What to do About Water Leakage in Your Walls?
Discovering a water leak within your walls can be worrying. Left unchecked, it leads to mould, structural damage, and hefty repair bills. Acting quickly to identify and fix the source of the leak is crucial. This guide covers common causes, detection tips, and remedies for resolving wall water leakage.
Why Does Water Leak Through Walls?
Water finding its way into your walls usually points to an issue with:
- Outdoor Plumbing: Problems with gutters, downpipes, taps, or broken sprinkler pipes can direct water into the wall cavity.
- Indoor Plumbing: Leaks from pipes, fixtures, and appliances inside the wall spread moisture to wall materials, causing interior plumbing issues.
- Structural Cracks: External cracks from soil movement, weathering, or poor building allow water ingress.
- Ground Moisture: Improper drainage and landscaping can direct subsurface water towards the foundation.
- Extreme Weather: Heavy rain, storms, and flooding can overwhelm exterior protections.
Neglecting exterior maintenance often contributes to water getting in. Poor indoor pipe condition or faulty plumbing installation also plays a role. Finding and fixing the root cause is key to avoiding costly repairs.
How Do You Find Water Leaking from Walls?
Detecting the presence of excess moisture inside walls involves looking for these telltale signs:
- Visible watermarks or stains on the wall exterior.
- Bubbling or peeling paint or wallpaper.
- Wet wall sections that feel spongy or damp when pressed.
- Musty, damp smells.
- Excess humidity and condensation issues.
- Mould or rotting wall materials.
- Cracks in concrete floors near walls.
Checking after heavy rain helps determine if it’s an external issue. Press along pipes to identify water leaks. Condensation inside may signal ground moisture problems.
Professional moisture meters accurately detect excess dampness in walls and pinpoint the source area. An infrared camera can help identify hidden leaks and water damage inside wall cavities. This equipment is helpful in diagnosing the exact location of a leak’s origin, especially when dealing with a hidden water leak.
How to Find a Water Leak Inside a Wall
Beyond visible signs, here are steps to help locate the source of in-wall water leakage:
- Check for External Cracks and Faults: Systematically check for external cracks and faults allowing water entry, such as exterior above-grade issues. Look near downpipes, window weep holes, and utility points.
- Inspect Indoor and Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures: Inspect interior plumbing and outdoor plumbing fixtures touching walls for leakage. Shower taps, washing machine hoses, and water pipes are common culprits for leaking pipes or leaky pipes.
- Examine the Roof and Gutter System: Ensure no faults in the clogged gutters or downpipes are directing runoff towards the leaking wall. Faulty gutters can be a major source of wall leaks.
- Assess Drainage and Runoff: Check for improper drainage and runoff dispersal around the home. Ensure downpipe extensions discharge away from the foundation to avoid water pooling.
- Irrigation and Sprinkler Checks: Have irrigation spray patterns checked to rule out excessive watering of exterior walls, which can lead to water leaks in walls.
- Air Conditioning Units: Consider if internal air conditioning units could be driving condensation buildup in walls due to incorrect usage or sizing, leading to wall damage.
- Professional Leak Detection Services: If signs are present but the source is unclear, use professional leak detection services. Thermal imaging and moisture mapping can help detect water leaks in walls, including hidden leaks that are otherwise hard to find.
Stopping excess water access is the priority. For external cracks or faults, sealants and improved drainage alleviate symptoms. For plumbing leaks, repairs like pipe replacement or seal replacement will prevent recurrence. If dealing with a leaking hot water pipe or leaky faucet, a professional plumber may be required for effective repair.
Common Sources of Wall Leaks and Solutions
- Leaking Pipe or Leaky Pipes: Often, a pipe leaking inside the wall is the culprit. Identifying the exact location with a moisture meter or infrared camera is critical to perform targeted repairs.
- Faulty Plumbing or Interior Plumbing Issues: Issues like a wall leak or leaking wall can result from improper connections or wear in plumbing systems. Hiring a professional contractor to assess and repair plumbing system issues is recommended.
- Improper Drainage and Clogged Gutters: Blocked drains or clogged gutters lead to above-grade issues on the exterior that cause wall leaks. Ensure proper plumbing maintenance and address improper drainage to prevent water ingress.
Preventative Measures
- Use a Moisture Meter: Regularly checking with a moisture meter can help detect moisture before it leads to costly repairs.
- Monitor Water Pressure and Water Meter: Keep an eye on water pressure and your water meter. A drop in pressure or an unexplained increase in water usage could indicate a hidden leak.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your plumbing systems, including interior plumbing and exterior pipes. Watch for signs like paint peeling, water pooling, or peeling paint or wallpaper.
- Call a Professional Plumber: Don’t ignore water leaks or signs of moisture in your walls. Get a prompt assessment to prevent further damage. Contact a professional plumber to inspect and restore your home’s water-tightness effectively.
By following these guidelines, you can mitigate the risks of water leaks and address interior plumbing issues effectively. Remember, detecting and fixing hidden leaks early is the best way to avoid costly repairs and maintain a healthy, moisture-free home.
For help finding and fixing in-wall water leaks, contact The Plumbing Life Saver on 1300 206 311.
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