When Should I Worry About Cracks in Ceilings or Walls?

A variety of factors can cause cracks in the ceiling and walls, but it is important to know when these cracks are starting to worry you. Some causes for cracking could be poor wiring, plumbing issues or the foundation being unstable. All of these problems should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems down the line. You can schedule a home maintenance inspection with a licensed home inspector to check the cracks.

Cracks caused by poor wiring

A crack in the wall may be caused by damaged wiring. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as squirrels chewing on your wiring, branches hitting your house while the tree was being trimmed, or high winds. Whatever the cause is, you should deal with this issue quickly to prevent it from getting any worse.

If you’ve checked for obvious problems, it’s time to call a professional to take a look at it.

Cracks caused by plumbing issues

Plumbing issues can cause the walls and ceilings to crack, due to the excess water pressure. Leaky pipes, an overflowing toilet or a faulty water heater can all cause these problems.

If you notice any of the following signs, you may have a plumbing issue:

  • Water spots on the ceiling
  • Grungy water coming out of the faucet
  • The water pressure is low
  • The water heater is making strange noises
  • There’s a weird smell or musty in your bathroom

Cracks caused by foundation issues

If you notice any of the following signs, you may have foundation issues:

  • The home has sunk, is tilting to one side, or is uneven.
  • The floor of the basement is reasonably moist.
  • The home seems drafty or cold.
  • There are marks on the ground that indicate water flowing under the house.
  • You seem to see more cracks in your walls and ceilings than usual.

However, these are not the only causes of cracks in ceilings and walls.

Address these issues as soon as possible

It is important to address any of the above issues as soon as possible, in order to prevent them from getting worse. If you’re dealing with a plumbing issue, for example, make sure you fix the leaky pipe as soon as possible. If you have a cracked foundation, you may need to call in a professional to repair it.

It is also important to get a home maintenance inspection done on a regular basis. This will help you catch any potential problems before they become bigger issues.

What should I do if I see these cracks?

An annual home inspection is a good idea because these professionals can find things that homeowners might miss. They can spot more serious problems like leaky pipes, electrical issues and foundation problems before they get worse and cost you more money to fix. Making sure you know the problem as soon as you notice it — and then fixing it quickly — will help you avoid more expensive or dangerous issues later on.

If you see cracks in your ceiling or walls, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Sometimes these are caused by plumbing issues which can lead to water damage and mold growth if left untreated for too long. Other times they’re due to foundation problems that will need professional repair work done on a larger scale. Knowing what causes the problem is the first step towards fixing it before it gets worse!


For commercial property inspections in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including a thorough and informative home inspection report, learn more at


or request a quote for a commercial inspection at

682-351-2267

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