Water leaks can be a huge problem for any homeowner. Some happen around highly used appliances like your toilet, sink, or washing machine. These leaks are usually visible, which means there is a better chance they will be fixed quickly.
Other water leaks are not quite as obvious to spot because they occur within the walls or floorboards of your home. If left untreated for an extended period of time, these hidden water leaks can lead to a messy cleanup and extensive repairs.
There are several warning signs every homeowner should look out for when you think you might have a water leak in your walls. We’ve gathered just a few of the most common signs below:
- Musty Smells or Odors
- Mold Growth On The Walls Or Baseboards
- Condensation Visible On Walls
- Pooling Water On Floor Away From Pipes or Appliances
- Warped Wall Structures, Paint or Wallpaper
- Wall Stains That Continue To Grow In Size
- Warped Ceiling Or Floorboards Below The Wall
Not only will a leak create a mess you need to clean up, but it also can cause your bills to skyrocket. Ultimately, seeing a significant increase on your water bills can be one of the major telltale signs of a water leak somewhere around the house.
How Fast Does Mold Grow After A Water Leak?
Due to the cooler, dark, and damp conditions of a water leak inside your home’s walls, mold spores can begin growing within two to three days. This is why it is vital to address any water leaks in your home as soon as you discover them.
How To A Find Water Leak In A Wall
To truly figure out if you have a water leak inside your home’s walls, here’s what you can do:
- Check your water meter – After turning off all devices that use water around your home, look at the numbers on your water meter, make a note of it, and check on it again after about 3 hours of no usage. Compare the number on the meter after the three hour mark with the one you initially recorded. If the number on the meter has changed, then you could have a leak around your home.
- Purchase or rent a moisture meter – This device will allow you to detect moisture behind your home’s walls. Areas where moisture is indicated to be the highest, are often the areas you will find a leak. Alternatively, an infrared camera can be used to detect cold spots behind your walls, which is a big sign that a leak might be occurring.
- Cut into the drywall – We do not recommend this option first, unless there are visible signs of water damage on the drywall due to a hidden leak. The drywall will likely need to be replaced anyway, if it becomes warped, stained, or covered in mold from the excess moisture.
- Call a trusted plumber for help – Instead of going through the hassle of renting your own equipment or repairing your drywall from a leak, the easiest solution will be to call a local plumber. Not only will they already carry the leak-detection equipment listed above, but they’ll be able to thoroughly evaluate, repair and clean up afterwards.
Find Emergency Plumbing in St Louis, MO
If you’re looking for thorough and efficient help with a water leak around the St. Louis area, then look no further than Classic Aire Care’s team of plumbing experts. It is vital for your home’s plumbing to be intact and operational so you can be safe and comfortable. We’re always available to help you.
For emergency plumbing help, contact us online or by calling (314) 329-1943.
