Water damage is, of course, no laughing matter.

Just check out these statistics:

• The second most commonly filed insurance claim in the US is water damage.
• A 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can cause 250 gallons of water to be released.
• 40% of all homeowners have experienced loss of property from water damage.  

Clearly, water-related issues in the house have major repercussions.

One common source of water damage is getting a leak somewhere in the wall. This can create serious problems if left untreated for long enough. For instance, even small leaks can lead to flooding, electrical issues, mold, and structural damage.

It’s in your absolute interest to get a leak sorted as quickly as possible! But how do you do it?

Keep reading to learn exactly what to do if there’s a water leak in the wall in Diamond Bar, CA.

5 Signs of a Water Leak

The first step to stopping a leak is knowing it’s there in the first place.

Major leaks will become obvious quite quickly. But smaller ones can go undetected for considerable lengths of time. The damage can be done before you realize it’s even there.

Here are some leak identification tips to find the leak before it becomes a serious problem.

1. Dampness and Puddles

One clear sign of a leak is the sudden appearance of dampness.

You might smell the damp before you see it. There may be a mustiness to the air that can indicate water in the building materials. Likewise, depending on the colors of your walls, you may need to touch the area to discover the wetness there.

Whether you spot damp on the floor, wall or ceiling, you need to act immediately. Don’t wait and hope it gets better! There’s almost certainly a water problem that needs fixing.

Likewise, standing puddles are further evidence of a leak to address.

2. Discolored Areas

You know your house better than anyone.

Keep an eye out for any discoloration of the surface areas in your home. Pay particular attention to areas you know there’s piping around. Think kitchen and bathroom sinks, showers and bathtubs.

Discolored areas are often another clear indicator of a leak. That’s especially true if you notice the area getting larger over time. Any evidence of staining should be taken seriously.

3. Wallpaper Changes

Do you have wallpaper decorating your walls?

It’s normal for it to start peeling over time. However, be wary if it starts happening unexpectedly. Any moisture that gets trapped in the wall will make the paper begin to peel. If the wallpaper seams start separating, or paint starts flaking, then you may have a water problem.

4. Warps and Buckles

Your walls, floors, and ceilings were all made straight.

That’s to say, it’s unlikely that any warps, bends, and buckles would be evident after construction. As a result, it’s a bad sign if they start to appear!

Indeed, leaks have a habit of warping walls and buckling floors and ceilings. Water collects in a certain place, materials absorb it, and the forces of nature alter them accordingly.

Spot anything like this start to happen? Take immediate steps to resolve the problem. You’ve probably got a leak.

5. Strange Sounds in the Walls

A final sign of a leak is fairly clear cut:

You hear sounds of running or dripping water where there once was none. Be sure to keep an ear out. If there are no faucets turned on anywhere, but the noises persist, then you probably have yourself a problem!

The sounds may be more subtle though. Think hisses and high pitched noises. These can also indicate slight cracks in pipes that are releasing water.

How to Solve a Water Leak in the Wall

Now you know how to identify a leak, let’s turn to how to stop it. Here are some essential steps to take if you find a leak in your home in Diamond Bar, CA.

1. Pinpoint the Leak

Let’s imagine you now know there’s a leak.

The next step is to identify its exact location. This is often easier said than done! However, a moisture detector can make your life easier. You place this device against the area to detect the level of moisture there.

With multiple readings, you can pinpoint the area with the highest water content. Oftentimes the leak itself will be just above this area as the water drips/flows downwards.

2. Get Access to the Pipes

The next step can feel somewhat drastic if you’ve never done this before.

But to fix a leak you need to get access to the pipe itself. With the location identified, use a drywall saw to create a hole. Keep it small to begin and use a torch to look inside. Check for moisture on the pipe.

You may need to repeat this process multiple times to find the exact source of the leak. Once you have, make the hole larger to provide easier pipe access.

3. Seal the Pipe

The next step is to stop the leak itself by fixing the pipe.

Start by turning off the water to the house. Next, the right approach will depend on the type of pipe.

You might have a plastic, copper or iron pipe behind the wall. The basic process involves cutting out the damaged part of the pipe and replacing it with a new bit of the same material (using glue, pressure fittings or clamps). But the exact process varies.

However, to do the job correctly we’d always recommend to…

4. Call a Professional

The best way to effectively solve a leak is to hire a professional plumber.

They have the right tools and know-how for the job.

Likewise, they can help you identify the leak in the first place. It’s often hard to be sure when there’s a problem. Speak with a trained plumber will guarantee peace of mind. They’ll come and inspect your home to see if there’s a problem. If there is, then they can take steps to stop it then and there.

Time to Wrap Up

There you have it: exactly what to do if there’s a water leak in the wall of your Diamond Bar, CA house.

Water damage can have severe negative effects on any house. It’s in every homeowner’s interest to find and stop any leak before it causes major problems. Water leaks in the wall are all too common.

Hopefully, the post has highlighted the key steps in identifying and resolving the issue.

Remember, calling an expert plumber is always your best option. Looking for help detecting a wall leak and/or stopping one ASAP? Check out our services now and give us a call for swift, professional support.