Water leaks in walls can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked so spotting these leaks early is key to preventing costly repairs and ensuring your home remains in top condition.
Look for damp spots, peeling paint, or warped walls as signs of hidden water damage. You might also notice a musty smell or see mold growing in corners, which are two clues that water is seeping into places it shouldn't be. Also, pay attention to any changes in your water bill as an unexpected increase could signal a leak.
Knowing what to look for means you can spot problems before they get worse which is why we have created this short guide.
Identifying Signs of Water Leaks in Walls (DIY)
Water leaks in walls can cause serious damage if left unchecked. Knowing the tell-tale signs can help you catch problems early and prevent costly repairs.
Check walls for any discoloration as water stains often appear as brown or yellow spots. You should also look out for peeling or bubbling paint, which can signal moisture buildup behind the surface. During your inspection, inspect walls for cracks in the walls or warped baseboards, and signs that water could be accumulating and potentially cause structural issues.
Mold and mildew are clear red flags and any fuzzy patches, especially in corners or along the edges where walls meet. Finally, pay attention to wet spots or dampness on walls, floors, or ceilings as these are likely active leaks that need immediate attention.
Your nose is a great tool for finding water leaks in the walls of your home because a musty smell often means there's hidden moisture. This odor can be strongest in enclosed spaces like closets so make sure to check every nook and cranny.
Listening is also key to a thorough inspection and you should place your ear close to the wall for any dripping or trickling sounds. These noises can be very faint so try checking at night when it's quieter. Also, pay attention to gurgling sounds in pipes when water is running which could mean air is getting into the system because of a leak.
To complete your DIY inspection, you should feel for soft or spongy areas on walls as the texture of the materials can change, meaning the drywall has absorbed water. Next, look for signs of rust on metal objects near walls which can point to high humidity.
Water can spread quickly and affect nearby surfaces so examine floors near walls to see if they feel damp or if they’re warped. A leak can also impact doors or windows, making them hard to open because dampness has caused the wood to swell.
You can test for moisture with a pinless moisture meter, a clever tool that can detect hidden dampness without damaging walls.
Some advanced tools and techniques can help you easily spot hidden water leaks in walls.
Finding water leaks begins with your water meter, first turning off all water in your home and watching the meter to see if there is any movement. This test works best for big leaks as for smaller leaks, you may need to leave the water turned off for around two hours to notice any change.
For smaller leaks, use a moisture meter as this precise tool measures dampness in walls. Simply push its prongs into the wall to take a reading. The higher the reading, the more moisture there is. You should check several spots to find the wettest area so you can get a full overview of the problem.
Moisture meters come in two types. Pin-type meters that have two metal prongs and pinless meters that use radio waves. Both can help you locate leaks without damaging walls.
Infrared cameras are high-tech tools that are also extremely effective for leak detection, clearly showing temperature differences with walls as wet spots often look cooler than dry areas.
To use an infrared camera to identify a water leak:
Infrared cameras work best when there's a big temperature difference between the wall and the water so it is recommended to use them early in the morning or late at night for optimal results.
Thermal imaging is a speedy method for finding a leak and don't need wall access, they can also identify wet patches under floors. However they can be pricey to buy or rent, so may not be a viable choice for many households.
Quick action is key when dealing with water leaks in walls. For small leaks, you may be able to take DIY action but if you suspect a bigger leak you should seek expert help immediately.
If you suspect a leak you should turn off the main water supply right away as this stops more water from entering your walls or floor. Then dry the area with towels or a wet vacuum, using fans to help dry things out faster. The next step is to remove wet items like carpets or furniture, preventing issues such as mold growth.
It is also a good idea to take pictures of the damage to assist in your insurance claim.
If you are dealing with a small leak, you can try to fix it yourself by using plumbing tape or pipe repair kits that can be cheaply bought from hardware stores. These work well for minor issues but may only be a temporary fix. Keep an eye on the area to make sure the leak doesn't return, and If it does, it’s time to bring in a professional.
You need to call a plumber if you are struggling to find the leak source or if it's behind walls. Expert plumbers have special tools to locate hidden leaks and they can fix pipes without causing more damage to your walls. Don't delay if there is a big leak as water can cause serious harm to your home's structure and issues such as mold can affect your health.
For large leaks or floods, you will need to call a water damage restoration company that has powerful tools to remove water and dry your home. These qualified professionals can also check for mold and fix structural damage.
Although professional help can cost more, it could save you money in the long run as they'll fully rectify the problem and prevent future issues.
Regular checks can stop water leaks before they start, so it’s important to assess your walls often for signs of moisture or damage, paying special attention to areas near pipes and fixtures. Watch out for signs of mold or mildew too
Ensure your plumbing is in good shape and fix drips and leaks right away, even if they seem minor. You also need to insulate your pipes sufficiently to prevent freezing, as frozen pipes can burst and cause major leaks. This is very important if you live in cold climates or there are unheated areas of your home.
It’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect your home every few years who can spot any issues before they cause damage. They may advise that you use water leak detectors that can be placed near areas prone to leaks, such as under sinks or near water heaters. Also have the plumber check your water pressure, as high pressure can cause stress to pipes and lead to leaks.
Finally, it’s recommended to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly because clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your walls. Over time, this could result in significant structural damage.
Do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you are concerned that your home may have a leak, our expert team can quickly assess the situation and fix the problem urgently.