Water leaks in the walls are a common sight in homes. Some leaks are easily identifiable while others are difficult. For example, water from the broken pipe can be seen easily, but leaks in hidden spots could remain hidden for a longer period, resulting in major structural damage. These leaks not only lead to water wastage but also damage your home and increase the water bill. If not fixed on time, these leaks grow further, causing extensive issues. Therefore, it is important to detect water leaks in walls in time. To help you identify the leaks, we will discuss the various steps.
Steps to Detect Water Leaks in Walls
Inspect for the Leak
The first step is to visually inspect for water leaks in the walls. Closely examine the walls and ceilings to look for the following spots of water damage or leakage:
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Discoloration: Check for unusual and tough-to-remove stains or marks on the walls or ceilings. This can be a sign of a slow and constant leak in that area.
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Paint or wallpaper coming off: If you find that the paint or wallpaper has started to peel, bubble, or crack, there is a high chance that the wall has water leaks.
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Patches of mold or mildew: Mold or mildew growing on walls generally appear as white, black, and green patches. These patches are a clear indication of exposure to moisture, indicating a water leak in that area.
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Warped or buckled walls and ceilings: If your wall or ceiling seems to warp or buckle, it may be because of water damage.
Check the Water Bill
Keep a check on the water bill, as a water leak can increase the monthly water bill significantly. A standard way of measurement could be considering EPA's suggestion that a four-member family would usually not use more than 12,000 gallons (45,000 liters) of water during colder seasons. If your water consumption is higher, it clearly indicates a water leak.
Perform a Water Meter Test
A quick and easy way to identify water leaks is by checking the water meter. To perform the water meter test, first locate the water meter, which is generally located near the sidewalk or curb in front of your house. Then turn off all the water sources in your house, including taps, faucets, toilets, and hoses.
After turning off all the water sources, check the water meter reading. If any of the numbers or dials are moving, it shows that there is a potential water leak.
Use a Moisture Meter
To identify the exact location of the water leak, a moisture meter is the perfect device. It measures the moisture content inside the wall when placed directly against it. This device is helpful if you know which wall has a water leak but don't know the exact location. Place it at different spots, and the area with the highest reading will be closest to the leak.
Locate the Exact Source of the Leak
After getting the idea about the location of the leak, use a moisture meter to locate the exact source. This can be difficult as the source might not be exactly where the sign of water damage is. A simple way to locate the source is by cutting a small hole in the wall near the area of visible damage. This will help you understand the source of the leak.
Why is it Important to Detect Water Leaks?
Reduce the water bills.
Undetected water leaks can lead to higher water bills, costing you hundreds of pounds a year. Identifying the leaks and fixing them at the right time can save a lot of money in the long run.
Ensure the Safety of Water
If the water supply pipes are leaking, the water can get contaminated. This will risk the health of everyone who will use the water for drinking or for any other purpose. In fact, the whole property can be contaminated if there is a leak in the wastewater pipe. To ensure a safe water supply, it is important to identify leaks and get them fixed by a professional.
Avoid Damage
Apart from the wastage of water and money, water leaks can also damage the surface where it is leaking. If there's a leak in the ground, over the years, it can cause damage to the foundation of a building. It will increase the moisture level within the ground and lead to the growth of mold and other infections.
If the leak remains undetected for a long time, it can cause extensive damage to the wall, resulting in costly repairs. Therefore, it is important to invest in water leak detection to prevent future damage.
Make Sure Your Water Supply is Reliable
One of the most important reasons to check water leaks is to ensure a reliable water supply. Many businesses need a reliable and constant flow of water to run their daily work. If there is a leak, it can cause problems and interrupt the water supply. Hence, water leak detection is important.
Call the Professionals
Any homeowner can follow a simple process to detect water leaks, if it's just the beginning of a leak. However, for extensive leaks, it may seem challenging to detect water leaks. In such a case, it is best to call a professional for the task as they will not just detect the leak but also fix it. Professionals have advanced electronic tools that make water leak detection much easier.
