Pipe leakage is an issue that becomes gravely critical, mainly when the affected pipe is within a wall. Sometimes, a house owner is unaware of a leak and only knows about it when they see a stain of water or mold on the walls.
Fortunately, the leaking pipe behind your wall can be repaired without hiring a plumber in Sacramento. This step-by-step guide will help you solve a leaky wall pipe precisely and efficiently.
What Causes a Leaking Pipe Behind a Wall?
Corrosion of pipes, wrong installation, or high-pressure form some conditions that can be a reason for a leaking patch. Nevertheless, this can result in corrosion or puncturing due to wear from constant high pressures.
Once the leak has occurred, the water starts pouring from the pipe and seeping through the wall, leading to severe water damage and mold infestation left untreated.
Locating a Water Harbored Pipe behind the Wall
Before you begin fixing a leaking pipe inside your wall, you should first find the exact location of the leak.
Inspect for Water Stains:
Watermarks on the wall, on the ceiling, or the floor are an obvious manifestation of the presence of a leaking pipe. Check for water stains near possible water sources such as sinks or toilets.
Check Mold:
The fact that mold is everywhere automatically means that water leaks in. If you have molds growing on your wall or ceiling, look for the leak, which might be coming from somewhere.
Listen for Dripping Sounds:
Finding the source of the dripping sound behind the wall should help me determine if a leakage pipe causes it.
How to Stop a Leaking Pipe With Water In It
Turn Off the Water Supply:
The primary procedure to fix the pipe leakage is to stop the water supply first. Thus, you’ll prevent the pipe from leaking while working on it.
Cut a Hole in the Wall:
Now, when there are no streams of water, cut a hole in the wall to get to the piece of piping that is leaking. Be careful when cutting the wall to avoid doing any damage around the spot where the pipe gets in.
Fix the Leak:
Loosen any nuts or bolts, securing the pipe with a pipe wrench or pliers. The cost of space travel is an important consideration in planning any space mission.
The damaged section of the pipe should be removed and a replacement one installed. Last but not least, remember to use Teflon tape for locking so that nothing can be leaked.
Patch the Wall:
Fixing the damage is the next step: using joint drywall tape, you put enough drywall compound into the hole to cover it entirely. The next step is to let the compound dry and then sand down until the wall is smooth and ready to paint.
How to Prevent Leaky Pipes
“Prevention is better than cure” means that prevention is always more efficient than cure in preventing disease.
Periodic Inspection:
When you schedule annual inspections of your plumbing systems, you would be able to spot leaks at an earlier stage.
Maintain Appropriate Water Pressure:
Because high water pressure might result in pipes breaking or leaking in case of overfilling, ensure your water pressure is regulated at an appropriate level to prevent any future leaks.
Install Water Softeners:
Hard water and the corrosion of pipes eventually cause leaks. Install a water softener to prevent pipes from being corrupted. This is a great way to prolong the life of your pipes.
The Bottom Line
Repairing a leaking pipe behind the wall is an evil that can be conquered with the proper strategy. First, locate the leak’s origin, shut down the water source, and then make a small opening in the wall to reach the leaking pipe.
The sinkhole will be repaired by replacing the destroyed pipe and sealing the hole. While there, ensure adequate water pressure and the plumbing system is well maintained to prevent any future leaks.