What Is Causing Water Stains On My Ceilings And Walls?

Your home is your sanctuary, somewhere your family feels safe and content. When you notice ceiling or wall water stains, it can be disconcerting. What’s causing the water stains on your ceilings and/or walls? And how do you fix it? In this article, you’ll learn what the culprit could be for your unattractive water stains, as well as what to do when you discover them.

What Are Water Stains?

Water stains appear as light gray or brown stains on your walls or ceilings. They can range from faint to dark, like a coffee stain. This often happens when water ends up seeping into your wall, which can happen from a roof leak, a cracked or broken pipe, or a broken appliance. Unfortunately, if you can see water stains, it’s an indication that there’s serious damage happening elsewhere in your walls. There may be rot or mold occurring inside your walls and ceiling, if not more serious damage, and it can be harmful to your health.

Finding The Source Of Your Water Stains

First, it’s important to find the source of the water:

Water Stains From Your Plumbing

Leaking from the bathroom or kitchen is a common cause of water stains.Water from your toilet and dishwasher to the tub and sink, the bathroom or kitchen is a hot zone for potential plumbing issues. Make sure you give all appliances and fixtures a check and assess whether they’re leaking.

A Leaky Roof

The next possible cause of water stains on your walls or ceilings is having a leak in your roof. This is confirmed by water leaks as well as:

• Loose roof flashing
• A bow or sag in the center of the floor where water has gathered over time
• Any cracks or breakage in your roof itself

Other Causes Of Water Stains

A build-up of condensation can cause water stains. Without proper insulation and ducts, water and condensation can become trapped. The trapped water and condensation can often lead to water stains, as it has nowhere to exit from. On top of this, another cause of water stains in your ceilings or walls could be the hardness of your water in your local area. Water quality needs to be considered when plumbing takes place. If the water is hard, your pipes and faucets can build up with chalky, white remnants, causing blockages and cavities. The result? Water stains.

What To Do When You Find Water Stains On Your Walls or Ceilings

So, you’ve got water stains. What’s next?

Call In A Professional

Whether you can find the reason why you have water stains on your walls and/or your ceilings or not, the next step is to call in a professional. Prime and paint are only short-term solutions for a potentially serious problem. Not treating the root cause can result in high repair bills that, for many households, aren’t an option. With plumbing, speed is essential. The sooner you take action, the lower you can keep the bill.

How To Get Rid Of Water Stains On Your Walls And Ceiling

After speaking to a professional and having the situation assessed properly, follow the three steps to get rid of water stains on your walls and/or ceilings.

Fix The Source, Not The Side Effect

Cosmetically speaking, water stains can be a real eye sore, but they can also indicate more significant damage. It’s important to fix whatever is causing water stains before moving onto the next step.

Drywall Reconstruction

Don’t attempt drywall reconstruction if the damage is severe. If this is the case, contact a professional. However, if the water stains are mild, try this:

Perform A Structure Check On Your Walls

Before doing anything to your walls or ceilings, you need to assess whether they’re structurally sound. If there are any dips or sags, there’s a good chance you’ll need to replace them. If there aren’t any dips or sagging, though, use drywall sags to keep them in place.

Scrape Off Any Damage With A Putty Knife

Use a putty knife to scrape off any flaky paint or damage. Make sure you start from the middle and work outwards, sealing it with a base sealer. It’s best to apply two coats for full coverage.

Apply 2 Coats Of Drywall Mud

After sealing the drywall, use drywall mud and apply it in thin layers. Ensure they are dry before sanding them and adding another layer. The first coat will seal any holes or cracks, and the second will then level everything out. Use a putty knife to smooth down the edges as you work.

Prime And Paint

The final step is to prime and paint to restore your space.

Water Stained Walls Or Ceiling Repair With Moore Home Services

There’s no small amount of risk involved in DIY-ing water-stained ceilings and walls. It’s always best to rely on a professional who understands the intricacies of plumbing, ensuring your property is sound and safe for your family and possessions. Call Moore Home Services to schedule an appointment!