BALTIMORE COUNTY: How to Find Undiscovered Leaks Without Opening your Walls

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

Undiscovered leaks are a Baltimore homeowner’s worst nightmare. It will cost you time and money and create an environment for mold growth if left untreated (or, maybe mold has already started growing, read about the effects of mold here). Leaks can cause damage to many elements of your home including

• Foundation
• Brick exterior
• Basement
• Sillplate
• Floor joist
• Sub floor
• Bottom wall plate
• Carpet padding
• Baseboard
• Drywall
• Interior area
• Wall stud

These areas can warp, crack, and grow mold from an undiscovered leak, if you suspect your home is leaking, here are some simple ways to check without opening your walls:

1. Analyze your water bill

Are you using more water than usual? Compare your water bill to previous months (or even the same month a year ago) is it about the same or does it indicate that you are using way too much?

 2. Analyze your water meter when it is turned off.

Make sure no water is being used, turn off the water and watch the meter, does it continue to move? Then you have a leak, if it hasn’t moved, wait a couple hours if you can and then check again. If it moves, go ahead and call your plumber, if it hasn’t moved and you’re not convinced, check outside for signs of leaks in the water line away from the house.

 3.  Look for Greener grass patches growing faster than other areas, muddy spots and puddles that never seem to dry.

If you suspect a leak, it could be in a water line in your yard. You’ll notice areas of grass growing much taller than other areas, muddy patches, or a puddle that never seems to dry.

4. Call your plumber, and then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh.

If you don’t have a plumber, then call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh and we will refer one to you. Undiscovered leaks need to be fixed before SERVPRO can begin services, but calling and getting the process going will help you get your life back in order after something so disruptive as an undiscovered leak.