Water damage may occur without your knowledge at times. Because water damage isn’t usually visible, it can cause significant harm before it is discovered. It may take time for a leak to develop within your house walls. How do you solve a problem that you can’t see?
Find out if water is leaking behind the walls and what you can do to remedy or reduce the damage.
Dangerous Water Leaks Behind Walls
A leak may appear to be a minor issue, but it can cause significant damage to your property if left unchecked. This type of damage is progressive. Therefore the sooner it is handled, the less expensive the repair.
The expense of repairing water damage can vary depending on its severity and where it was caused. A leak of any magnitude hidden behind a wall should be treated by a skilled water damage remediation technician as soon as it is identified.
Water Damage in the Walls
A minor leak may take some time to become noticeable. Depending on the source, water may travel a long distance before reaching a damaged surface.
Stains are indeed the most noticeable indicator of water damage from a leak, but there are additional symptoms of which you should be aware.
Keep an eye out for any symptoms of the damage, such as:
– Sneezing and coughing: While not always obvious, extra moisture behind a wall can create an ideal environment for mould growth. It thrives in damp, dark, and stagnant environments, such as the space between your home’s external and interior walls.
Spores from mould are among the most common allergies. Increased coughing, sneezing, and allergy symptoms could suggest that mould is growing in your home.
– Musty odours for no apparent reason: water damage is frequently accompanied by a fresh, lingering musty odour. A mouldy stench, like an increase in allergy symptoms, is a sign of underlying water damage.
– Drips or unusual noises: While some plumbing noises are normal, a small but constant drip or a new whooshing noise coming from behind your walls could signal a leak.
– An unexpected spike in water or energy bills: An increase in your home’s water bill (for homes that use municipal water systems) or energy bill (for homes that use well water) could signal a hidden leak.
Water damage is noticeable since it seeps through the surface of a material, such as drywall, and ruins the finish. Water damage frequently appears as a stain on walls or ceilings and can cause paint or wallpaper to peel.
How to Find the Origin of a Water Leak Behind a Wall
Taking precautions is always a good idea. The moment you suspect a leak, you should contact a professional plumber. A plumber can discover a leak and make the necessary repairs. Before opening the drywall to access your plumbing, a plumber will use a moisture detector or an infrared camera to find the leak.
However, essential repairs may only be completed with a visit from a plumber. Even a minor, unnoticed leak can cause significant damage over time, necessitating skilled water restoration. We work with property owners all around Australia to guarantee that water damage is remedied properly, including thorough mould removal, cleanup, and drywall restoration.
Methods for Preventing Water Damage Behind Walls
We recommend the following if you suspect water damage:
– Find the water main shutoff valve serving this area of your home and flip the valve to the off position. Shutoffs will be associated with specific rooms or services in newer homes; older homes may have a single shutoff to the main water line.
– First, contact a plumber, followed by your local Reztor Restoration.
– Inform your insurance company of the potential damage (your homeowner’s insurance policy may pay a portion of the cost of your service).
– Please take into account any additional potential leak sources. Are your gutters in proper condition? Was your roof damaged by an ice dam or a tree falling on it? Is your crawl space or basement damp? Is there water-based equipment nearby, such as a dishwasher or washing machine? Give your techs this information.
Do you suspect a leak? Allow the Experts to Assist You
Contact the plumbing professionals in your region if you suspect a leak or want the peace of mind that comes with a full plumbing examination.
If you suffer water damage as a consequence of a leak, contact the restoration experts at Reztor Restoration as soon as possible. It will enable us to remediate the damage and restore your home. Don’t gamble with your restoration. Our specialists are IICRC-certified, and we guarantee all of our work. Call us at 1800 739 867 or visit us online to get started.