How to Tell if There is a Water Leak in Your Walls

Zack Klein • August 3, 2022

Sometimes, water damage is obvious. A pipe may burst, or a hurricane rolls through the middle of town, and there is no question that some serious repairs are going to be required. However, water damage can also be more subtle, going unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. In most cases, this water damage comes from hidden leaks in your walls. Understanding how to identify these leaks early is key to minimizing their impact on your structure and your business.


What Causes Water Leaks in Walls?


The culprit behind a water leak in a wall can be interior or exterior. If it is interior, the source is located within the wall itself. Typically, this source is a weak pipe or faulty plumbing. Leaks that result from the exterior of the wall can come from sources such as bad caulking, clogged gutters, or flashing that has deteriorated.


Signs of Water Leaks in Walls


The first hints that a water leak inhabits a wall may be subtle, but they should never be ignored. These are the small signals that let you know a bigger problem is around the corner. Common signs of these leaks can include:


  • Odors – A faint musty smell is often the first indicator of a problem and will become stronger over time.
  • Warping – Warped walls, bubbling, chipping and peeling paint can all be associated with underlying water damage.
  • Staining – Water can leave clear staining on walls or floors where it begins to pool.
  • Dripping – A later and obvious sign occurs when drips occur and water becomes visible.


Tools to Locate Water Leaks in Walls


If you suspect a water leak in your walls, a water meter is your easiest, most readily available tool to check. Check the reading on your meter, turn off all water sources, and check again in three hours. If the number has increased, you likely have a leak. Another useful option is a moisture meter. This meter can be purchased via a hardware store and can read moisture levels in materials such as drywall.


When it comes to protecting your home or business from water damage, early detection can be key. If you are unsure if a leak exists or believe that one does, professional water damage restoration experts should be your first call. Our team can help confirm the presence of a leak, eradicate the issue, and repair any damage. To get started, give Guarantee Restoration a call.

By Brandon Roberts August 5, 2026
Discover what to do after finding mold in your business or home. Learn why fast action and professional mold remediation can help prevent further damage.
By Shawn Folks July 29, 2026
Learn how using one team for mitigation and reconstruction streamlines disaster recovery, improves communication, and reduces downtime.
By Christina Mullins July 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).
VIEW ALL BLOGS