Article by Joshua Kent
Moisture Master Pros OwnerSometimes, water damage is instantly obvious – you can see exactly when it happens and can intervene immediately. But in many instances, it seeps in imperceptibly, gradually building up, and then boom! You wake up one morning to extensive water damage in your walls, along with issues like mold on your walls or very serious structural damage to your drywall.
To avoid the latter scenario, it’s best to develop a keen eye to spot the early signs of water-damaged walls. Hidden water damage may have spread extensively inside a wall before showing up on the surface where you noticed it. Having good knowledge of the common causes and noticeable signs of wall water damage helps you prepare for any form of damage, whether it’s from flooding, rainstorms, leaky pipes, or condensation. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll know how to protect your home and address water problems successfully before they lead to costly repairs or mold and mildew growth.
In this guide, we’ll help you learn how to spot the early signs of wall water damage and provide you with a quick action plan to mitigate further issues.
What Happens When Water Gets in Your Walls?
Water logs around your home can be caused by external sources like rainstorms, flooding, snow, and even hail. But less obvious water-damaged walls are often a result of internal sources like a burst pipe, poor venting systems, and high humidity levels. Water damage from leaky pipes is a common problem during winter when the water inside pipes and water heaters freeze and expand, pushing up against and eventually breaching the walls of the pipe. As the pressure builds inside the pipes, the cracks continue to widen until high volumes of water begin to escape.
Water leakage can also build up on the ground if your foundation has poor water drainage and waterproofing.
The common causes of water damage in homes include:
- Storms
- Burst pipes
- Hidden water leaks
- Sewer backups
- Floods
- Leaky dishwashers
- Overflowing washing machines
- Roof leaks
- Foundation cracks
- Leaky windows and doors
- Leaky gutters
- Broken sump pumps
The effect of water damage depends on the extent of the leakage and the areas affected. In most cases, it results in extensive structural damage and widespread mold growth. It could create a toxic environment around the home, posing many health risks.
Some common short-term and long-term consequences of water damage include:
- Structural damages like warps and huge cracks on the walls and floors and a weakening foundation
- Widespread mold growth capable of causing serious health damage and requiring extensive treatment
- Infestation of bugs and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and cockroaches
- Increased risks of infection due to the toxic buildup of harmful mold and bacteria
- Increased risks of long-term health issues like allergies, respiratory problems, and cognitive challenges
- Damages to personal belongings and valuables
- Damages to electrical installation and broken appliances, which also causes increased risks of electric shock around the house
- Erosion of the property’s market value

How Long Does it Take for Water Damage to Show on Walls?
Depending on the extent of the water leakage, water damage can be instantly noticeable or imperceptible over a long time. Water damage in walls usually takes from an hour to a full day to begin materializing on the surface. Underground water can build up over a couple of weeks before bursting from underneath. That’s why it’s important to intervene immediately when you spot any sign of it because you don’t know how long it’s been leaking and how far it’s spread.
You’ll begin noticing signs of water damage when the water has soaked up the surrounding materials long enough to change their appearance – the drywall begins to soften up, bubble up, or warp. And then you’ll notice stains and discoloration on the affected surface. Mold can start emerging within 24–48 hours. Sometimes, the mold growth can be concentrated in hidden places, spreading extensively inside the wall or ceiling before the homeowner notices it.
The longer the damage persists, the greater the visible signs and risks.
What Does Early Water Damage Look Like?
In the early stages, water damage begins by soaking up the affected surface – the drywall, wooden floor, ceiling, etc. Homeowners often miss this because it doesn’t appear on the exterior side, as it often begins on a hidden side of the wall. As the water buildup continues unnoticed, it starts to emerge on the exterior side, creating bubbling paint and cracks on the wall.
Over time, it becomes more obvious, tainting the affected area of the wall or ceiling. The discoloration can appear in the form of short stripes splattered on the wall or floor. Also, the discolored surface will most likely be softened – you’ll most likely be able to feel it caving or buckling when you poke it.
Signs of Water Damage
Anytime you notice any of these common signs, you’ll most likely have water damage:
- Bubbling, cracking, and flaking walls
- Wet or dark spots and discoloration
- Dampness around water sources like sinks, washing machines, dishwashers
- Warped or buckled walls
- Buckled ceilings and floors
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Damp odor or musty smell
- Water leaks after it rains
- Sound of running water
- Increase in a water bill
- Visible mold growth
How to Test for Hidden Water Leaks
Most times visible signs occur long after the water damage has spread extensively. Once you notice the slightest signs, it’s imperative to test for any water leakage possibly hidden behind walls.
If you suspect a water leak, here’s how you can confirm or debunk your suspicion:
- Close every water outlet around your home – faucets, heating machines, washing machines, etc.
- Check your water meter and note down the usage figures.
- Keep the water outlets closed for a few hours.
- Check back on the water meter to see if there are any changes.
- If the water usage has been climbing the whole time, then there’s a hidden leak.
What Do You Do When You Find a Water Leak
If you’ve confirmed a hidden water leak, you need to take action immediately. Here are some things you can do on your own:
Use a dehumidifier: If the leakage is minor, a dehumidifier can give you a temporary fix. But only the symptom will be addressed, not the main source of the problem, so there’s still more work to be done. Use dry towels to mop up excess moisture from the wet drywall and leave the humidifier running next to it until it’s dry.
Clean out your gutters: A leaky roof is oftentimes caused by obstructions in a gutter that’s preventing the free flow of water. Clean out your gutters and remove any obstructions whenever you notice water leaks on your ceiling and exterior walls.
- Look for negative grading: Your underground water problems could be a result of an uneven grading that leaves water trapped in certain areas around your home. Negative grading channels water back inside the home instead of outwards. To check for negative grading, simply observe the flow of water around your premises under heavy rain. To fix negative grading, simply clear out the area and then add more inches of soil to level out the slope. Ideally, you should have six inches of slope for every six feet.
If the water leakage still persists after these measures, perhaps it’s time to call in a water damage restoration professional. A professional eliminates the guesswork in repair and restoration, pinpointing the exact cause of the leakage and nipping it effectively. Calling in a professional also helps you fix the water issue on time avoiding errors and miscalculations that could leave the problem festering for too long.
Water damage is less destructive when you address it sooner rather than later. Whenever you notice any of the signs discussed above, don’t ignore it! Check for the source of the leakage – if it’s a minor leak that you can handle, plug it immediately. If you need to call in a professional, do so as soon as possible. The list of issues increases the longer water damage is left unattended.
Moisture Master Pros LLC can provide all the expertise and resources you need to treat and prevent water leakages. Our quick response team will inspect your home thoroughly with state-of-the-art tools and equipment. We’ll tackle all sources of the water leak. We’ll then help reverse some of the damages and restore your home to its pristine condition.
Reach out to us today and book your free water damage inspection!