14 Apr Learn How To Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall
Is your water bill unusually high despite your regular water use? Water leakage could be a problem. You should investigate any water leakage in your wall immediately. Water damage to walls is often subtle. Therefore, a thorough inspection of the wall is the first step in locating the leak.
Signs of water leaks in walls
First, look for signs of water damage to walls. These are usually changes you can feel and/or smell in your property.
- Damp or discolored wallpaper
- Wallpaper or paint can be removed from walls
- Staint or warped walls
- Water staining on your ceiling or floor can cause a crack, buckle or crack in the drywall.
- Drips or pools of water near the ceiling or walls.
- Musty odour
Some signs can indicate the presence of mold in places where water is not normally accumulated. These signs are indicators of excessive moisture that can lead to mold growth.
This could lead to wet spots or paint peeling, as well as respiratory problems such frequent sneezing and a runny nose.
It is important to fix the mold problem before it spreads and before internal plumbing problems get worse.
How to Find Water Leaks in Walls
We have already discussed the visible signs such as paint bubbling on walls and water damage. To confirm that water is leaking from your walls, you can perform a few maintenance checks.
Use your water meter
Double-checking your water meter is the best way to find hidden water leaks. This device can be found inside your home or outside. Here’s how you can check it once you have located it.
- Take a look at the water meters and note the number. This is the amount of water your household uses in gallons.
- Turn off all water-using appliances, such as dishwashers, sprinklers and washing machines, including showers, faucets, toilets and toilets.
- To ensure accuracy and success, you should not use water in your home for more than three hours. Check to make sure there are no leaks in your toilets and faucets.
- Next, read the water meter again. If it has increased, there is likely water leakage in your home.
Get a Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is one of the tools that will help you find leaks in walls. It measures the moisture content of materials. Normal readings for concrete, drywall, and other components of masonry would be below one percent.
There are two types of pin-type moisture testers: one for pinpointing smaller areas and the other for scanning larger areas. This device can be purchased at different prices in your local home improvement store.
This tool can be difficult to use and may take some time. Professionals also carry both pin-type and non-pin-less tools to quickly locate pockets of moisture in large areas and pinpoint the depth at which they are occurring.
An Infrared Camera is a good choice
It can be difficult to determine the extent of water damage if you don’t see obvious signs such as paint bubbling. Infrared cameras are a fast and non-invasive way to find a leaky water pipe in your wall.
This tool can’t tell you what’s behind your wall technically. It can sense heat from your wall, and display the temperature range it detects by using different colors.
This camera is useful in diagnosing water leakage behind walls because it displays blue and purple to show the coldest and wettest spots.
Cut Into Your Drywall
These options do not require you to tear down your wall. This is a more difficult option and should be used only as an emergency or when other options have failed.
This method will allow you to see what’s happening behind your walls. The location of a water stain in drywall might not match the location where the leak is.
To avoid making the wrong move, try to pinpoint the cause.
Causes of water leakage in walls
You must still find the source of the leak after you have found signs of water damage to walls. You can begin by inspecting the internal plumbing system as well as exterior materials like caulking, flashing and sprinklers.
Interior Plumbing Problems
You may notice a slight rise in your water meters readings. This could indicate that your plumbing is faulty.
Leaks occur when pipes are worn or the joints between them become weak.
These situations require immediate attention, particularly if a pipe is leaking through the ceiling. This can be dangerous.
Exterior Material Failures
If your home isn’t showing signs of the problem, you should go outside to inspect the exterior materials. The grade of exterior materials is determined by their relative position to the ground.
- Exterior issues above grade may include blocked gutters and downspouts as well as ineffective caulking and deteriorating flashing. These areas should be inspected for leaks. If you find any, fix them immediately.
- Damaged sprinkler pipes, poor drainage from downspouts or french drains can all be causes of exterior below-grade problems ( The Spruce 2021). These issues can affect walls that are built below grade, such as your basement. Make sure you inspect them frequently for any problems.
Say Goodbye To Leaks
Hidden leaks such as a water stain or paint bubbling on walls are signs that there is potential for serious damage.
If left unattended, a wall leak can cause serious water damage and wreak havoc in your home.
You can find the source of the leak yourself, but calling professionals can help you save time, money, and effort.
Long Beach water damage repair company will conduct a thorough assessment of the problem and recommend the best solution for homeowners. This involves locating the leak in your wall and identifying the source. Then, repair or replacement of the damaged parts is done to prevent further damage.