Water leaks in the home can be a concerning issue. What looks harmless at first can cause long-term damage if it goes undetected. Water leaks pose a threat not only to the structure of your home but the overall health of its occupants. It can also lead to mold growth and increased water bills. You can look for evident signs of water leak, such as damp patches on the wall or ceiling, discoloration, peeling paint or wallpaper, cracks on walls, and more. However, a water leak is not always visible; sometimes it happens quietly behind the walls, leading to musty odor and other subtle signals of water leakage, which require close inspection.
There are better and more efficient ways to detect these hidden water leaks at home yourself. For that, you need basic tools and materials that can help in identifying the problem. But, before we move ahead, you must know the types of water leaks that can affect the quality of your home.
There are three types of leaks: plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and foundation leaks. A plumbing leak can usually occur in pipes and fixtures due to poor installation, corrosion, wear, and tear. A roof leak can happen due to heavy rainfall, affecting the attic and ceilings. A foundation leak is a crack in the foundation, which lets water seep in, especially due to heavy downpour, leading to basement flooding and structural compromise. After understanding the types of leaks, basic signs to look for, it’s time to know how to detect hidden water leaks in the home more competently.
Also Read: How to Fix a Leaky Toilet: A Comprehensive DIY Guide
Things You’ll Need:
- Water meter monitoring
- Leak detection dye
- Moisture meters
- Video pipe inspection
- Acoustic detectors
- Pressure testing equipment
- Thermal imaging
How to Detect Hidden Water Leaks at Home by Yourself
The Meter Test
It is considered to be the best and easiest way to check for hidden water leaks. To begin with, make sure all the taps and water-using appliances, including a washing machine, dishwasher, and all the outdoor hoses, are turned off. Now, check your meter. Wait for some minutes and don’t use water, then check the meter again. If you see a shift in numbers, it means water is flowing where it should not.
Toilet Dye Test
Toilets are infamous for silent water leaks. But there is a way to detect it. You can add a few drops of food coloring to the water tank. Then, wait for 10-15 minutes. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl, that means the tank is leaking into the bowl. This leak seems slow, but it can cause a great deal of water wastage.
Check for Loose or Hollow Tiles
For this step, you should check for loose tiles in the bathroom and kitchen by slightly tapping on the tiles. If you hear a hollow sound or the tile feels loose, that means the water has already seeped in. When that happens, it can weaken the adhesive that holds tiles in place. This can often be an early sign of water leakage in the wall or floor.
Listen for Running Water
There are times when you can’t see any obvious signs. In such a case, you can listen for running water, because water often makes noise when flowing through walls or floors.
Moldy Odor
If you walk into the room and smell something stale and musty, that is a sign of hidden water leakage. This damp smell usually comes from walls and under floors and can occur in any part of your home, including the bathroom, kitchen, living room, and bedroom.
Check Your Water Bills
If you see a sudden and unusual rise in your water bill, that is indicative of a water leak. A water bill can give you a good clue about a likely water leak.
Final Word
It is important to detect water leaks early to prevent unimaginable damage to your home. There are signs such as cracks in walls and ceilings, peeling paint, mold growth, dripping sound, stale odor, and more, which can help you detect an ongoing water leakage problem. However, on-time action can save you from expensive repairs and lasting damage. You can also do regular inspections, employ waterproofing techniques, and maintain the plumbing system to prevent leaks from coming back.
