My Own Restoration - My Own Restoration describes the methods to find a water leak behind a wall

My Own Restoration: What are the ways to pinpoint water leaks inside a wall?

It is not just extreme flooding disasters that lead to water damage to property. Water damage can occur through minor leaks and drips, leading to moisture build-up. The leakage can go unnoticed initially since it might happen in a pipe embedded in a wall or floor.

But, when the water seepage goes unchecked over a long period, it can get absorbed in the surfaces leading to disrepair. The damage will become evident through signs of disfigurement in the appearance and structure of things. Swift water removal is essential to prevent further damage.

How to find a water leak inside a wall

So, it is vital to maintain a periodic check on the house for such signs of water damage. A few things to note while looking for a leak in a wall are as enumerated below:

Double-check the water meter: The best way to check if there is a water leak in the house is through the water meter readings. After shutting off the water supply and every appliance that uses water (like washing machine, dishwasher), note the water meter reading. Then, after a few hours, recheck the reading. If there is an increase, it suggests a leak somewhere in the plumbing line.

Inspect for blemishes: To confirm if the leak is in a wall, walls must be inspected for bubbles, cracks, peeling paint/wallpaper, water stains, wet spots, mold formation, and discolorations. If there is any dampness in the wall, it will show up in any of these forms. The water stains may increase in size or fade with time but will indicate the presence of a leak. Bubbles form beneath the layers of paint due to the moisture and pop open on saturation, leaving behind peeling paint.

Wet spots: Additionally, dripping sounds inside a wall are a good indicator of water damage. This dripping could lead to wet spots forming at the base of the wall to indicate a probable leak.

Inspect with a moisture meter: Once a probable location has been identified, a moisture meter can be used easily to help locate a leak inside a wall. The moisture meter measures masonry materials' moisture levels, which should ideally be less than one percent. This instrument helps to identify the leak's location in a wall but may not indicate the depth of the leak.

Examine with an infrared camera: An infrared camera uses thermal imaging technology to indicate the presence of water leakage behind a wall. It is, again, a quick and non-invasive solution to finding a leak in a wall.

Break open the drywall: The last resort is to break open a portion of the drywall showing signs of water damage. This wall would be the one that either has pools of water at its base periodically or is showing water damage through peeling paint and water stains. By cutting into the drywall, one will get a concrete idea of the exact location of the leak and the extent of the water damage.

In case of water damage, a house owner's best bet is to call in a professional water damage restoration team like My Own Restoration to contain the damage and begin proper repairs to restore the property to its pre-loss condition.

Why My Own Restoration?

My Own Restoration has a competent team of technically skilled and trained staff who can provide efficient water removal and swift water damage restoration contractors from Tucson, Arizona, 85705.