty odors always indicate moisture buildup due to biological contaminants. Prolonged moisture buildup and high humidity lead to spores and infestation.
Biological growth usually appears first at the bottom of walls, on baseboards, or the seam between the wall and the ceiling. Unless the spores are near or around plumbing fixtures or in naturally humid areas, like the basement, a leak within the walls is the likely source.
Buckling Ceiling or Floors
Water absorption from an interior wall leak can spread from the walls to the ceiling and/or floors. Excess water can cause structural damage to the affected areas.
Buckling in your ceiling and floors indicates extensive water absorption and damage. To protect your walls, ceiling, and floors from hidden leaks, call Lee County Plumbing & Well Service for inspection and repairs.
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