Has your monthly water bill increased unexpectedly even if nothing has changed with your consumption habits? If yes, you could be facing pipe leaks, and the reason you haven’t realized it yet is that the problems are in the walls. Therefore, if you believe that water is leaking in your walls, investigate the problem and look for hints you may have missed out. Besides, signs of a pipe leak inside your walls can be subtle, so inspecting should be the first step to fix the problem.
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Causes of Pipe Leaks
Several things might have caused your pipes to leak. Knowing and understanding those things can help you take the right measures to avoid or address the problem. Some of these include the following:
- Uncontrolled water pressure
- Corrosion
- Shift in the building’s foundation
- Change in temperature
What’s the Cost of Repairing a Pipe Leak?
Based on the magnitude of the problem, repair costs may range from $350 to $2,000 in Okanagan. Apart from restoration, water remediation, and cleanup, the costs may include mold removal and plumbing repairs. A reliable plumber at Air Tech Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Green Energy, can give an accurate and detailed estimate, which highlights the repair process.
How to Detect Pipe Leaks in the Walls?
Before you start detecting pipe leaks, you first have to acknowledge the fact that you have a problem inside your walls. If you believe something is wrong, then you have to start conducting an inspection and use the following ways to detect the problem:
1. Smell Around
If you start noticing a musty or odd smell from the walls, then it might be a sign of a pipe leak. The smell often results from the moisture that seeps in the walls and create a conducive environment for mildew and mold to grow.
2. Check for Molds
A leak that has been there for too long will result in mold growth around the walls. When they are still premature, they will look similar to black or brown dots. But at times, you may not see them grow because the growth is happening inside the walls.
3. Listen Carefully
Water often makes a different sound when it moves through drips or materials from surface to surface. To observe this, you will have to ensure the surrounding is quiet. Remember, different noises may suggest various kinds of leaks, like a constant flow and a steady drip.
4. Use an Infrared Camera
Some pipe leaks are not always easy to detect. This is why sometimes we recommend using an infrared camera. If you shoot an infrared camera in the walls, the leak will have purple or blue spots. Why? That is because low temperatures look like cooler colors, and usually, leaks are cold.
Detecting a pipe leak in the walls take skills and patience. You can use various ways to know where the leak is and determine the magnitude of the problem. Whichever strategies you use, contact an expert to help you fix the problem especially if you’re dealing with a major issue.