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.

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Why Pre-Loss Planning Matters for Lafayette Properties on the Gulf Coast

By Jeremy Cryer • May 27, 2026
On the Gulf Coast, preparation isn’t optional. It’s simply a part of doing business. From hurricane season to heavy rain events and everything in between, properties in Lafayette face a different level of risk than most. And when something does happen, the difference between a smooth recovery and a stressful situation often comes down to one thing: having a plan in place with the right team. Why Pre-Loss Planning Looks Different in Lafayette Pre-loss planning looks a little different here because the risks are different. It’s not just about knowing where your shutoffs are or having a list of contacts. It’s about understanding how quickly a storm can shift, how water can move through a property, and how to respond when multiple buildings or locations are impacted at once. That kind of preparation requires more than a template. It requires local knowledge. At Guarantee Restoration Services, our Lafayette team builds pre-loss plans with that in mind. We take into account the specific challenges that come with properties in Acadiana, including wind-driven rain, tornado threats, and the potential for widespread damage across an entire area. That allows us to create a plan that is realistic, not just theoretical. The Importance of Having a Clear Path Forward “We’ve seen how quickly things can escalate during a storm event. Having a pre-loss plan in place gives our clients a clear path forward instead of trying to figure it out in the middle of the chaos,” said Craig Rose, Mitigation Manager at our Lafayette Branch. That “clear path forward” is what makes the biggest difference. When a storm hits, response times are everything, but so is access. Roads can be blocked, power can be out, and communication can be limited. A strong pre-loss plan accounts for those variables and ensures that response efforts can begin as soon as it is safe to do so. Protecting Operations, Employees, and Tenants It also helps property teams stay focused on what matters most. Instead of trying to coordinate vendors, track down information, or make high-pressure decisions, they can follow a plan that has already been built around their property and their priorities. From a business standpoint, that level of preparation protects more than just the building. It protects operations, tenants, employees, and timelines. Building Trust Before Disaster Strikes “Pre-loss planning is about building trust before there’s ever a problem. Our clients know who to call, what to expect, and how we’re going to support them when something happens,” said Paige Hebert, Business Development Representative in Lafayette. That trust and familiarity matter, especially in a region where large-scale events can impact entire communities at once. You are not just calling a company, you are calling a team that already understands your property, your risks, and your expectations. Be Realistic. Be Ready. Pre-loss planning on the Gulf Coast is not about over-preparing. It is about being realistic and ready. Because when the next storm comes through Lafayette, it is not a matter of if you will need a plan—it is a matter of how well that plan works when it is put to the test. Call us today to schedule your Pre-Loss Planning meeting where 24/7 is not just a number… it’s a GUARANTEE!
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