For most homeowners, there is nothing more daunting than the thought of water damage in their homes. Unfortunately, a proactive approach cannot always prevent certain water damage due to plumbing fixtures' failure. However, there are ways to detect water leakages inside a wall and fix it. In this post, we share how to detect a water leak inside a wall and some of the next steps that you may need to take.
Signs of Water Leak Inside the Wall
Water leaks inside the wall may be small, but they are a serious plumbing concern. If left untreated, water leaks can cause mold growth and structural damage to your property. Moreover, mold and mildew growth can also affect your health.
Unfortunately, water leaks inside the wall are not always obvious. By the time they are apparent, they have already done quite a lot of damage. While you may not always prevent this problem, you can always minimize the damage by paying close attention to the apparent signs when there is a water leak inside the wall. Some of the common signs of a water leak inside the wall may include.
- Mold Growth – Mold growth on the walls and ceiling is one of the most obvious signs of a water leak inside the wall.
- Wet Walls – Another common sign of water leak inside the wall is wet patches on the wall. If you feel that certain areas on your wall or ceiling are wet, there may be a water leakage inside the wall.
- Water Induced Discoloration – Over time, water leaks can lead to discoloration of your wall. If you notice discolored patches on your wall or ceiling, it is a good idea to detect a water leak inside the wall.
- Musty Smell – If you notice an unusual, musty smell in one or more of your rooms, it may indicate water leak inside the wall.
- Damaged Wallpaper – Water leakages inside the wall can damage the wallpaper and cause it to peel over time.
- Dripping Sound – Do you still hear the dripping sound of water once you turn off your faucet or shower? It might be an indication of water leakage in your walls.
- Unusually High Water Bill – If there is a significant change in your water bills without any unusual change in your water consumption, there may be a water leak inside the wall.
How to Detect a Water Leak Inside the Wall?
In case you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it is best to call a professional plumber. However, if there are any unexpected delays in the process, here are the steps you need to take to detect a water leak inside the wall.
Step 1: Turn off the All the Water-Using Appliances
Turn off all the water-using appliances in your home. Disconnect your washing machine, dishwasher and any other appliance connected to the water supply.
Step 2: Record the Water Meter Reading
Once you have turned off or disconnected all the appliances using water, you need to record the number on your water meter next. Take a reading again, a few hours later. If there is a change in your water meter reading and all your faucets and water-using appliances are closed, there may be a leakage inside your wall.
If you not sure where your home’s water meter is located, check the front of your home. If you live in a colder region, the water meter may be located inside the house.
Step 3: Check Your Gutters
As you get started with detecting water leak inside the wall, make sure you check your gutters. Clogged gutters can be a potential cause of water seeping into your home. Make sure your gutters are not clogged with leaves, dirt and debris.
Step 4. Call a Professional
If your gutters are clean and your water meter is running despite no water usage, there is definitely a water leak inside the wall. Once the professional arrives, they may take one or more of the following measures to identify the leak.
Use of Moisture Meter
Professional plumbers often use a moisture meter to locate the area of the leak. They may point it to various areas of the wall until they find the area that produces the highest reading. That point is often the closest to the leak. They may also use other devices such as an infrared camera to detect the water leak inside the wall.
Infrared Camera
Another useful tool widely used by professional plumbers to detect water leak inside the wall is an infrared camera. It highlights the wettest areas of the wall with a blue or purple color on the camera.
Cutting Through the Drywall
Cutting through the drywall may be inevitable in some cases. It involves cutting into your drywall to find out the exact location of the leak. However, it is important to note that your leak may or may not be close to the area of obvious water damage. Water may drip on the side of a pipe and cover some distance before it eventually gets in contact with your wall. Only a professional plumber can cut into the drywall and find out the exact location of the leaks.
Only when a water leak inside the wall is detected can you find ways to fix it.
Professional Plumbers in Arizona
If you live in Mesa, Tempe, and adjoining areas and need services of a professional plumber, contact Mesa Plumbing now. Our licensed and experienced plumbers and technicians use the right equipment to locate and fix all sorts of water leaks and save you both time and money. To find out more about what we do, get in touch today.