How to Identify the Leak
As a homeowner, you must learn to detect sneaky leaks to prevent water damage and waste. Here are five signs you’ve got a hidden leaking pipe somewhere in your home:
- High water bills
- The water meter shows you’ve got a leak
- Mold or mildew on non-shower walls
- Damaged, stained, or sagging walls, ceilings, and flooring
If you experience water damage or flooding due to a leak, Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter provides full-service plumbing repair, including water damage restoration.
How to Find a Broken Pipe in the Wall
If you suspect water leakage inside your walls, there are a few other maintenance checks you can do to confirm the presence of a leak:
» Use Your Water Meter
Double-checking your water meter is the simplest way to detect a leaking pipe in the wall. You can find your water meter inside or in front of your home. Once you locate it, here’s how you can use it to check for cracks in the pipes:
- Read the water meter and record the measurement shown.
- Turn off all faucets, showers, and plumbing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
- Avoid using any faucets or plumbing appliances in your home for at least three hours.
- Reread the water meter. If the measurement increases, you have leaky pipes somewhere in your home.
» Use a Moisture Meter
A moisture meter is a tool that plumbers and homeowners can use to check for moisture readings around their homes. It is a handy tool for detecting and precisely locating leaks behind a wall. There are two types of moisture meters; pin-type moisture meters and pinless moisture meters.
The pin-type works best for checking moisture levels for smaller, more precise spots, while the pinless ones are better for scanning more extensive areas.
» Use an Infrared Camera
An infrared camera cannot “see” moisture in walls, but it can detect subtle temperature differences and patterns that reveal the existence of water. The wettest areas on a wall will be the coldest and appear blue or purple on the thermal camera. This is another gadget frequently utilized by professionals to discover water leakages inside walls.
» Cut Into Your Drywall
Because cutting into your drywall requires patching when you finish, it should be the last resort. When choosing where to cut, remember that the area of visible water damage might not be where the leak lies. This method lets you see what’s going on behind your walls. However, remember that the location of water stains on drywall may not be the same as that of the leak source. Water can leak down the side of a pipe for some distance before it eventually starts entering contact with your drywall.
Still can’t find the leak? The best way to find a water leak may be to contact a professional plumber that specializes in water leak detection services. If you suspect a water leak behind a wall or any other type of hidden plumbing leak, call your local plumber.
What Causes a Pipe to Break in a Wall?
Pipes are generally protected from punctures and breakage, but like anything else in your home, they can experience too much stress and leave you with a broken water pipe in the wall.
Pipes may break for all sorts of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Freezing
- High water pressure
- Old pipes
- Clogs
- Root intrusion
A burst pipe can happen at any hour, make sure to call your emergency plumber ASAP to get pipe repairs or pipe replacement on the spot. Waiting for repairs can lead to further damage to your home.
Also Read: How To Unclog A Shower Drain When There’s Blockages
Signs You May Have a Burst Pipe
The most common signs of leaky pipes behind a wall are the changes in your property that you can typically see, feel, or smell. These include:
- Damp or discolored drywall
- Pools of water
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
- Warped or stained wall
- Dripping sounds
- Water stain on the drywall ceiling or your floor
- A musty smell
- High water bills
What Should You Do if Your Pipe is Broken?
So, what should you do if you suspect a water leak inside a wall? The first thing to do is find out if your plumbing is to blame.
Here’s how you do that:
- Step 1: Turn off all water-using devices in your home.
- Step 2: Record the number on your water meter.
- Step 3: Wait at least 3 hours, then check the number on your water meter. If it has increased, your pipes are leaking somewhere. If it hasn’t, the water is probably coming from a leak in your roof.
» How Do You Fix a Broken Pipe Behind a Wall
Fixing a broken pipe inside a wall is no easy task, so it’s better to let a professional plumber deal with it. But if you feel confident you can DIY fix a water leak in the wall, follow these instructions.
Here is how to fix a broken pipe inside a wall.
- Cut out sections of the water-damaged drywall using a saw
- Shut off the valve closest to the leaky pipe
- Drain the affected water line
- Prepare the push to connect fitting
- Remove the damaged section of the pipe using a proper pipe cutter.
- Remove any burrs and clean any sharp edges on the end of the pipe
- Install the push to connect fitting
- Test for leaks
- Patch the wall
If you can't repair a leaking pipe in the wall yourself then make sure to contact your local plumber near you.
Preventing Future Pipe Leaks
You can prevent most water leaks in the future by routine maintenance, regular cleanings, and updating pipes and connections.
Here are some of the best plumbing leak repair and prevention tips that you can take to make sure that your pipes will stay free of leaks and remain intact, saving you money!
- Prevent pipe corrosion
- Install a water softener
- Reduce your water pressure
- Tighten the fittings and seal the joints
- Schedule a professional inspection
Say Goodbye to Leaks
If you are concerned with your pipes or plumbing and want an inspection, call a professional to take a look! At Conejo Valley Home Services Plumbing & Rooter, we’re always here to help with 24/7 emergency service, leak detection and repairs, and whole house pipe replacements.
Get in touch today by calling (805) 499-0448 and find out how our leak detection and pipe repair services can save you both time and money!
