How Leaks in Your Plumbing Can Lead To Drywall Damage

Discover how plumbing leaks can lead to drywall damage and other costly issues for your home. Leaks in the plumbing are a common problem that homeowners often encounter. Although a slow drip may seem insignificant, it can wreak havoc, especially inside your drywall. 

The Statistics

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a pipe that drips once per minute leads to 1440 drips per day, resulting in 34.7 gallons of water deposited per year behind your drywall. 

Over time, minor leaks can cause significant damage to your drywall and the entire structure. Curious to know how leaks in your plumbing can damage the drywall? Keep reading to find out the answer. 

Plumbing Leaks Cause Mold Growth on Drywalls

Excessive moisture in the space behind drywall provides an ideal breeding ground for fungi and mold. In addition, the softwood particles of the drywall act as a food source for mold. The problem worsens when the porous surface of drywall traps moisture, thereby accelerating mold growth which affects the aesthetics of your drywall and leads to health risks. However, removing mold from an infested area requires the expertise of a professional mold remediation company. 

It involves using specialized tools and equipment to remove contaminated materials and kill the mold. Once mold clears from the area, hire a contractor to replace the drywall and finishes. This process can be expensive, even if no structural components are damaged. Thus, making preventive measures, such as fixing plumbing leaks, a cost-effective option to avoid drywall damage.

Plumbing Leaks Lead to Staining on The Walls

Water leaks in the walls can cause staining on drywall or sheetrock. These are porous materials that readily absorb water. As water penetrates the drywall, it can cause it to expand and bulge, resulting in more noticeable staining over time. 

Such stains indicate a hidden leak within the wall that requires immediate attention to avoid further damage. By identifying the source of the water leak early, you can prevent further damage to your walls and avoid costly repairs in the future.

Plumbing Leaks Give Rise to Warping Walls

If the sheetrock behind a wall absorbs too much water, it will curve and bend, which can cause the entire wall to warp. If left unchecked, warping can worsen and affect other areas of your home, causing more significant and expensive repairs later.

Plumbing Leaks Result in Flaking Paint or Wallpaper

Excessive moisture accumulation behind your walls results in the peeling or bubbling of paint and wallpaper. Over time, the sheetrock behind the wall absorbs excess moisture, which causes it to expand and weaken. 

As a result, the layers of paint or wallpaper on top of the sheetrock cannot adhere properly and begin to separate from the wall. Inspect the wallpaper along the seams to identify separation, gaps, or signs of potential water leakage behind the drywall. 

When To Call the Pros

If you suspect plumbing leaks in your walls, discover a broken pipe, or identify other signs of water leakage, it is time to call a reputable plumbing company for help. Professional plumbers can locate the leak, assess the severity of the problem, and fix it before it causes any more damage to your walls and home.

Don’t let water damage and foundation issues compromise the value and safety of your home. Our expert team provides foundation repair and crawlspace encapsulation services to protect your home from damage and keep it safe for you and your family. Contact Atlantic Foundation today to schedule a free consultation and restore the value of your home.

 Sources-

https://www.norfleetfamilyplumbing.com/blog/what-happens-when-water-leaks-in-walls

https://www.absoluterestoration.ca/mold/drywall

Basic Facts about Mold and Dampness | Mold | CDC