How to Find a Water Leak in the Wall

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Water Leaks in Homes

According to data from BestNeighborhood, the average Arlington Heights home is older and was built in 1973. Many older homes in Arlington Heights have cast iron pipes. Cast iron is tough but can corrode over time, leading to holes and leaks in your pipes.

So, if you have an older home, you need to stay on top of leak detection. Even a small water leak can cause major damage if it gets underneath your flooring or seeps into your home’s foundation. 

Signs of a Water Leak in Your Wall

If you notice any of the following signs of water damage in your home, you likely have a water leak somewhere in your walls. 

• Standing water near baseboards
• Mold and algae growing on walls
• Wet spots on the walls or ceiling
• Musty smell and odor
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Drywall is bubbling or sagging off the wall

You can address a leak with DIY plumbing, but we highly recommend you work with an expert instead on how to find a water leak in your wall. Experts have technology like infrared cameras or moisture meters to detect water leaks and can cut into your drywall without causing damage. Experts can identify leaks and also trace them to their source, fixing them quickly and saving you money. 

How to Detect a Water Leak

Most of the time, water leaks form visible wet spots in the walls or pools of standing water on the floor. However, sometimes water leaks don’t create wet spots, meaning it can be hard to tell if you have a leak or not. Below are some strategies for diagnosing and identifying a water leak in your Arlington Heights home. 

Test Your Water Meter

Your home should have a water meter that keeps track of the amount of water you are using. If you turn off all faucets and water lines in your home, you can check your meter to see if it is still running. If it is, then you most likely have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. If it’s a slow leak, it might take a few hours to show up on the meter. 

Check Your Water Pressure

You can also identify a leak by checking the water pressure in your pipes using a simple water pressure gauge. Once again, turn off all your faucets and test the pressure. Most homes in Arlington Heights have a resting water pressure somewhere between 40 and 60 PSI. 

Listen for Running Water

You can also sometimes hear water leaking from a pipe through the walls and floor. If you find wet spots in your home, listen nearby to see if you can hear a ‘whooshing’ sound of running water. You may also be able to hear dripping from a smaller leak. 

Look for Toilet Leaks

Toilets are also another common area where water leaks from. You can test for leaks in your toilet tank by adding a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. After an hour, check the water in the bowl. If the water in the bowl is now colored, that means there is a leak between the tank and the bowl. 

Analyze Your Utility Bills

One final strategy is to look at your utility bills for the month. If you have a leak, then your bills might be noticeably higher. Compare bills across several months to determine if you have a slow leak. 

Water Leak Detection and Plumbing Repair in Arlington Heights

Whether you need pipe leak services or need to discuss plumbing installation, Stellar Plumbing has you covered. If you need more information on how to find a water leak in a wall, contact us online or call today to schedule an appointment!

Call Now (773) 908-9375

Author Bio:
Steve Prodanov
President at Stellar Plumbing Inc. With more than 17 years of hands-on experience, Stellar Plumbing is your trusted partner in Elk Grove Village and the surrounding Northwest suburbs.