Notice Leaks on Walls? Don't Panic! (2024)

So,you’reminding your own business, maybe binge-watching your favorite show orjustenjoying a peaceful evening at home,whensuddenly, you notice somethingunsettling: wet stains or leaks on your walls. Cue the panic, right? Not necessarily.While seeing water where itshouldn’tbe can be concerning,it’sessential to stay calm and take action.Here’swhat you should do if you spot those dreaded wet spots creeping up your walls.

Investigate the Source

Before you go into full-blown crisis mode,try todetermine where the water is coming from. Is it a leaky pipe? A roof issue? Maybe even a windowthat’snotproperly sealed? Identifying thesource of the waterwill help you tackle the problem more effectively.

Leaky Pipes: One of the most common culprits of water stains on walls is leaky pipes. These could be pipes hidden behind walls, under floors, or even in the ceiling.Signs of a leaky pipe include water stainsor puddles near plumbing fixtures, dampness or discoloration on walls or ceilings, and the sound of dripping water when no fixtures arein use. To confirm if a pipe is leaking, inspect visible pipes for any signs of corrosion, rust, or moisture, and listen for the sound of running water when no water isbeing used.
Roof Issues: Another potential source of water infiltration is a problem with your roof.Thiscould bedue to damaged or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing around chimneys or vents, orclogged gutters and downspouts.Signs of a roof leak include water stains on ceilings or walls,dampness in the attic, and water pooling in the attic or on the roof. To check for roof issues, visually inspectyour roof for any signs of damage, such as missing ordamaged shingles, andcheck your attic for any signs of water intrusion, such asdamp insulation or rafters.
Window or Door Seals: Improperly sealed windows ordoorscan alsoallow water to enter your home,especially during heavy rain or snow. Signs of poor seals include water stains or puddles near windows or doors, drafts, and visible gaps or cracks around windows or door frames. To check for leaks, visually inspect theseals around windows and doors for any signs ofdamage ordeterioration,and feel for drafts or air leaks around the frames.Having flood barriers that would protect windows and doors during snowmelt, stormorflood seasonwould also be a great idea.
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Appliances: Household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, andwater heaters can also be sources of water leaks. Signs of appliance leaks include puddles of water near the appliance, dampness or water stains on floors or walls nearby, and unusual noises or smellscomingfrom the appliance. To check for appliance leaks, visually inspect the appliance for any signs of water accumulationordamage,and listen for any unusual sounds orsmells when the appliance is in use.
Exterior Grading: Poor exterior grading can also contribute to water infiltration into your home. If the ground around your home slopes towards the foundation rather than away from it, water can collect against the foundation and seep into the basem*nt or crawl space. Signs of poor grading include water stains or puddles near the foundation, dampness or musty odors in the basem*nt or crawl space, and cracks in the foundation. To check for grading issues, visually inspect the ground around your home for any signs of pooling water or uneven slopes, and consider regrading or installing French drains to redirect water away from the foundation.

Contain the Damage

If the water is actively leaking, the main thing is to contain the damage as much as possible.

Place buckets or towels under the leakto catch the water and prevent it from spreading further.

Dry It Out

Onceyou’vecontained the immediate issue,it’stime to start drying out the affected area

Remove Standing Water: Use towels, mops, ora wet/dry vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible from theaffected area.The sooner you can remove the water, the betterchance you haveof preventingfurther damage.
Increase Air Circulation:Open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulatethrough the room.If weather conditions permit, use fans to increase airflow. Position fans near windows or doors to drawinfresh air from outside and circulate it throughout the room.
Use Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers are excellent tools for removing excess moisture from the air. Place one or more dehumidifiers in the affected area and set them to the highest setting. Empty the water reservoir regularly to ensure continuous operation.
Remove Wet Materials: Removeanywet carpets, rugs, furniture, or other porous materials from the room. These items can hold onto moisture and prolong the drying process. If possible, take them outside to dry in the sun.
Lower Humidity Levels: If outdoor humidity levels are lower than indoor levels, consider using box fans to blow air out of the room.Thiscan help lower humidity levels more quickly. Alternatively, you can use a portable air conditioner to help remove moisture from the air.
Inspect for Hidden Moisture: Even aftervisible water hasbeen removed, moisture can linger in hidden areas such as behind walls or under flooring.Use a moisture meter to check forhidden moisture and ensure that all areas are thoroughly driedout.
Monitor Progress: Regularly check the room for signs of progress. Touch walls and flooring to see if they feel damp, and use a moisture meter to check moisture levels. Continue the drying process until moisture levels return to normal.
Sanitize and Deodorize: Once the room iscompletely dry, sanitize and deodorize the affected area toprevent mold growth and eliminateanymusty odors.Use a disinfectant cleaner to clean surfaces and a deodorizing spray to freshen the air.

Inspect for Mold

Unfortunately, wherethere’swater,there’soften mold not far behind.

After the area has dried out, thoroughly inspect for any signs of mold growth.Thisincludesnot only the walls but alsoany nearby furniture or belongings that may have been affected by the moisture.

Prevent Future Leaks

Once the immediate issue hasbeen resolved, take steps to prevent future leaksfrom occurring.Thismight involve regular maintenance, such as checking your roof for damage or inspecting your plumbing for any signs of wear and tear. Investing in preventative measures nowcan save you a lot of headaches (and money) in the long run.

Install Flood Barriers: Flood barriers, such as removable barriers or permanent flood walls, can be installed around vulnerable areas of your home, such as doors, windows, and entry points.These barriersact asphysical barriers to preventwater from entering your home during floodingevents.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect doors, windows, vents, and any other openings in your home for gaps or cracks that could allow water to seep in. Seal these entry points with weatherstripping, caulking, or other waterproofing materials to prevent water infiltration.
Elevate Appliances and Utilities: Elevate appliances, such as washers, dryers, and water heaters, above potential floodlevels to minimize damage in the event ofa flood. Similarly, elevate electrical panels, HVAC systems, and other utilities to prevent water damage to essential systems.
Maintain Gutters and Drainage Systems: Keepgutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure proper drainage away from yourhome'sfoundation. Consider installing gutter guards to prevent clogs andextending downspouts to direct water at least five feet away from your home.
Grade Landscaping Away from the House:Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling against thewalls. Use landscaping features such as swales, berms, and French drains to direct water away from the house.
Install Sump Pumps: Consider installinga sump pump in your basem*nt or crawl space to remove excess waterin the event of flooding. Ensure that the sump pumpis equippedwitha battery backup system to operate during power outages.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Stay informed about weather forecasts andflood warningsin your area.Invest in a weather alert system or app that can provide real-time updates and notifications about potential flooding events.
Have a Flood Emergency Plan: Develop a flood emergencyplan for your familythat includesevacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a designated meeting place.Keep important documents, valuables, and emergency supplies in a waterproof container or stored in a safe, elevated location.

Wrapping up, taking care of your home against potential floods is like giving it a big, cozy hug.Whetheryou'rein a flood-prone area orjustwant that extra layer of protection, getting in touch with us at Dam Easy isasmartmove.

When you reach out to us,you'renot just getting flood barriers. Nope,you'regetting a whole package—from friendly chats and top-notch flood safety tips to picking out the perfect flood barrier kit for your place.We'rehere tomake sureyour home stays snug and dry, rain or shine.

So, why wait?Let'schat today and get your home all set up with Dam Easy flood barriers. With ourawesometeam by your side, you can relax knowing your home is ready to tackle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.