What Is Causing Water Stains On My Wall And Ceilings?
Wall and Ceiling Stains? This Could be the Culprit
Water stains on your walls and ceilings are not only unsightly, but they are often a symptom of a much bigger issue. Left unchecked, the water stains can not only spread and be an eyesore, but they can ruin personal possessions and potentially be unsafe.
So, what is causing the water stains on your walls and on your ceilings? And what should you do about them?
Water Stain Discovery
After you first notice water stains on your ceiling and/or walls, you’ll need to determine where they’re coming from and what has caused them in the first place.
Pinpointing The Origin Of Your Water Stains
Water stains on your ceiling or walls are often grey or yellowish.
Think: parchment paper or tea-stained.
As mentioned, the first step is to discover where the water stains are coming from. So, here are the most likely candidates for the water stains on your ceilings and walls has originated from.
Water Stains From Faulty Plumbing
Your bathroom hosts a range of appliances that are used routinely and leverage complex plumbing. This makes the bathroom the most obvious place for potential plumbing issues and could be causing water stains.
You should check your tub, shower, sink, and toilet for any signs of overflowing or phantom flushing.
Water Stains From A Leaky Roof
If the water stains haven’t originated due to faulty plumbing, the next potential cause is a damaged and leaky roof. If your roof is damaged, water stains are common, along with:
- Loosened flashing
- Sagging in the middle of the floor due to water gathering over time
- Evidence of cracks and breakages in the roof itself
Other Causes Of Water Stains
If everything is A-OK with your plumbing and roof, there are other contributing factors that could lead to water stains on your walls or ceilings.
Condensation build-up, for instance, can cause unwanted water stains. Lacking effective insulation and ducts, water condensation can build up and become trapped. Without an exit, condensation shows itself through water stains on your ceilings and/or walls.
Another potential cause of water stains is the hardness of your water. Often forgotten about, water quality – specifically the hardness and softness – will have an impact on your pipes and overall plumbing.
Hard water can leave white, chalky residue, which, left unchecked, can cause cavities and blocks. This can then result in water stains on your walls and/or ceilings.
I’ve Found Water Stains On My Ceilings And Walls. What Do I Do?
While some homeowners ignore it, they end up with a high repair bill and a heap of regret. Here’s what to do instead.
Contact A Professional
Whether you can find the source of the water stains and the cause or not, you should contact a plumbing professional right away. Don’t prime and paint over water stains without fixing the core problem, as the stains will return, and the issue – wherever it may be – will worsen over time.
This will end in a high repair bill at best, ruined possessions, and an unsafe home at worst.
How To Get Rid Of Water Stains On Your Walls And Ceilings
After contacting a professional, there are 3 core steps to remove water stains on your walls and ceilings.
1. Have The Root Cause Resolved First
It’s fundamental that this step takes place before moving on. Painting over water stains is a temporary solution if there have been no real repairs.
2. Drywall Reconstruction
After having the root cause repaired, you can start on drywall reconstruction. If the damage is severe, contact a professional and avoid the risk. If the damage is only minimal, take these steps next:
a. Check Your Wall Structure
Assess whether the walls are structurally safe and effective. Be on the lookout for any dips or sags. If you find any, it may need replacing, but if not, use drywall to keep them secure and in place.
b. Use A Putty Knife To Scrape Off Any Damage
After your walls are secure, use a putty knife to scrape off any damaged materials or flaky paint. Work from the middle and move outwards before sealing it with a base sealer. Apply two coats for maximum coverage.
c. Apply Coats of Drywall Mud
After the drywall has been sealed, take drywall mud and apply it in thin, even layers. You’ll want two coats of this. The first will act as a sealer for any bumps, holes, or cracks. The second provides an even finish.
Before adding your second layer, make sure you let it dry and sand it off.
Use your putty knife to smooth down the edges. This will decrease the time you spend sanding.
d. Prime And Paint
Finally, it’s time to prime and paint. Invest in high-quality paint for this DIY job, because the area has already been damaged.
Water Stains On Your Ceiling Or Walls? Call Us!
If you’ve spotted water stains on your ceilings or walls, don’t hesitate to get in touch. The faster you act, the quicker we’re able to solve the problem for you at a lower cost. Call Service Champions today!