While your bathroom is designed to be around a lot of water, some design flaws and leaks can cause water damage. When the countertop tilts toward the wall, drips and drops will accumulate. If water consistently pools around the faucet and handles, the wall behind the sink can be compromised. Plus, water leaks behind the wall itself are hard to detect. While water leaks behind walls happen out of view, the following are common signs of water leakage behind your walls:
Loose Tiles And Missing Grout
Missing or loose tiles indicate that the tile-backing system has failed, allowing water to get in and destroy the bond. If grout dries out or cracks, water can seep in between the tiles and pop them off. You need to detect the how, where, and why before you start fixing it. Or have Bravo Restoration get to the bottom of it.
Peeling or Bubbling Paint
Bubbling occurs when too much water collects behind your paint and pools, stretching the paint on the surface. But at first glance, you have no idea how much water damage is back there. You can try popping a small bubble but leave anything larger than a quarter to the professionals. They have the tools and experience to capture the trapped water without making a bigger mess.
Warping Walls
When the sheetrock behind the sink absorbs too much water, it can bend, curve, and warp. Excessive warping can lead to more damage on the adjacent ceilings and floors. If your walls were “square” when you moved in, they should be sound now. If there is any deviation, investigate further. Since water can be absorbed into flooring and wooden support beams, a slow leak can result in very serious structural damage that will make the restoration process longer and more expensive.
Musty Odors
Moisture creates a musty smell when it gets absorbed into porous building materials. Wall cavities affected by water damage are vulnerable to mold growth; they are dark and are not well ventilated. If your nose notices that damp, basement smell, you have had water damage for some time. If you see visible mold on your walls, ceilings, or baseboards, consider it a sign that you have a source of moisture behind the walls.
Search Out Hidden Water Leaks
Test for a hidden water leak by using your water meter. Turn off all faucets and appliances that use water in your home. Make note of the usage number on the water meter. Leave all water off inside and outside the home for several hours. If the meter indicates water usage, then there is a hidden water leak.
Did Water Damage Restoration Effect Your Home?
Bravo Restoration & Construction is a woman-owned, full-service property restoration and general contractor serving Sonoma County, Marin County, and Napa County. Local owners can help you through a small clean-up or a major restoration in Santa Rosa and the surrounding area.