A hidden pipe secretly leaking inside a wall is the stuff of nightmares for every homeowner. Because the damage happens out of sight, unknown plumbing problems can quietly cause all kinds of issues.
Mould. Structural problems. And potentially thousands and thousands of pounds being needed for repairs. But here is the good news. You can spot the warning signs early if you know what to look for.
Now your next question is probably what should you look for? Here are 10 signs you might have a leaking pipe inside a wall – and what you can do about the problem.
1) Sudden increase in your water bill
A rising water bill is one of the biggest red flags of a hidden leak. If your water usage has not changed but your bill has, there is most likely a pipe leaking somewhere.
It could be under your garden. Between floorboards. Or inside a wall. Wherever it is, you need to find it. Even a small drip can waste many litres (and pounds) per month.
2) Musty smells or persistent damp odours
A musty scent restricted to one room or area is a major indicator of trapped moisture. Mould and mildew love dark, moist environments such as those inside a wall.
When a leaking pipe is encouraging their growth, it is often the small that appears before any visual signs.
3) Visible mould growth
And what about if you do see visual signs of mould? No matter how small the area, you have to pay attention. Mould growth on walls often indicates ongoing moisture inside the wall cavity.
It can appear black, green, white or grey. Mould spreads rapidly and poses health risks, so early detection and treatment is key.
4) Sounds of dripping or running water
So that is smells and sights pointing to a potential leaking pipe inside a wall covered – but what about sounds? Hearing water inside your walls is obviously never a good sign.
If you can make out dripping, trickling or faint hissing noises when no water is running or heating switched on, a pipe inside the wall might be breached.
5) Water stains and wall discolouration
Brown, yellow or dark stains on a wall or ceiling almost always point to water intrusion. These stains may be small at first but if they start to grow, you have a leak.
Other signs to look out for on walls and ceilings include paint or wallpaper blistering, peeling or bubbling. Should something be off with the surface of your wall, there might be a leak behind it.
6) Soft, warped or bulging drywall
Drywall absorbs moisture easily. When water collects behind a wall, the surface will become soft, warped and bubble outwards – just like with paint or wallpaper.
If your drywall fells spongy or uneven when you press it, this is a major warning sign of a hidden plumbing leak.
7) Cold or damp spots on a wall
Even when moisture is not visible, it can still leave signs on a wall that it is there. For example, if parts feel cool or damp compared to surrounding areas.
If one spot on a wall is noticeably different to touch than the rest, it could be a from a slow leak behind the drywall altering temperature.
8) Damaged or warped flooring
Walls and ceilings are not the only parts of a building worth paying attention to when it comes to identifying a leaking pipe inside a wall.
Water will often run downwards towards flooring. Warped hardwood, buckling laminate or swollen baseboards can all be a result of a wall leak rather than an issue with the floor itself.
9) Low water pressure
A leaking water supply pipe can result in reduced pressure when using showers or taps. If you notice water is not running as efficiently or powerfully as expected, it might be due to a leak.
An even clearer indication comes if only one part of your home experiences lower pressure. If an upstairs bathroom is slow but a downstairs kitchen tap fine, it suggests there is a leak in a nearby wall directly feeding into the underperforming appliance.
10)Pests or insects
Moist environments can attract and become a breeding ground for different pests like silverfish, woodlice, cockroaches and drain flies.
If you suddenly notice an uptick in insects, moisture inside the walls from a leaking pipe may be the reason.
What causes a pipe to leak inside a wall?
There are multiple reasons as to why a pipe can start leaking inside a wall. The most common is through ageing or corroded plumbing as pipelines reach the end of their expected lifespan. Pipe connections can also loosen over time, leading to leaks.
High water pressure could be responsible if it places too great stress on the pipe. Temperature fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction, leading to breaches. A problem which is particularly prevalent during winter when pipes are more at risk of freezing.
Lastly, pipes inside walls are far more likely to suffer accidental DIY damage from nails or screws. A picture being hung or shelves going up can inadvertently lead to a pinhole being put into a pipe, often unnoticed.
What to do if you suspect a leaking pipe inside a wall
If you are notice one or more of the signs above and are concerned about a potential leak inside a wall, the first step to take is to turn off water supply using the stopcock. This prevents further damage.
A moisture metre or thermal imaging can be used to provide more certainty; over whether there is a leak and in terms of the exact area of it.
Depending on how easy the drywall is to remove, you can attempt to access the pipe yourself. It may then be possible to use a pipe repair kit to seal the leaking pipe inside the wall.
Should the leak appear too complex for a DIY repair or prove impossible to access, contact a licensed plumber for advice.
Once the pipe itself is repaired, further attention might be needed to the damage the leak has caused. For mould or structural damage, restoration specialists can help safely repair your home.
Acting fast the key when a pipe is leaking inside a wall
A pipe leaking inside a wall should never be ignored. Knowing what to look for and spotting the early signs can save you from a lot of money and stress.
If you have noticed musty smells, water stains or unexplained changes to your water bill, do not wait. The faster you act to find the leak, the easier the repair.
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