Tracing a Leak Behind a Wall

Water leaks can occur without warning and go without notice for long periods. This is because no visual evidence of the leak occurs until it reaches an obstacle such as a wall. Once water reaches a wall, it travels along the wall to the lowest possible location. Unfortunately, once you spot the problem, the point of identification may not be the initial point of impact nor at the original cause of the leak. To find the original cause, you must trace the leak backwards using various indicators and signs. Don’t be surprised if the indicators and damage become more apparent as you get closer to the original problem.

Instructions

- 1
  Seek out indications of leaks on the wall. Peeling paint or wallpaper, bowed paneling or bubbles forming in drywall all indicate water behind the wall. Look for spiders. Spiders follow water and will help you initially locate possible pathways the water is traveling.
- 2
  Look for dark streaks or circular patterns, which indicate water stains. These stains darken in color as you get closer to the point of initial water contact with the wall. Light discoloration is found the furthest away from the source. Examine seams, framing, wall outlets or stud locations for potential pathways as water travels down or across these surfaces.
- 3
  Follow the path of the water. Combinations of discoloring and damaged surfaces will begin to show a pattern where the water has traveled. Water seeks its own level, therefore it always seeks to travel down. When you reach very dark spots and multiple points of damage, you may have found where the water impacted the wall.
- 4
  Look upward from the point of impact. The pathway will either follow another wall, continuing to travel upward, or travel across a ceiling beam.

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