How to Find Water Leaks Behind Walls

Keep Your Eyes Peeled For these Signs

The first step in detecting water leaks behind walls is to look for visible signs of water damage. These are things you should get in the habit of doing as a homeowner and property owner, because these can be obvious signs that are also sometimes easy to miss:

• Water stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings
• Peeling paint or wallpaper on the walls or ceilings
• Musty odor, dampness, and/or humidity
• Mold or mildew growth
• Cracks in the walls, concrete slabs, or foundation
• Unusually expensive water bills and high water usage

Take a look around your rooms. A few minutes of mindfulness can end up saving you from dealing with hours of water damage cleanup.

Listen for the Sound of Running Water

Let’s make use of another sense. Turn off all the faucets and appliances in your home and listen for the sound of running or dripping water. This is best done at night when noise pollution is at its lowest.

If you hear running or dripping water when everything is turned off, you could be witnessing a water leak spreading within the walls.

Check Your Water Meter

A water meter is a device installed in a building to measure the amount of water used. It is typically located near the point where the main water supply enters the building, often on the street-facing wall.

Turn off all the water taps and appliances in your home and check your water meter. If the meter is still running, there could be a serious water leak. If the meter is steady, then keep everything off and return in twenty minutes to read it again. A change in the number could indicate a small leak.

Use a Moisture Meter

We’re in the 21st century and there is technology for practically everything! A moisture meter can detect the presence of water behind walls. These are usually simple enough. Place the meter against the wall and it will give you a reading of the moisture level. You will have to know where the plumbing line runs and this can be time-consuming for the average property owner, however.

If you are not sure about the source of the water leak, or if you are uncomfortable with attempting to locate it yourself, it is best to call a plumber or water damage restoration company like Tidal Wave Restoration.

Dealing with Leaks and Water Damage? We Can Help

Tidal Wave Restoration is an established business with courteous representatives and uniformed specialists. We offer water damage cleanup and water damage restoration services in the Metro Atlanta area, and surrounding cities. Call us at any time of the day to speak with a live member of our team.