How to Spot Hidden Leaks Behind Your Bathroom Walls

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ll highlight signs you should be watching for, and suggest what to do if you think moisture is lurking where it shouldn’t be. If you prefer a professional leak detection, then call or message Mr. Rooter today to get in touch.

Watch for Unusual Wall Stains

One of the earliest signs of a hidden leak is discolored bathroom walls. It might start as a faint yellowish stain or an unusual dark spot that grows over time. Even small changes in wall color should be considered a warning sign.

If the stain continues to spread or gets darker, then it’s time to take it seriously. Persistent staining means the leak is ongoing and likely worsening. Call for plumbing repair service before structural damage sets in.

Feel for Soft or Warped Walls

If you touch a section of drywall and it feels soft, squishy, or warped, then you’ve got a major red flag. Moisture trapped inside the walls naturally weakens the material and causes it to bubble, ripple, or bow outward.

Soft drywall is one of the clearest signs that water has been present for a while. At this point, it’s not a matter of “what if.” Professional help isn’t optional – it’s necessary. A local plumber from Mr. Rooter can come out and pinpoint the leak before implementing the appropriate fix.

Look for Loose or Peeling Paint and Wallpaper

If you’ve got paint or wallpaper on your walls, then you may miss the wall stains altogether. Instead, look for bubbling or peeling paint as well as curled or air-pocketed wallpaper.

Wallpaper and paint can naturally degrade over time, but if the changes happen in only one section of the wall, then there’s a good chance a leak is hiding behind it. The eyesore is one thing, and the water damage taking hold behind the scenes is another.

Beware of Mold or Musty Odors

Mold and mildew growth is a sure sign of hidden moisture. Sometimes you’ll see it appear as dark specks along the wall or baseboards. In other cases, you may not see anything at all – but you’ll smell it.

A musty or earthy odor that lingers no matter how much you clean usually points to mold growing behind the wall. The threat is not just a water leak. Mold spreads quickly and can affect indoor air quality. Contact a plumber as soon as possible.

Pay Attention to Sudden Increases in Your Water Bill

Many of us have water bills on auto-billing, but responsible homeowners will pay attention to invoices and track the water usage. If your water bill suddenly jumps for no clear reason, then it might be due to a hidden leak. Even a drip per second adds up to over 2,000 gallons per year.

Hire a Local Plumber Today

If you’ve uncovered a leak or suspect one, then play it safe and have a trained plumber investigate sooner rather than later. Leaks will only get worse with time, and the pros at Mr. Rooter are ready to dispatch to your location as soon as possible. Call Mr. Rooter to get in touch today.