Leaks can come from many areas, such as inside the walls. Leaks inside the walls are often caused by faulty plumbing or cracks in the pipes. Regardless of the materials used for your plumbing, damage can occur to the pipes, especially in colder climates, when the water expands as it freezes. Water leaks can come from many sources, and all need different types of care. The technical definition of a leak is a gradual loss of liquid (in this case water) from a system. A leak, if left unattended, can cause serious damage to property and pipes, and eventually lead to worse leaks. What Will the Water Leak Look Like? A watermark on your wall that was not there before indicates that a leak must be somewhere out there. Aside from the watermarks or wet spots on the wall, black or brown spots might appear, especially as mold and mildew begin to grow. The paints on your wall will also start to peel and bubble up over time, and visible stains and discoloration will appear over time. As you walk past the walls, smells of musty scents can be detected. Turn off all of the water inside and outside of your home or building. This includes all the automatic water users. Then, read your meter, wait 15 minutes, and take another reading. Make sure no one uses any water during that time. If there is a recorded water usage in this period, it could mean there’s a leak. You’ll hear dripping sounds even if the water sources are turned off, and the worst thing is that the water bill will be exponentially higher than usual, especially if your water pipe causes the leak. Selecting the Right Test to Determine if There Is a Leak Sometimes the water can back up into the meter itself. If your meter has started collecting water, it may be a sign of a leak. Check the areas where your supply line comes above the ground or where it enters your home. If the floor or soil surrounding it is constantly wet, there’s likely an issue. Leaks can potentially damage your wall over time, and many house issues may arise, such as mold issues. This is why leak detection can be relatively inexpensive, given the potential damage it can cause to your home. Here are some of the few ways to conduct leak detection:

Moisture Detection Unit

This device can be purchased from local hardware stores to assist you in leak detection. It can analyze the moisture inside your wall and help you locate where the most moisture build-up occurs. However, you will still need professional help to find the source of the leak.

Infrared Thermography Inspection to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall

Another leak detection tool is called an infrared camera. With thermography, this camera will analyze moisture in the wall by using optics, infrared energy, and surface temperature. A professional must read the colors on the camera and know where the temperature differential is.

Cutting a hole through your drywall

The last thing you want to do to conduct leak detection is to cut a hole in the drywall where the leak is showing. This will allow you to get behind the wall and see where the leak is coming from. But obviously, this will damage your wall, so this is not advisable. Hiring a professional is still the best way to deal with the water leaks inside your walls. This will save you time, money, and repairs in the end. This will make sure that the leaks are properly dealt with without damaging your property in the process. Don’t wait for the water leak to get worse. Call a professional plumber or a leak detection company to inspect your issues and determine what the cost of repair might be.

Blog, Nassau Home Inspection

How to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall?

The Inspection Boys

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