Homeowners will find that defective plumbing, missing or damaged roof tiles and a cracked foundation can lead to water leaks. The longer a leak continues without being addressed by a Provo plumber, the greater the risk of structural damage to the house. Leaks that occur within the walls can also create harmful mold growth. To avert serious disaster and damage, follow these tips for detecting a water leak within a wall.
Look for Obvious Signs
The most basic tip is to look for obvious signs of water or damage. There may be standing puddles of water near a wall, or you may notice that the carpet is wet in a certain area of the home. Wet flooring is often noticed in relation to the appliances in the house that use water, such as the dishwater or washing machine, as well as near the shower, toilet or sink.
Look for Changes in Color or Texture
A water leak may not occur on an interior wall, running instead between the wall or from the roof or attic area. You won’t often see water running down the wall in your kitchen, but you may notice that the paint starts to peel or becomes discolored as the water does more damage. Water-logged drywall will start to sag, often leaving small bubble shapes behind. Paint and wallpaper will have the same bubbled appearance as water damage causes these materials to twist and buckle. The longer the water leak is left unaddressed, the more a total drywall collapse becomes probable under the weight of the water saturation. A Provo plumber is trained to detect these changes in color and texture.
Look for Mold Growth
Water leaks are notorious for spurring mold growth, a condition that has serious health effects. Though you may be able to find mold growth on the walls or in the carpet near the location of the leak, you can start to feel the effect on your health long before a visible sign is discovered. Mold spores can travel through the HVAC vents and registers undetected. You or your family members may have signs that include a persistent cough or postnasal drip, sneezing, watery eyes or stuffy nose. Wheezing and shortness of breath are two severe symptoms of an allergic reaction to mold. Musty smells often indicate that wet materials are somewhere in the home.
Look for a Professional
If you are concerned that your walls may be hiding a water leak, a Provo plumber can help you identify the source. You don’t want to go ripping into walls without knowing what you are doing.
