What happens if water gets under baseboards?

Author: Prof. Kelton Fritsch PhD  |  Last update: Friday, March 28, 2025

When pipes leak, water can seep behind your walls for days unnoticed until mold rears its ugly head. Signs of baseboard water damage include peeling paint, visible stains, or the baseboard physically breaking apart from the wall.

What to do if water gets under a baseboard?

In most cases, you'd want to replace any baseboards with water damage on them, unless the damage is minimal. For example, anything with peeling paint or a deformed shape should be replaced. But if all you notice is minor staining, let the baseboard dry and paint over it.

How long does it take for water to damage baseboards?

TLDR: It takes about 72 hours for areas affected by water damage to dry completely. But, it only takes about an hour for the water to begin causing damage to your home. For this reason, you should contact a water damage restoration company like Steamy Concepts as soon as possible.

How to tell if baseboard is water damaged?

Sometimes water damage is obvious, showing itself in water marks or stains after a major leak. Other times it can sneak up on you… a crack, bubbling, swelling, or peeling on your baseboard that slowly develops over time. These area all classic signs of water damage below the surface or in many cases behind your walls.

Is it bad if water gets under my house?

FACT: Standing water under the house can damage the foundation, rot wooden beams and joists, and cause mold and mildew, contributing to unhealthy air inside the home. ALWAYS get a home inspection when buying a home - NEW HOME OR OLD HOME. Protect your investment. #shorts #youtubeshorts Call 855-500-3744 Ext. 1 to sc.

How To Repair Water Damaged Baseboard and PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE!

How long does it take for water to damage foundation?

How Long Does It Take For Water To Damage Foundations? Water can compromise your foundation's strength in as little as 72 hours under severe conditions, though the process often takes months or years. The concrete damage usually starts subtly—hairline cracks slowly widen, creating paths for water seepage.

Is a water leak under the house covered by insurance?

Under most standard home insurance policies, if water damage occurs suddenly or accidentally from a source inside your home, such as a busted pipe, it will likely be covered by your homeowners insurance. If the water comes from outside your home, it will not be covered by your standard policy.

Can wet baseboards cause mold?

If areas in your home haven't thoroughly dried, like behind the baseboards or drywall, water damage causes mold that can often go unchecked. Indoor mold is particularly destructive and can cause several health issues, from sneezing to severe allergic reactions in immunocompromised individuals.

How much does it cost to replace baseboards?

Homeowners should expect to pay between $1 and $1.60 per linear foot for solid wood baseboards. This cost can increase based on the type of wood used and the type of design. A basic baseboard will cost less than a baseboard that has more intricate carving and detail.

Should you hear water in baseboard?

Sometimes when units heat up, the fins expand, causing a crinkling or popping sound. This is completely normal and no cause for alarm. However, if you hear rushing water either in the baseboard or the walls around the baseboard, there may be a problem. Over time, units can lose water which in turn allows air in.

How quickly does mold grow after water damage?

mildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem. Use the diagram on the facing page to assess the extent of mold in your home.

Should you remove baseboards after flooding?

In a flooded basement, this can include baseboards, drywall and insulation. The baseboards most of the time are always removed in order to expose the wet drywall behind them.

Will mold always grow on wet drywall?

No mold doesn't always grow after a leak. If the temperature isn't right or if the leak is properly dealt with quickly, there's a chance that mold spores won't be able to take root or grow.

How do you drain water from baseboards?

Just hook a hose on the boiler drain valve and open it. Once you've taken the pressure off you can open a drain valve on a purge station to let air into the system to facilitate draining the rest. Water will still be trapped in the pipes where they drop down then back up between rooms.

Can you sand down water damaged baseboards?

If you discover any rough spots, sand them down to ensure total smoothness. Now, this could be a good time to check for any other damp spots in the drywall. If you see any signs of excess water, don't bother applying a new baseboard.

What to do if water gets under flooring?

Key Takeaways. If you have water under your floorboards, remove floor coverings and dispose of damaged paper products, dry the area, clean and disinfect the soaked floorboards, ventilate the room, and contact a professional like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore for complete restoration services.

Is it cheaper to paint or replace baseboards?

The average cost of installing baseboards ranges from $800 to $2,250. Painting your baseboards adds about $1 to $6 per linear foot.

Is it hard to replace baseboards yourself?

Baseboard moulding is a simple way to add instant character to a room. While installation of baseboard trim isn't hard, cutting and measuring the angles can be tricky. The process is similar to installing crown moulding.

How long do baseboards last?

Quality wood baseboards can last decades when properly maintained.

Why is water coming from under my baseboard?

Water leaks caused by plumbing problems or inadequate drainage after a significant rainfall can result in water seeping through the slab foundation and soaking the carpet padding or wetting baseboards.

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Can a one-time water leak cause mold?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say so. A single water leak can quickly lead to mold if not fixed right away. This shows how important it is to control moisture and prevent mold after water damage. Moisture and mold spores are everywhere.

Who is responsible for damage caused by a water main break?

When a water main break occurs on public property, it is generally the responsibility of the town, city, water utility company, or other public agency that oversees water distribution to fix it.

Will insurance pay to replace the entire floor?

Dwelling coverage, on your condo or homeowners policy, may pay to repair or replace your floors and carpet if they're damaged by a covered peril. For instance, if your home's floors are damaged in a fire, your home insurance may pay for new flooring, up to your policy's limits and minus your deductible.

Will insurance cover mold removal?

Is mold remediation or removal covered by insurance? Remediation and removal of mold won't be covered by your homeowners insurance unless the mold resulted from a covered peril, and coverage is often limited.

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