Signs of Water-Damaged Walls: When to Call SERVPRO®

2/4/2025 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technician working efficiently to clean and restore flooded room, ensuring your property returns to its pre-damage condition quickly and safe

Water damage can appear in many forms, from a simple leaky sink to the devastation of a flooded basement or hurricane damage. If you notice water damage in your walls, it’s essential to assess the situation to determine whether professional help is needed. While smaller issues can sometimes be addressed independently, larger water damage situations require expert cleanup and restoration services, like those provided by SERVPRO®.

Even if you’re unsure of the severity, it's always a good idea to seek a professional opinion to ensure that no hidden damage is overlooked. Here are key signs of water-damaged walls that might require a call to SERVPRO®:

• Mold Growth: Mold can develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water damage. If you see mold spots, especially in hidden areas like basements or attics, it’s important to act quickly.
• Musty Odors: Damp or musty smells, especially around basements or older appliances, indicate the presence of water damage and mold.
• Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: When water seeps into the walls, it can cause paint or wallpaper to peel or bubble due to loss of adhesion.
• Discolored or Warped Walls: Water-damaged walls may become discolored, warped, cracked, or even soft to the touch.
• Wet or Squishy Carpets: If the carpet near the walls feels damp or squishy, water may have soaked through the wall and affected the flooring.
• Rising Utility Bills: A sudden increase in your water or energy bill could indicate hidden leaks within the walls.
• Rotted Wood: Wood in or around your walls may become rotted and weakened from prolonged exposure to water.
• Efflorescence: White, chalky stains on walls, a sign of moisture that has evaporated and left behind salts.

When to Call a Professional

If you suspect water damage, it’s always safest to call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO®. Even if the damage seems minor, hidden issues such as contamination, mold, or structural weaknesses could present a bigger problem than you realize.

While DIY cleaning may seem like a cost-saving option, improperly addressing water damage can lead to more extensive damage and health risks, such as airborne bacteria or mold growth. SERVPRO® professionals have the expertise and industrial-grade equipment to handle such situations safely and effectively, preventing further damage and minimizing health hazards.