Finding A Water Leak Within Walls

A water leak can happen to any homeowner. Perhaps you see the puddles start to form or have noticed a particularly musty smell; possibly your slabs have begun to leak – Maybe you were unaware anything was amiss until you saw your water bill for the month. Unfortunately, one small leak can cause exponential growth in your home’s water usage. Therefore, the sooner you can catch it; generally, the easier and cheaper a repair or home repiping can be. That is not to say that the repairs will be completely inexpensive, per se, but early detection could lessen the impact on your wallet. If the water leak is inside the wall, it may be a bit more difficult to notice or locate, but there are some telltale signs to clue you in that a leak inside of a wall exists.

How to Find the Water Leak

Once you discover that you have a water leak and have eliminated all other possibilities, there are a few things you can look for to determine if the leak is inside the wall.

Texture Changes

Usually, one of the first things people notice with a leak inside the walls is a change to the wall’s texture. This could mean the wall is suddenly smooth when it usually has an orange peel texture, or you may even see bubbles in the paint and drywall. This is a pretty good indicator that there is moisture behind the wall.

Discoloration

Another clue about the water leak’s location is if there is an area of discoloration on the wall. Depending on the color of the wall, it may be a yellow or grey spot on the wall, or it could be just a section of paint that is a bit darker than the rest of the wall. Either way, this is a strong indication of the water leak’s location and the extent of the leak.

Mold or Mildew

Another indicator that can also be hazardous to your health is mold or mildew growth on the walls. Many people with mold allergies tend to notice these problems first as they begin to have allergic reactions to the mold before knowing there is a leak. For those of us who do not suffer from this type of allergy, though you may not notice the mold growth by sight initially, you could become aware of a musty smell in a particular room of the house. This is the beginning of mold or mildew growing on the inside of the wall. A leak that has caused mold to grow will require additional repairs to eliminate the mold once the leak has been fixed.

Specialty Equipment

If you are confident that there is a water leak inside your wall, but you have not pinpointed the location, there are some equipment items you can borrow or purchase to help you narrow it down. One of these is a moisture meter. By placing a moisture meter against a wall, it analyzes the moisture content of the wall. Wherever the reading is highest is closest to the leak. Another option is an infrared camera. These cameras work by detecting temperature. Wherever the leak is will be the coldest section of the wall.

Contact Conyers Plumbing

When all else fails, call the plumber. Your plumber will have the knowledge and access to the right tools to locate the water leak and get it repaired for you quickly. After all, with water leaks, the sooner it can be repaired, the better.