11 Oct Tips On Finding a Water Leak Inside a Wall
Are you surprised by how high your water bills are despite regular water usage? Leakage in your wall could be a problem. Water leakage should be investigated immediately. Wall damage is often subtle. A thorough inspection of the wall will help you find the leak.
Water leaks in walls
Look for signs of water damage on walls. These are changes that you feel or smell in your property.
- Wallpaper that is stained or damp
- You can remove wallpaper or paint from walls
- Stained and warped walls
- Water staining can cause cracks, buckles or tears in your ceiling or floor.
- Pools or drips of water around the ceiling and walls.
- Musty odor
There are signs that mold can be found in areas where water is not normally accumulated. These signs can indicate excessive moisture, which can lead to mold growth.
This could cause wet spots, paint peeling, and respiratory problems like frequent sneezing or a runny nose.
It is crucial to address the mold problem immediately, before it spreads or internal plumbing issues get worse.
How to find water leaks in walls
We’ve already talked about visible signs like paint bubbling on walls or water damage. You can do a few maintenance checks to confirm that water is not leaking from your walls.
Your water meter should be used
Double-checking your watermeter is the best way for hidden water leaks to be found. You can find this device inside or outside your home. Once you find it, here’s how to check it.
- Look at your water meters and take note of the number. This number is the amount of water your household uses per gallons.
- All water-using appliances such as sprinklers, dishwashers, washing machines, and sprinklers must be turned off, including toilets, showers, and faucets.
- You should not let your water run for longer than three hours in your home to ensure accuracy and success. Make sure your faucets and toilets are not leaking.
- Next, check the water meter once more. You may have water leakage if it has increased.
Get a Moisture Meter
The moisture meter is one tool that can help you locate leaks in walls. It measures moisture content. The normal readings for concrete, plaster, and other components would be less than one percent.
Two types of pin-type moisture testers are available: one to pinpoint smaller areas, and another for scanning larger areas. You can purchase this device at a different price in your local home improvement shop.
This tool is not easy to use and can take some time. Professionals carry both pin-type tools and non-pinless tools in order to locate moisture pockets in large areas quickly and determine the depth.
An Infrared camera is a great choice
If you don’t notice obvious signs like paint bubbling, it can be difficult to assess the extent of water damage. The infrared camera is a quick and non-invasive method to locate a leaky pipe in your wall.
Technically, this tool cannot tell you what’s behind your wall. The tool can detect heat from your wall and display that range of temperature using different colors.
This camera can be used to detect water leakage behind walls. It displays blue and purple to indicate the coldest and wettest spots.
Cut Into Your Drywall
These options don’t require you to take down your wall. This is a more complicated option that should only be used in an emergency situation or when all other options have failed.
This will let you see behind your walls. It is possible that the location of the water stain in the drywall may not correspond to the exact location of the leak.
Avoid making the wrong decision.
Water leakage in walls: Causes
After you have discovered signs of water damage on walls, it is important to still locate the source of the leak. Start by inspecting both the interior plumbing system and exterior materials such as flashing, caulking, sprinklers, and flashing.
Interior Plumbing Problems
Your water meters readings may show a slight increase. This could be a sign that your plumbing may be faulty.
Leaks can occur when pipes become worn or joints between them become weak.
These situations need immediate attention, especially if a pipe leaks through the ceiling. This could be very dangerous.
Failures in Exterior Material
If the problem is not evident in your home, it’s worth going outside to examine the exterior materials. The relative position of exterior materials to the ground determines their grade.
- Blocked gutters and downspouts, ineffective caulking, and deteriorating flashing are all possible exterior issues. You should inspect these areas for any leaks. You should immediately fix any leaks.
- Exterior below-grade problems can be caused by damaged sprinkler pipes, poor drainage or French drains ( The Spruce 2021). Walls built below grade can be affected by these issues, including your basement. You should inspect them often for signs of damage.
Say Goodbye To Leaks
Signs of potential damage include paint bubbling or a water stain on the walls.
Unattended wall leaks can cause severe water damage and havoc in your house.
Although you can locate the leak source yourself, calling professionals will help you save money and time.
Long Beach water damage restoration company will assess the situation and offer the best possible solution. This includes locating the leak and identifying its source. To prevent further damage, the damaged or defective parts must be repaired or replaced.