Tracker On! How to Find A Water Leak Inside A wall
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency claims that nearly 10,000 gallons of water are wasted due to household leaks annually.
This is not only an environmental concern, but it’s also a financial one, as it puts an unnecessary burden on one’s pocket—in the form of increased water bills.
But before you go and break into the wall, you need to make sure if there’s a leak behind it. Luckily, you can do this by simply using your five senses—actually just four; it’s to keep your sense of taste out of this one.
Can you HEAR dripping sounds?
This is one of the first signs that will help you detect a leak early on. When you turn off a faucet, shower or any other water supply fixture around the house, you’ll likely hear a very slight dripping sound from a nearby wall. This is the first clear indication of a water leak.
SEE if there is any discoloration
If there is a plumbing leak inside the wall, sooner or later, the moisture will get absorbed into the wall, causing a stain in the form of brownish patches or spots. This is a very noticeable sign of a problem with the internal pipework, and warrants urgent attention.
TOUCH to feel a change in texture
This is something you’ll probably see before you feel. If you leave stains unaddressed for too long, the wall will absorb enough water that there will be a bubbling effect on the surface and then eventually, the wallpaper or paint will start to peel off.
Do you SMELL something musty?
If the moisture hasn’t yet shown up in the form of patches on the wall surfaces, it’s likely hiding right there in the thick wall and will soon give off a moldy smell. The wall’s material may cause this smell, and the moisture absorbed inside it might be hiding mold growth—either way, it will smell nasty if left for too long.
Final Tests
If you’ve discovered one or all of these signs, you probably have a water leak on your hands. But before you break the wall, do some final checks just to be sure.
For instance, check your water bill. If there’s an unexplained increase in your water bills, it means your household is losing more water than you realize through leaks.
You can also invest in a moisture meter; these are small, handy devices that are available at hardware stores that indicate moisture behind walls. It’s best if you use a non-intrusive one to avoid unnecessary damage.
If you’ve successfully detected a leak, it’s time you call a trusted plumbing service in your area to help you deal with the leak. If you’re in Texas, give us a call at Pro Serve Plumbing, we provide you with 24-hour plumbers to make sure your house never gets flooded while you sleep!
