If you detect a spike in your water bill even though water use has remained constant, you might be dealing with water leakage inside the walls. Understandably, discovering a leak out of the blue is panic-inducing. If you notice a water leak within your wall, examine the cause and look for the signs you may have overlooked. Since telltale signs of water damage in walls are typically subtle, engage a Sacramento plumber to undertake a comprehensive analysis to locate the leak. Let’s delve further to learn about the telltale signs of water leaking into walls!
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Signs of Water Leaks
Following are the indicators of water damage in walls:
- Damp or stained drywall
- Wall has peeling paint
- Bent or discolored wall
- Buckling, cracking, or water stain on drywall ceiling or floor
- A musty odor
- Drips from the ceiling or water pooling on the floor
However, some of the above symptoms might also signify the presence of mold owing to excessive moisture, leading to mold infestation. Additionally, you may suffer from sneezing or a runny nose. Thus, addressing the mold problem as soon as possible before it escalates is vital.
Ways to Discover Water Leaks in Walls
If you detect water leakage inside your walls, you may conduct the following maintenance inspections to determine the existence of a leak. If you’re unable to identify the source of the leak or if you need repairs, you may consider contacting a plumbing company in Sacramento for professional assistance.
Use a Moisture Meter:
A moisture meter may assist you in locating leaks inside walls by determining the moisture content in materials. Drywall, concrete, and other masonry components’ comprise a reading of less than 1%. This device has two types—the first is pin-type for measuring levels in smaller and more accurate regions, while the other is pinless for scanning broader areas. It’s readily available at any home improvement shop.
Check the Water Meter:
Double-checking your water meter is the most straightforward method for identifying an undetected water leak. You can find this device inside or outside your home. Consider the following pointers to check it:
- Initially, read the water meter and note down the displayed figure, which is the water amount consumed by your family in gallons.
- After that, switch off all faucets, showers, toilets, and water-using equipment. If you want precise results, don’t use water in your house for at least three hours. Subsequently, examine your faucets, toilets, or showers for leaks.
- Now, reread the meter. If you see the raised figure, there’s a water leak somewhere in your home. For a more tech-savvy approach to monitoring your home’s water usage and detecting anomalies that could indicate leaks, consider using the bluebot system, which provides real-time data and alerts.
Employ an Infrared Camera:
Unable to notice the more apparent indications, such as paint oozing on the wall, might make it difficult for you to identify water damage. Utilize an infrared camera to quickly and conveniently spot the water leak in your wall. While this water leak detector technique can’t manifest what’s hidden behind a wall, it can display the temp range using different colors by monitoring the heat emanating from your wall. If it flashes blue or purple, it signifies the wettest or colder locations behind the walls, indicating water leaks.
Related Article – Signs of Hidden Water Leaks in the Bathroom
Make a Slit in Your Drywall:
Since cutting into your drywall is more intrusive, consider this method as a last option, or if all the approaches fail. This method enables you to examine what’s occurring behind your walls. While the water stain’s position might not be the same as the leak source’s location, avoid cutting into the wrong section by thoroughly evaluating the problem.
