There's Staining on My Dry Wall. Do I Have a Leak?

Condensation

Condensation is a common problem in homes. It's caused by moisture in the air that comes into contact with a cold surface. The moisture then changes from gas to liquid and can cause damage to your drywall.

Condensation is most likely to occur in these areas:

• Moisture-laden air touches cold surfaces like shower walls, window frames, or refrigerators in bathrooms and kitchens.
• In attics and crawlspaces, where cool, moist air meets warm drywall.
• Around chimneys and fireplaces, where heat rises and cools adjacent walls.
• If the stain is on your ceiling, it could be caused by a leaky attic or roof.
• If the stain is on your wall, it could be caused by a leaky window or door.

Animal Messes

Pet messes can often leave stains on walls. If you have pets that jump up on furniture and then climb down the wall, this can cause pet urine to seep into the drywall. Pet messes can also leave stains from vomit and other bodily fluids.

Stains from animal messes are not always easy to detect. Because animals are often messy eaters, meat juices may drip down the wall and leave a brownish-red stain on your white paint or wallpaper. Once these stains set in, you may need a professional cleaning company to help. 

Mold

Mold is a fungus that can grow on surfaces in warm, damp areas. It can cause serious health problems, including allergic reactions and infections.

Mold is most commonly found on drywall, wood, carpeting, and paper products. Mold grows when there is moisture present, and it can be challenging to find because it grows on the underside of surfaces and can be hidden by paint or wallpaper.

If you suspect that you have mold in your home, call a professional for help. Suppose you see water damage or leaks in your home, such as water stains, peeling paint or wallpaper, or damp spots on floors and ceilings. In that case, you should also contact a professional for cleanup in addition to Leak Detection of Atlanta to get at the source of the leak.

Signs of a Leak Other Than Stains

• Broken Pipes

A broken pipe may not be obvious at first, but if you see water stains on the ceiling or floor or hear running water inside the wall, it could indicate a leak in your plumbing system.

• Musty Smell in the Air and Ceiling/Wall Tiles Falling Off

A musty smell coming from your floors or walls could be due to excess moisture caused by leaks or condensation. If you notice tiles falling off your ceiling or walls, there's a problem with your roof.

• Sunken or Depressed Areas In Walls and Ceilings

These areas may have been causing water damage before you noticed the stains on your drywall.

• Check Your Water Meter

If you suspect that you leak, the first thing you should do is check your water meter. If it's spinning backward, then it means that your house is losing water. This could be due to a leaky faucet or toilet, but if it continues for several days, it could be something more serious like a busted pipe under the ground or in the walls.

Contact Leak Detection of Atlanta If You Have a Leak

When you contact Leak Detection of Atlanta because there's staining on your drywall, it may not be the result of a leak. Many other potential causes can produce similar stains on your drywall, but they will have different characteristics. Suppose you have staining on your ceiling and walls, and none of the potential causes listed in this article are relevant to your situation. In that case, you should contact Leak Detection of Atlanta for any leak repairs.