Home maintenance is not that easy and can be an overwhelming chore especially for new homeowners. But your home is your huge investment and maintaining it——- is a must. Looking for house problems like a leaky house is distressing and detecting a leak can be more challenging. However, spotting the leaks right away can prevent extensive water damage. Keep reading to learn the most common sources and signs of water leaks in your home. 

The Sources and Signs of Water Leaks

Through The Walls

Water takes the easiest path down to the ground, so often it will travel along the framing in the walls. Splits or cracks in your outer walls can allow water to come through. The wall cavity could be preventing this water from entering your interior, but it could be causing damage to the inside of your wall, soaking the insulation and drywall. 

From The Roof

In most cases, the source of the roof leaks is hard to find because it occurs away from where the leak is showing up. Roof leaks are the result of cracks or crevices in the roof or missing tiles, causing rainwater to leak in. If you are getting dripping sounds or water appearing after it has rained, you likely have a roof leak. 

Through The Ground

If the bottom of the walls in your home are moist or there is a presence of mold, it could be a sign that you have “rising damp”. You can hire foundation repair contractors to help with this kind of problem. This is a complex job so you can’t do it yourself.

Internal Leak

If water is visible when a faucet is in use, it means that there is a leak. Leaks may be the result of broken seals or old pipes that have deteriorated with age. However, if the pipe is underground, a tree root could have damaged the pipe. A pipe can burst if your home’s water pressure is too high.

Aside from knowing where  water leaks come from, knowing their telltale signs allow you to take quick actions and prevent severe water damage.

Be Attentive to Signs of Leaks

Leaks can go unnoticed until it causes extensive water damage. Even if your water meter indicates that there’s no leak, it’s still best to know other signs of a leak that could develop at any point in the future. Watch out for the following signs:

• Bubbling Paint or Bulging Wallpaper

If the wallboard is wet and the paint or wallpaper is no longer adhering tightly, it’s a sign. Often, you may see some bulge in the wallboard, which indicates the water damage is more extensive and the wallboard will have to be replaced.

• Dripping Sound

While some leaks are totally silent—for instance, if the water is traveling along a wall stud—other leaks can sometimes be heard, giving you a clue as to the leak’s location.

• Wall Discoloration

Water stains on ceilings and walls are usually yellowish or brownish in color. It could be a sign that water is leaking behind the drywall and soaking through to the front side. 

• Moldy or Musty Smell

Over time, a leak that is left unattended can provide the perfect humid environment for mold growth. At times, you may also see some black splotches on the outside part of the wall. However, in some cases, mold will thrive inside the wall, which makes it difficult to see. Thus, you must watch out for the musty smell. 

Promptly Address the Issue

Any water leaks in your home should be addressed immediately to reduce the risk of water damage. Dealing with water damage?   Shamrock Restoration is here to save your day. Please contact our office today, Water Damage Rancho Cucamonga. We are available 24/7.