How Plumbers Find Leaks Behind Walls
Leaks behind walls are among the most difficult to locate. These can be major leaks that cause water to gush down the wall and across the floor.
These can also be small leaks that may not be noticed for days, weeks or longer. A water leak can result in damage to drywall, trim, flooring, furniture and more.
Water running nonstop through the leak leads to water waste and higher-than-normal water bills. In addition, mold and mildew growth are likely.
We always respond to water leak service requests as soon as possible. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay.
You might assume that a plumber would need to tear down large areas of drywall to pinpoint the location of the leak, but this isn’t the case. Through advanced techniques, we can focus our repair efforts on the exact location. How does this work?
Identify Signs of Water Damage
Some people contact us for leak detection when they suspect a leak but cannot see any signs of water damage. This might be when a water bill is significantly higher than it normally is. Others may notice damp spots, bubbling drywall or lower water pressure. Leaks behind walls may also cause a foul or musty odor, a dripping sound, mold growth or a warped wall. In many cases, leaks behind walls are not visible. If you suspect a leak, it’s best to request an inspection as soon as possible.
Complete a Water Meter Test
When we arrive at your home, we’ll complete a water meter test. This involves stopping all water usage in the home, such as from the washing machine, dishwasher, faucets and more. After the water in the home has been turned off, we will review the water meter. If the water meter continues to move, there’s likely a water leak somewhere in the home.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Once a water leak has been confirmed, the water supply to the home should be shut off completely. This will immediately stop the flow of water through the leaky pipe. By doing so, it prevents additional water waste and property damage. We identify and repair leaks as soon as possible. Once the leak is repaired, the water supply can be turned on, and you can begin using water throughout your home as usual.
Measure Moisture Levels
If there are visible signs of a water leak behind a wall, such as peeling or bubbling paint, we can generally locate the area of the leak without checking the moisture level. However, pinpointing smaller leaks is challenging. In addition, if the leak is higher in a wall, the water may only be visible near or on the ground rather than at the location of the leak.
We use a moisture meter to identify concealed moisture behind the walls. To detect moisture, the device only needs to be pressed against the wall. Because it does not need to penetrate the wall, there is no unnecessary property damage. By taking several readings in different locations, we can narrow down the location of the leak to a small area.
View the Leak
Once we have focused our attention on a specific area, we need to visualize the leak. To do so, we may create a small hole in your wall. This allows us to identify the exact area where we need to cut through the drywall and make the pipe repair. Without using these techniques, a much larger section of drywall would need to be cut to identify where the leak is located.
Make the Repair
The repair process for a leaky pipe varies based on the cause of the leak and how severe it is. If the leak is smaller, a pipe patch or an application of sealant are adequate. If the leak is larger or located in a more vulnerable area, a section of the pipe may need to be cut away and replaced with a new pipe.
As a plumbing company, we do not offer mold remediation, cleaning or drywall repair services. After the leak repair is completed, you may need to hire separate contractors or do the work yourself in order to completely erase all signs of damage.
Check the Water Meter
Before we leave your home, we will turn on the water supply. We will once again check the water meter after the supply is restored. The water meter should no longer be moving after the leak is repaired. If it is moving, we will check your home for a second leak.
A water leak is a serious matter that requires prompt attention. The longer you wait to schedule leak detection and repair service, the more damage could be done to your home.
In addition, the continued water flow will cause your water bill to skyrocket until the repairs are completed. You will never wait long for our professionals to arrive at your home. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay. To schedule leak detection and repair service, contact Lakeland Benjamin Franklin today.
