Water leaking into garage under wall is not uncommon. If you have an attached garage, it is not unusual to see some drops of water on your garage wall or stains. The water might be due to plumbing mistakes, humidity, and other reasons.
It is important to understand the source of water to learn how to stop the leakage. Before you finish the garage walls, it is advisable to inspect the pipes underneath for leakage and replace them if necessary. Choose the right wall finishing material for your garage to protect your garage in case of water damage or flooding. After finishing garage walls, leaks underneath can be costly to repair, and they will damage the walls.
What are the signs of water leaking into garage under wall?
Stains on the wall
One of the signs that water is seeping into your garage wall is the appearance of stains. You will notice some stains on your wall, depending on your wall’s color and the type of water. It is possible to see clear water stains in case the water leaking is clean. If the water is dirty, you will see dark stains on the wall. Stains on the drywall will appear in case the water takes too long to dry.
Peeling paint
You will also notice peeling paint on your garage wall. If you have not used waterproof paint on your garage, the paint will start peeling when exposed to water. Even if the paint does not peel, you will see small bumps on the walls. This is a common problem if you are dealing with drywall, concrete, or even plywood that has been painted.
Musty smell
Sometimes you might not see any visible signs on the walls. However, it is not uncommon to notice a musty smell in the garage. Most garages have poor ventilation, and this means that they take a lot of time to dry. The leaking water remains on the wall for a long time, making the space damp and causing a smelly in the garage.
Mold and mildew
Most garages are damp due to poor ventilation. It is most likely that you will see mold and mildew on the garage walls if there is a leakage. Unless your garage is well-ventilated, the water from the leakage will not dry, and that will cause mold and mildew. You can inspect for mold by checking any black or dark green stains on the wall. You might need a source of light to inspect the walls.
Pools of water on the floor
In case the leakage is bad, you are likely to see pools of water on the floor near the walls. If the rainy season has not started and you can see pools of water on the floor, there are chances that the water is coming from the walls.
What are the causes of water leaking into garage under wall?
Plumbing leakage
The most common cause of water leaking into the garage under the wall is plumbing leakage. Plumbing leakage might occur if your pipes are old and have started deteriorating. A crack on your pipes will cause water to sip into the wall slowly.
Leaking ceiling
A leaking ceiling is also likely to cause water leakage into the walls. During the rainy season, some of the rainwater goes to the walls, and it causes leakage on the edges of your garage walls. A leaking ceiling or roof might be responsible for your garage walls dampness, so make sure that you repair them before taking further action.
High humidity
Sometimes high humidity might cause water to leak into the garage under the wall. If the walls are not well insulated, moisture from outside the garage is transferred to the inside. You will notice water droplets as your garage walls start sweating. This might happen during the summer season when humidity is high, and it is transferred to the inside.
Solutions for Water Leaking Into Garage Under Wall
Repair or replace your plumbing
Most of the time, water leaking into the garage is caused by faulty plumbing. The best way to deal with the problem is to repair or replace your plumbing. You might be re required to hire a plumber to assess the situation and offer the best solution for you. In case the damage is not big, the plumber will repair the pipes to cover the leakage.
On the other hand, if you have an old home with old plumbing, you might be required to replace the whole plumbing process. This is an expensive process, but it is definitely worth the cost because it will protect your garage walls.
Inspect and repair your garage walls
Depending on the type of material that you have in your garage walls, it is important to make sure that the wall is in good condition. Cracks and opening on your garage walls allow water to sip inside.
Concrete walls have pores naturally, so they are likely to absorb more water. However, other types of walls like drywall need to repair because they are easily damaged by water. It is easy to repair drywall cracks with wood fillers or hydraulic cement.
Insulate your garage walls
Insulating your garage walls can be helpful in reducing humidity. Garage walls are prone to sweating in high humidity, and it advisable to put some insulation on your walls to reduce the occurrence of water droplets.
The good news is that you can do the installation on your own, depending on the type of material that you are using. Insulating your garage walls can also help reduce the cost of heating or cool your garage.
Repair your roof and ceiling
Rainwater from your roof can also go to the walls. Before the rainy season starts, make sure that you inspect your roof and ceiling to find the water source. Sometimes rainwater accumulates on the ceiling and starts seeping into the wall. If you have no pipes passing through the walls, there are chances that the water is coming from a leak on your roof or ceiling.
Repair gutters
Repair gutters can help you to protect your garage walls from water. When your gutter is not directing water to the right place, it will drip directly into the walls making it moldy. Repairing gutters can also protect your wall paint and also a foundation from damage. If your gutters are in good condition, make sure that you clean them regularly to avoid water from clogging in the gutters and flooding in the garage.
Preventing water from leaking into under garage wall
Preventing any leakage before it occurs can help minimize damage. Leakage under your garage walls can pose a lot of challenges because you might be required to bring the entire wall down. If you have some plumbing under the walls, make sure that you control water pressure so that the pipes do not bust.
Doing proper insulation can also help you to prevent humidity and sweating of the garage walls. Improving ventilation in the garage can also help dry out moisture caused by natural humidity in the garage. Water on the walls can damage the garage’s integrity and can also cause mold that can be life-threatening. Preventing leakage and repair small leakages as soon as they occur is the best way to deal with the issue.
