A water leak behind the walls of a house or building can cause extensive damage to the walls, ceilings, and floors. Moisture behind the walls can increase the risk of mold buildup. The leak coming from the water pipes behind the wall may be slow and remain undetected for a long time. When you see stains on your walls, they may suggest a water leak somewhere.
Here are some tips for finding a leaking pipe in your wall:
- Start by turning off the electrical power in the area where you suspect a water leak. You can cut off the power supply by turning off the breaker for the appropriate area of the house.
- Look for the wet spots on the wall. Cut into the wall about one foot higher than the wet spot. Do not cut too deeply because you might damage pipes or wiring behind the wall. Use a reciprocating saw for hard materials. If possible, cut along studs by marking the area using a stud finder.
- Take a look at the wall with the help of a flashlight and a compact mirror. Look for any water spray or mist and take note of the highest point in the pipe from which the water is dripping. Cut again if the source of the leak is too far from the opening you made.
- Listen closely at the area of the suspected leak. If you hear a splashing or hissing sound, you may have smaller leaks behind the walls. But if you hear the loud sound of water running, the same as you hear when a faucet is being used, there is probably a large split in the pipe. You can now pinpoint the exact location of the leak and cut open the wall to gain access to the damaged pipe.
- If you cannot find the leak after following the aforementioned steps, you will need thermal imaging to detect broken pipes. You will need to hire a professional plumber who has the proper equipment to perform the thermal scan.
Once you have reached the leaking pipe, you can make the necessary repairs. If you do not have the tools or the know-how to fix the leak, contact a professional.
If the leak has caused damage in your home, contact Utah cleanup specialists. They have the expertise and experience to quickly and efficiently deal with any mess from a plumbing leak. If mold has grown, call Utah mold cleanup specialists right away. If untreated, mold can lead to serious health problems.
