Most homeowners may be surprised to learn that not every water leak in your home results in puddles and a mad scramble for buckets and towels. Some leaks are subtle and can go undetected for long periods. Severe damage can occur behind the walls and under the floor when a leaky pipe, fixture, or appliance goes unnoticed. To protect your home from damaged drywall, paint, and flooring and prevent a mold infestation, familiarize yourself with the common signs of a water leak in your walls and how to pinpoint the cause of the leak.
Signs There’s a Water Leak Behind Your Walls
While many plumbing leaks are subtle, they are not entirely impossible to detect. It’s important to watch for signs of a water leak inside your walls because the buildup of moisture damages your home and causes mold to grow. These spores can cause respiratory issues and make life unbearable at home.
Protect your family’s health and your home’s structural integrity by keeping an eye out for these warning signs that there’s water leaking behind your walls:
- Your walls are damp, discolored, or warped.
- The paint or wallpaper is peeling or bubbling.
- Your drywall ceiling is cracked, stained, or bubbling.
- There are pools of water on the floor or drips falling from the ceiling.
- A musty smell permeates your home.
- You’ve found mold growing in unexpected places.
- You hear dripping sounds even after you’ve turned off a faucet or shower.
No Visible Signs of a Water Leak? Use Your Water Meter
Do you have a gut feeling that something just isn’t right with your home’s plumbing, but there are no visible signs of water damage? You can confirm the presence of a water leak behind your wall by reading your water meter. This meter will be located inside or in front of your home.
Follow these steps to detect a leaking pipe, fixture, or appliance with your water meter:
- Step One: Locate your water meter and record the number displayed.
- Step Two: Turn off all water-dependent appliances and fixtures, such as dishwashers, toilets, showers, and sprinklers.
- Step Three: Wait three hours and be sure not to use water during this time to keep the final results accurate.
- Step Four: Reread your water meter after at least three hours. If the number displayed on its face increases, you have a water leak somewhere in your house.
Tests We Can Perform to Help You Detect Water Leaks Inside Your Walls
All signs indicate a water leak behind your walls, but how do you pinpoint the exact cause? You could visit your local hardware store and pick up a moisture meter or infrared camera to find the water leak, but you will still need to hire a professional to fix the problem. Instead of wasting time and spending more money than necessary, call on the professionals at Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter Service.
We use state-of-the-art leak detection equipment to resolve the issue quickly, saving you time and money on your water bill. Whether the leak is due to corroded drain pipes, a drain clog, or your home’s shifting foundation, we’ll provide a lasting solution so that you don’t have to worry about extensive water damage. So reach out to our plumbers in La Verne and the surrounding areas today to get back to enjoying the comforts of your home.
