Hidden leaks may be difficult to spot, but ignoring them can lead to serious problems. From water damage and mold to high water bills, a hidden leak can impact your home’s value, indoor air quality, and structural integrity.
A hidden leak might show up as a running meter, or it might manifest as rotting wood and musty smells. These clues suggest it’s time to call a plumber for a professional inspection and leak detection.
1. Look for Signs of Water Damage
When a leak goes untreated, the moisture can cause mold, weakened drywall, and other damage. To prevent the problem from spreading, shut off your home’s main water supply and contact a leak detection specialist.
Look for signs of moisture buildup on walls, floors, and ceilings. Yellowish or brown stains on the ceiling, swollen floorboards, or bubbling paint are all warnings that a hidden leak is under way. Musty smells may also signal mold growth. This is dangerous because it can affect indoor air quality and trigger allergies or breathing problems for those living in the house.
Unusual changes in water pressure or a sudden increase in your monthly water bill could also point to a hidden leak. Getting it fixed quickly can save you money, prevent further damage to your foundation, and reduce the chances of water-related issues throughout your entire home. Using trained professionals and advanced tools, technicians can locate hidden leaks without needing to tear down walls or replace insulation.
2. Listen for Sounds of Water Leaks
While it may not seem like a big deal at first, noticing a new sound or unexplained increase in your water bill is a sure sign of a hidden leak. Water escaping from a faulty pipe causes pressure fluctuations that result in violent vibrations and sounds. Dripping, hissing, and gurgling noises indicate that escaping water is hitting against other pipes and walls.
A sudden drop in water pressure is also a sign that you have a leak. During plumbing system installation, plumbers choose pipe sizes that ensure adequate pressure throughout the home. When a leak occurs, this pressure decreases and makes faucets and showerheads less effective.
Spongy sections of drywall or flooring can also indicate the presence of a hidden leak. These spots feel cool and sag under gentle pressure, and can also change color or smell as they become more damaged over time. A professional plumber can use specialized equipment, including thermal imaging and acoustic detection devices, to locate slow leaks without tearing down walls or floors.
3. Use a Moisture Meter
Using a moisture meter is the best way to pinpoint a leak without tearing apart walls and floors. You can use a pin-type meter to check individual spots or a pinless model that scans larger areas. If you find a spot with a higher moisture reading, it’s likely the source of the leak.
Tracking your water meter with the water turned off can also help you detect leaks. Sudden spikes in usage can indicate a leak or other problems, especially if there’s no explanation for the increase in consumption like increased household occupancy.
If you suspect a hidden leak, it’s best to call in a professional. They’ll have the tools and experience to use thermal imaging and acoustic technology to locate leaks quickly without destroying walls or floors. In addition, plumbing professionals can perform a thorough inspection of your home’s pipes to catch problems early and prevent serious damage. Contact a plumber near you to schedule an appointment today.
4. Cut a Hole in the Wall
While a hidden leak may not look like a major problem at first, it can quickly cause serious damage. It can weaken the structure of your home, promote mildew and mold, raise water bills, and even affect indoor air quality.
One of Melbourne’s top leak experts for plumbing Fix-It Right Plumbing might say that the best way to prevent these issues is with regular inspections and professional repairs. A plumber can spot signs of wear, corrosion, and loose connections before a leak develops. The sooner a plumbing issue is addressed, the less damage it will cause and the lower your repair bill will be.
Your plumber will use specialized equipment to find moisture behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings. For example, a thermal camera creates a color-coded image of your pipes and shows areas where there’s moisture. It can help pinpoint the location of a leak, and it may save your plumber from having to cut into walls or floorboards to see what’s wrong.
