Residential and commercial property owners should know that water damage may not always be visible. Water damage may be hidden for a long time and present itself externally when the damage is severe. Homeowners must know how to check for signs of water damage.
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Walls have pipes within them, so exposed pipes do not look unaesthetic. If a small leak develops, it can go unnoticed for a while. The water seeping within a wall can lead to mold growth and water damage to the wall. The longer the water leak goes undetected, the more risk for severe water damage. Leaking within walls can happen because of freezing pipes bursting in winter, holes in rusty metal pipes, and roof leaks. The leaks must be detected as early as possible to limit the extent of water damage. Be Happy Restoration Services offers water damage mitigation services in Mesquite, TX. In this article, this water damage restoration company explains how water leaks in walls can be found.
Signs of Water Leaks in Walls
Damp Patches
There may be a leak when there are damp spots or patches on walls, even when there is no construction work. Water may flow down a leaking pipe and then be absorbed by the drywall. In concrete or stone walls, the water is not absorbed. Instead, the water seeps through the wall, and a beaded or sweating appearance is seen on the wall.
Mold growth
When mold is noted on walls, not in areas exposed to water, there may be a leaking pipe within the wall.
Musty Smell
Sometimes leak within may not be seen, but due to moisture and mold growth, there can be a musty odor from within the walls.
Peeling of Wall paint or Wallpaper
Bubbled or peeling paint or wallpaper may indicate a leak inside the wall. When water is in contact with water-based paints, the paint may degenerate.
A rise in Water Bills
An unexpected hike in the household water bill with no apparent reason or no change in consumption pattern may be because there is a hidden water leak in a wall.
Pools
When water pools near walls that are not near an appliance that may leak and there is no other identifiable reason, a water leak within the wall may be suspected.
Dripping Sound
Faint dripping noises are present even when no shower or faucet is dripping, and no toilet is flushed may be due to a leak in a wall.
Discoloration on Walls
Irregular discolored patches on the wall may be because of leaking within the wall. Leaks can lead to lighter patches on walls, wood, or wallpaper.
How to Identify the Location of Leaks Inside Walls
Use of Moisture Meters
The moisture present in an area can be measured using a moisture meter. The highest reading shows when the meter is closest to the leak on a wall.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras can be used to identify hot and cold areas of walls. The coldest spot identified by the camera is closest to the leak within a wall. This device is very helpful for water damage restoration professionals.
Cut into Drywall
When other methods are ineffective, an invasive method can be used to locate the leak in a wall. The drywall can be cut into, and the area examined. This is used as a last resort to find the location of a leak inside a wall.
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Water leaking inside walls can cause a weakening of the structure of the building over time. This water damage can also increase the risk of damage to the electrical system because wires run inside walls. Any leaks must be repaired as soon as possible. Water damage restoration must not be delayed in case the water leak in a wall has caused any water damage. Be Happy Restoration Services in Mesquite, TX, offers different services, including mold remediation and water damage restoration. Homeowners needing water damage mitigation can call Be Happy Restoration Services at (214) 616-9951 or visit their website.
