7 Signs of Water in the Walls

Did you know that the average person in Washington State uses over 101 gallons of water per day? Residents in King County have historically paid higher water bills than most major cities in California. 

It’s no wonder that staying vigilant about water leaks in your home can save you a lot of money in the long term.

Water leaks not only increase your water bill, but they can also cause lasting damage to the structure of your home. Keep reading to learn more about the seven signs of leaks in your walls and what to do next.

1. Increased Water Bill

High water bills usually have an explanation. A residential water leak can show itself as a creeping increase every month. Alternatively, it could suddenly appear in the form of one large, unexplainable bill.

2. Mold and Mildew

Mold growing on ceilings, baseboards, walls, or in the kitchen is not normal—unless you have a leaking pipe. Considering that repeated exposure causes health risks, it’s important to find the cause of mold and invest in professional mold removal.

3. Lower Water Pressure

While there can be a number of causes, low water pressure can also be the result of a leaking pipe. If water is escaping through a cracked pipe into your wall, it will ultimately come out of your faucet with less force.

4. Musky Odor

Sometimes it’s easier to smell mold and mildew before you see it. Mold and mildew growing inside walls or vents and under floors will have a musky odor that spreads throughout your house. Moisture that accumulates and pools under a leaking pipe will produce a terrible smell.

5. Stains or Bubbling

Water is great at traveling. Light discoloration, peeling paint, or bubbling wallpaper on the surface can be a sign of significant damage on the other side of the wall.

It should be noted that if our home has poor ventilation, you make have staining without a leaking pipe. Contacting a professional is the best way to distinguish between the two.  

6. Structural Damage

Water damage signs can also be pretty obvious. Warping drywall, growing vertical cracks in your walls, and unexplained pools of water can be clear clues that you have a leaking pipe.

If unaddressed, a water leak can actually damage the structure of your foundation.

7. Unfamiliar Sounds  

In addition to seeing and smelling the signs of a water leak, you may also hear new sounds behind your walls. Pay attention to any hissing, ‘whooshing’, or rattling. If you are able to isolate where the sound is coming from, you may have a pipe leak and need to contact a professional. 

How to Fix Residential Water Leaks

If left unchecked, water leaks in your walls can cause significant damage to your home. When you recognize the signs of a water leak, reaching out to Fischer Restoration can save you money and peace of mind in the long term. 

We are a family-owned business that can assist you with all your repair needs. We handle heating, plumbing, air conditioning, remodeling, water damage, emergency services and more. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can put our years of experience in Western Washington to work for you.