SIGNS OF A HIDDEN WATER LEAK

If you see a water leak in your home, you act quickly to repair the leak and stop the flow of water before it leads to mold or a flooded basement. Unfortunately, not all water leaks are obvious. Some leaks are hidden behind walls or underneath the foundation, and go unnoticed for long periods of time before the resulting water damage is impossible to ignore. If you want to avoid extensive water damage, contact a leak repair company in Baltimore if you notice any of the following signs of a hidden water leak.

Musty Odors

Old, accumulated water from a leaky pipe tends to have a musty odor. You may also notice a musty smell as the result of mold or mildew, both of which are also indicative of a hidden water leak. You may need to bring in a mold removal professional to check for mold if water has been sitting inside your walls.

Water-Stained Ceilings and Walls

Speaking of standing water, if you notice water stains on your ceilings or walls, you either have a hidden plumbing leak or water is getting into your home through the roof or basement. Either way, a leak repair professional will need to get remove the part of the ceiling or wall that is stained to assess the damage and fix the hidden leak.

Damaged Flooring

If any flooring in your home is buckling, cracking, or beginning to stain for no obvious reason, hidden water may be the culprit. Water could be from a pipe directly underneath the floor, or it could have traveled there from another area. If you lift the flooring and see mold underneath, contact a mold remediation company in Baltimore.

Blistering Paint or Wallpaper

Any walls with blistering paint or wallpaper should be looked at by a plumber or leak repair professional. When water and moisture get between the wall and paint, they eliminate the bond and begin to separate the two. The same goes for wallpaper.