If you’re having moisture problems, our objective is to show you how to find a water leak inside your wall and fix it. We also discussed why leaks in walls are destructive and harmful.
How to Detect Water Leakage in Walls
Water leaks in basements and walls can significantly harm your investment and expose you to health risks. Left unattended, this problem could lead to catastrophic damage that will require expensive repairs.
We included wall leak detection signs and steps to address the problem.
Also discussed are preventive measures to adopt to avoid future leaks. Read along for details about the points raised and more.
-
Why Plumbing Wall Leaks is a Major Problem
Utility connections to a home may be channeled underground or within walls. While this is standard practice, problems may result from leaks or other forms of malfunction.
A plumbing leak in your wall is a severe problem as it’s time-sensitive; hence, it must be fixed immediately to avoid causing significant damage. A range of issues may result when leaks in walls aren’t addressed.
Such include increased expenses on water bills as much of it is being wasted. More severe problems problems include mold and mildew growth.
As this continues, it poses a health hazard, as mold spores will likely be abundant within your home. This could worsen allergic conditions while causing other respiratory diseases.
Pests are drawn to moisture and will likely find a more favorable nesting site in your home. Termites are a homeowner’s nightmare.
With moisture in your walls, it won’t be long before they’re attracted to damp conditions created by such leaks. There’s also structural damage to contend with.
In all, water leaks in your walls can be damaging.
How to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall
Are you wondering how to go about identifying water leaks inside your walls? It’s not as complex as you think.
Water leaks can be identified when you’re more attentive to your environment, like perceiving the musty smell that often results.
Water leaks can also be detected using tools like water or moisture meters. If you have peeling paint on walls, it indicates an underlying moisture problem.
In some cases, water leaks in walls may cause bubbles on walls or ceilings. Another obvious sign is the growth of mildew or mold on the wall.
Faint dripping sounds, unexplained increases in water bills, wet flooring, and moisture-stained wall(s) are more signs that point to water leaks in walls.
Let’s briefly discuss each of these for better understanding.
i. Perceiving Musty Smell
One of the first signs of a moisture problem in a home is a musty smell.
Having noticed such, you’ll have to look around to find or detect any of the other symptoms discussed below. You may be able to identify multiple symptoms.
Further examination will reveal where the leak is coming from.
ii. Using Moisture Detection Tools
Some moisture detection tools make the job easier when finding wall leaks.
Any area of your wall where a leak is suspected must be examined using such tools. Moisture meters aren’t complex tools to use.
You’ll need to follow the use manual depending on your type.
iii. Peeling Paint on Walls
Peeling paints is another reality persons with wall leaks are likely to encounter. Areas of your walls with the most peels tell a story.
Further probing is necessary to determine if there are underlying causes or not. Also, consider looking at other symptoms that support your suspicions.
iv. Formation or Appearance of Bubbles on Walls or Ceiling
It’s commonplace to find bubbles forming on your walls. This is a moisture-related problem that needs to be examined and addressed.
Such bubbles will usually form along areas of your walls with leaks within. So, scan your walls for any bubbles, including the ceiling area. If there are, consider examining for leaks.
v. Growth of Mildew or Mold
Have you noticed mildew growth on your walls lately? It could point to an underlying problem, such as a leak within your walls.
You must understand that the appearance of mildew and mold also poses a health risk. This calls for urgent measures to eliminate mold and identify and fix the moisture source(s).
vi. Faint Dripping Sounds
Water leaks inside a wall may not be immediately noticeable without symptoms showing. However, when they do, you can set out to closely observe.
One of the ways to do that is to identify any damp areas along your walls and listen for any faint dripping sounds when the toilet is flushed.
While this approach might help, some faint dripping sounds may not be audible.
vii. Unexplained Rise in Water Bill
Have you noticed an unexplained rise in your water bill? Does this correspond with stains on your walls or any moisture-related symptoms discussed here?
If so, you may leak within your walls. Your rising water bill points to a wastage. You’ll have to act fast to fix the problem and prevent or contain any moisture-related structural damage.
viii. Wet Flooring
Wet flooring close to your walls could be a sign of an ongoing leak within your walls. If you have a carpet around the area, it may always turn out wet.
If it cannot be explained, it’s time you take steps towards getting to the root of the problem. Consider using a moisture meter or similar detection tools or call for professional inspection.
ix. Moisture-Stained Walls
One of the easiest ways to detect water leaks in walls is by inspecting your walls. In most cases, this problem leads to moisture stains appearing on your walls.
Without identifying underlying causes, the problem will only get worse. Wherever such stains appear, affected areas will need to be probed further.
Steps to Address Wall Water Leak Problems
If you’ve successfully identified a leak within your wall or strongly suspect such, you may consider calling for professional help.
Such may include water damage restoration services, plumbers, or general contractors. This is much better than doing the job yourself, as it could be riddled with errors.
Finding water leaks inside a wall can be done by following the tips above. For best results, consider seeking professional help.