How to Identify Types of Interior Leaks

House roof leak inspection illustration

Clogged Gutters

  • Signs:
    • Overflowing Water: During heavy rain, water spills over the sides of gutters.
    • Standing Water: Water pools around the foundation or near the eaves.
    • Stains on Exterior Walls: Look for streaks or discoloration on the siding.

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

      • Signs:
          • Drafts or Cold Spots: Feel for drafts around windows and doors.

          • Condensation: Water buildup between panes or on sills.

          • Water Stains: Look for stains on walls or sills beneath windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect seams and joints in the siding for gaps or cracks.

      • Check caulking and sealant for wear and tear.

    Faulty Windows and Doors

      • Signs:
          • Drafts or Cold Spots: Feel for drafts around windows and doors.

          • Condensation: Water buildup between panes or on sills.

          • Water Stains: Look for stains on walls or sills beneath windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect seams and joints in the siding for gaps or cracks.

      • Check caulking and sealant for wear and tear.

    Faulty Windows and Doors

      • Signs:
          • Drafts or Cold Spots: Feel for drafts around windows and doors.

          • Condensation: Water buildup between panes or on sills.

          • Water Stains: Look for stains on walls or sills beneath windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect gutters for debris and clear them regularly.

      • Look for sagging sections, which show blockage.

    Leaking Siding

      • Signs:
          • Discoloration or Stains: Check for water stains on interior walls directly behind the siding.

          • Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Bubbling or peeling indicates moisture accumulation.

          • Mold Growth: Look for mold or mildew in corners and around windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect seams and joints in the siding for gaps or cracks.

      • Check caulking and sealant for wear and tear.

    Faulty Windows and Doors

      • Signs:
          • Drafts or Cold Spots: Feel for drafts around windows and doors.

          • Condensation: Water buildup between panes or on sills.

          • Water Stains: Look for stains on walls or sills beneath windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect gutters for debris and clear them regularly.

      • Look for sagging sections, which show blockage.

    Leaking Siding

      • Signs:
          • Discoloration or Stains: Check for water stains on interior walls directly behind the siding.

          • Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Bubbling or peeling indicates moisture accumulation.

          • Mold Growth: Look for mold or mildew in corners and around windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect seams and joints in the siding for gaps or cracks.

      • Check caulking and sealant for wear and tear.

    Faulty Windows and Doors

      • Signs:
          • Drafts or Cold Spots: Feel for drafts around windows and doors.

          • Condensation: Water buildup between panes or on sills.

          • Water Stains: Look for stains on walls or sills beneath windows.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect weather stripping and seals for damage.

      • Check for warped frames or improperly installed units.

    Plumbing Issues

      • Signs:
          • Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls: Discoloration can show a leak in the plumbing above.

          • Damp or Moldy Spots: Unusual moisture near fixtures or on walls.

          • Unexplained Water Bills: A sudden increase shows a hidden leak.

      • What to Check:
          • Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or leaks.

          • Check under sinks and behind appliances for pooling water.

     

    Basement Seepage

      • Signs:
          • Musty Odor: Persistent damp smells can show moisture issues.

          • Cracks in Walls or Floors: Look for visible cracks in the foundation or basement walls.

          • Puddles or Dampness: Notice any standing water or moisture on the floor.

    • What to Check:
        • Inspect exterior grading to make sure water drains away from the foundation.

      • Look for signs of soil erosion or pooling around the house.

    Tips for Effective Leak Detection

      • Use a Moisture Meter: A tool that measures moisture levels in walls and floors can help find hidden leaks.

      • Visual Inspections: Regularly check areas prone to leaks, especially after heavy rains or snow melt.

      • Listen for Sounds: Dripping or running water can show a leak, especially in quiet spaces like basements.

    • Check Utility Meters: Watch your water meter for unexplained changes that suggest a leak.

    Roof Inspection Icon

BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster
BBB
NAHB
Angi 2020
GAF Certification
Angi 2016
Angi 2021
Angi 2025
Angi 2017
Apex Chamber
Expertise 2020
Expertise 2021
GAF System Plus
Google Reviews
HBA Wake
Nextdoor 2024
Neighborhood Fave
Nextdoor 2021
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Select ShingleMaster
Shinglemaster