Water leaks in a wall are a serious plumbing issue. In fact, it is a dangerous situation which can cause structural damage, lead to staining and deterioration of wall paper and also result in the growth of molds which is a potential health hazard for the family. But the key question remains how to find a water leak inside a wall.
If you too are someone looking for the answer, this post is for you. This short guide will tell you how to find a leak inside a wall. It will also give some possible solutions on how to fix it.
Signs of A Water Leak Inside the Wall
As mentioned earlier water leaks in the walls are dangerous. If they are not addressed well in time, they can lead to loss of property and can negatively affect health as well. But the problem with this plumbing issue is that you won’t find out about it until it has already caused damage. But if you pay close attention to some of the signs of a water leak inside the wall, you can minimize the damage. Some of the signs of a water leak are.
Change in the Color
If there is a leakage in the water pipes inside the wall, one of the first signs is the appearance of discoloration. You will notice a change in the color of the wall at different parts.
Mold Growth
It is common for molds to appear in damp and warm spaces in the house such as the basement or the house. However, if you notice mold growth at some unexpected places in the house, this could be a sign of a leaking pipe.
Wet Wall
Wet wall certainly means there is a leakage in one or more of the pipes in the wall. However, here you should remember that a leakage in the pipes might not dampen the area which is closest to the leakage. Instead, it can travel down the pipes and can come in contact with any other wall.
Damaged Wallpaper
Peeling paint or wallpaper? This is another common sign of a leakage in the pipes inside the wall.
Musty Smell
When there is a leakage in the pipes, it is not uncommon to notice a wet, musty smell. In case where you can notice the smell but don’t see any wet spots on the wall, even the smell is just enough to alert you about the possibility of a leakage inside the wall.
Pools of Water
If you notice a pool of water around home appliances such as a washing machine or a water heater, this might be an indication of a leakage in the wall. But before you conclude that, rule out that there is no leakage from the appliances.
Increase in Water Bill
If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill and there is no other obvious leakage in the plumbing structure of the house, then definitely there is a leakage which you cannot see.
Dripping Sound of Water
Is it common for you to hear the dripping sound even when the faucets and shower are turned off? Then there might be a leakage in the wall.
What You Should Do If You Have a Water Leak Inside a Wall?
Before you call in a professional plumber for help, here are a few things which you can do on your own to find out whether there is a leakage or not.
Step 1
Think of all possible appliances in your house which use water. Then turn each one of them off.
Step 2
Check the meter reading on your water meter and record it. If you don’t know where you water meter is, here is how to find it.
Mostly the water meter is located in the front of the house. But if you live in a place where the weather is mostly cold, it might be located inside the house.
In cases where water heaters are placed outside the house, it is usually found inside a concrete box with an iron lid. To remove the lid, you will need to use a screwdriver or a similar tool. Once the lid is removed, you will be able to see the water meter. It can have a digital or an analog display. By reading the numbers, you can have the meter reading.
Step 3
Once you have recorded the meter reading, wait for 3 hours. Meanwhile, do not use water in the house from any faucet or shower.
Step 4
Now go back to the water meter and find out if there is any change in the meter reading. In case the reading has changed, there is a leak somewhere in the house. But in case the meter reading has not changed and you still notice signs of a leakage in the wall, there is a possibility that there is a leakage in the roof or walls.
This is a DIY method of finding out whether there is a leakage in the system or not. However, to find out the exact location of the leakage and how to fix it, you will definitely need to call in a professional plumber. A professional will conduct a few tests using specialized devices to identify the leak and fix it. Some of the tests which can be used to find a leak inside a wall include:
Use of Moisture Meter
Professional plumbers use a moisture meter to pinpoint a leakage in the wall. Use this meter to point out to different areas of the wall. The area where you get the highest reading is the location of the leak. Anyone, including an untrained person can use this device but even if you identify a leak, you cannot fix it. So in either case, you will have to contact a professional plumber.
Infrared Camera
Again this is a professional device which is used to identify wet and cold areas of the wall. In case of a wet or cold wall, you can see blue or purple spots on the camera.
Cut into the Wall
This invasive method if identifying a leak is often not the preferred one. It involves cutting into the wall until you find out the leak. If you are planning to use this method to identify the leak, make sure a competent and experienced plumber and contractor work on the project together.
In Conclusion
If there are leaks in the walls in your home and you don’t know how to get started, contact Mesa Plumbing Company. We are licensed and experienced plumbing professionals who can help resolve all your plumbing problems in no time. With an industry presence since 1949, we are definitely someone you can trust. To know more about the work we do or to schedule an appointment, call now at 480-832-1660 or visit our website.