Water leaks are bad enough as they are, potentially wasting thousands of gallons of water through the year. Hidden leaks, however, are worse as those thousands of gallons seep through walls and floorboards, causing plenty of water damage on its way. If you want to protect your buildings structural integrity, then be proactive and vigilant. Keep your eyes, and ears, peeled for the following signs of trouble. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown, we offer some ways to detect water leaks inside walls. If you prefer to have a plumber perform a professional leak detection, then call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.
We are no fan of watching paint dry, but we do recommend homeowners inspect their paint and wallpaper for signs of water damage. These signs include water stains, discoloration, peeling, or blistering on the walls. More severe leaks can cause bulging and caving of walls, ceilings, and floorboards.
You shouldn't wait until water damage has reached your walls, ceilings, and floors though. A better way to catch hidden leaks is by listening carefully. This is best done at night when noise pollution is at a minimum. Take a slow stroll through the building and listen for sounds of dripping or running water within the walls.
Who would have thought you could detect a water leak with your nose? Well, you can't detect the leak, but you can sniff out a common symptom: mold and mildew growth. These fungi only need oxygen, water, and food to grow. Oxygen is abundant and the drywall and wood is delicious for mold. A leak will complete the requirements by providing water. If you notice mold and mildew growth, then you either have too much humidity in the building or you have a leak.
You can also detect a hidden leak by doing some simple math. Turn off all of the spigots, faucets, and showerheads in the building. You do not want ANY water use during this test. With all of the plumbing fixtures turned off, you should head to your water meter and note the reading. Return in twenty minutes to read the meter again. If it has changed despite all of the faucets being off, then you likely have a hidden leak.
You can also examine your water bills. Do you see a sudden and unusual increase in water usage? If so, it might indicate a water leak.
It will cost you some money, but an advanced water leak detector is the surest way of pinpointing leaks. These non-invasive tools can detect and locate leaks in very little time. You can find decent ones for around $30 to $50 but if you want a high quality device, then prepare to shell out more than a hundred dollars.
If it's not worth your time or you prefer to have a peace of mind, then leave the leak detection to an experienced plumber. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Youngstown is proud to serve surrounding areas with reliable and affordable service. Call now to speak with a live representative.