What happens when you can’t see where the leak comes from? Even worse, what if the problem is inside the wall?
Your home could be at risk of disaster if a pipe leaks in your wall.
In a house, you’ll find water pipes, sewer lines, and even gas connections running through the walls.
We will discuss how to find leak sources, repair options, and how much damage repair will cost in this article.
How To Repair A Leaking Pipe
Are you aware that unrepaired water drain pipes can damage your building? Now let’s talk more about how to stop leaking drain pipes.
Leaking pipes can be fixed in two ways: with minor repairs or with total replacement.
1. Minor Repair
The simplest and most immediate solution is always the best. In order to seal the leak in your pipe, you can use epoxy putty and pipe clamps.
It may be necessary to cut into your drywall to locate and repair the leak, then replace the damaged sections. If the leak is isolated, the plumber might apply a patch and call it a day.
The fix provided here is only temporary. In order to achieve proper fixation, remember to turn off your water supply and then replace completely.
2. Total Replacement
It is possible that plumbers will recommend you replace the entire system, especially if the old pipes are leaking or there is a chance of future leaks.
A breakdown of potential repair costs can be found below. There may also be a need to call restoration specialists if the leak has been going on for a long time and there has been so much water damage.
Their services include extracting water from your home, drying walls, cleaning personal items affected by flooding, and helping with insurance claims. While they can stop the leak, plumbers are the ones who can install new plumbing systems.
How To Find A Leaking Water Pipe In Your Wall
Find out where a water leak is coming from using these methods:
Mold or mildew on walls – Black or brown dots appear on your wall when you have mold. The mold can grow on the inside and remain hidden until it is able to bleed through. Mold grows best on walls saturated with water.
Musty smells – Water leaks can smell “earthy” like old basements.
Wet areas or puddles – Water can come from behind your walls even when your appliances are not leaking.
Peeling paint or wallpaper – Check whether your drywall has soaked up water or is falling apart.
Discoloration – Pay attention to areas that appear washed out or are lighter than usual in color.
Dripping sounds – If you have a leaky pipe, you may be able to hear the faint sound of water dripping inside your walls as the water drips down the pipe.
Sponginess – Using your hand, feel your drywall and see if it feels soft or if it is moldable. It may be a sign that there is water leaking into your wall, so be aware of that.
Note: If you notice a strange spike in your water bill without finding any of the signs above, finding the leak may prove more difficult. Leak locations and sources can be detected more securely with the following methods.
Use A Moisture Meter
You can rent or buy one of these at a hardware store or rent one from a plumber. Find the spot on your walls where the device gives the highest reading by pointing at it. The leak is closest to that point.
Check Your Water Meter
Your family’s water usage is monitored by a water meter that measures the flow rate (how many gallons flow through the meter per minute).
You should wait at least three hours before using water and then record the numbers you see. At the end, compare the numbers, and if they have changed, your plumbing has a leak.
An Infrared Camera
You can’t detect moisture or water with an infrared camera, but you can detect cold in your walls.
The camera will detect a drop in temperature when a water pipe leaks. A hot water pipe becomes a source of heat.
Cutting Into Drywall
A last resort. You could use cutting to inspect a wall or ceiling for visible damage and determine where it is located if necessary.
It’s important to remember that water damage doesn’t always mean the leak is coming from that area.
The water could have poured down just there. Don’t make this drastic decision without consulting the professionals.
Cost To Repair A Leaking Drain Pipe In Your Wall
Repairing leaky pipes costs between $150 and $350 on average. An additional $100 may be required to find the leak.
Repairing your drywall after it is fixed is not included. The cost of repairing drywall varies from $250 to 750, depending on how large and where the hole is located.
You might be required to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for water damage and cleanup if a pipe freezes and bursts.
Depending on the size of the pipe, replacing it could cost anywhere from $350 to $2,000, not including the plumber’s hourly rate.
Causes Of Leaking Pipes In Walls
All sorts of reasons can lead to pipes breaking, including, but not limited to:
Freeze
Temperatures can be extreme in sewer and water lines. It is possible for pipes to freeze and burst, leaving you with an enormous mess to clean up.
Water Pressure
Despite hardly any problems with the pipes or sealants, your sink may leak due to high water pressure in your home.
The pressure of your water can cause a variety of issues, even if you do not think it is too high. It is recommended that water pressure in a house is between 40 and 45 psi, although a few compression regulators are set to 50 psi.
Corrosion
There is a common misconception that copper pipes are corrosion-proof, but that is not true.
Typically, a black patch appears where the metal has weakened on copper pipes due to formicary corrosion.
Eventually, this will result in pinhole leaks that are difficult to detect at first, but they will be a serious problem in the long run.
Pipes Need To Be Replaced
It is important to replace any drain pipes that are decayed, broken, erupting, or starting to leak as soon as possible.
Your home is not only exposed to water damage, but also sewer gas accumulation in your bathrooms and kitchens due to a broken drain pipe.
Rust
A cast iron pipe exposed to water and oxygen can rust or deteriorate over time if it is not properly maintained.
Pipes That Are Not Fitted Properly
Is there a water leak in your kitchen after you recently moved into a new apartment and equipped your kitchen with a sink?
Depending on the pipe dimensions, there is a possibility that your desired fitted sink does not fit. In the case of poorly fitting drain pipes, pressure is generated, which can result in water leaks.
For a more accurate assessment of your sink’s installation configuration, you should contact a professional plumber.
Backups
Your pipes become clogged if you flush more than just human waste or toilet paper. There is a possibility that they are building up near a joint, resulting in a broken seal and water leaking out.
Worn Compression Nut
Sinks that are excessively old and in need of replacement experience this compression. You cannot stop this leak without replacing your sink.
The repair is inexpensive and quick, so you do not need to be concerned. Experienced plumbers can provide prompt sink replacement services.
Loose Compression Nut
Using this compression nut, two pipes can be connected watertight. In the event that this nut comes loose, it will result in a small or large leak in the drain pipe, depending on how much water is flowing.
As a matter of fact, it is one of the simplest methods of fixing and repairing drain pipes that can be completed within minutes of starting the procedure.
How Serious Is A Leaking Drain Pipe Behind A Wall
There is one thing you need to understand about water damage: it destroys the wall! When water is enclosed in a space, it can cause rot, mold, and even termites to thrive.
Most wall coverings, such as drywall and plaster, are permanently damaged by water. Dry out the wall (or ceiling) and repair the wall covering immediately after removing wet plaster.
In addition to plaster, other wall coverings can also be repaired, but water damage increases the longer you wait.
Why Is It Better To Hire A Leaking Drain Pipe Specialist?
It’s tempting to solve each plumbing issue by yourself when you face a plumbing emergency.
Some plumbing problems are difficult to resolve, however. The cost and delay of trying to repair them may increase if you aggravate the situation by attempting to do so.
Therefore, instead of performing your own plumbing repairs and fixtures, it is better to contact a professional plumber.
Final Words
Brandon, a gutter cleaning expert, offers this tip. The following options are available if you have a concealed pipe leak without removing the plaster or damaging the wall.
By using an infrared camera, you can locate the exact source of the leak, and then seal it from within by using a pipe-sealing product.
It is also possible to fix the leak with a flexible pipe sealant that is inserted into the pipe and sealed in place. Regardless of the cause of the leak, it’s important to stop it right away in order to avoid any further damage.
The best way to fix concealed pipes is to call a professional plumber with concealed pipe repair experience if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
