A water leak in a house can go unnoticed for a long time, especially when it is hidden behind walls, under floors or in foundations. However, even a small leak can cause significant damage over time. Learning to spot the signs of a non-visible water leak is essential to preserve the integrity of your home and avoid costly repairs.
What is a non-visible water leak?
A non-visible water leak, also called a hidden water leak, is a water infiltration that occurs in hard-to-reach or invisible places. It can be a location like inside the partitions, under the tiles, or in the built-in pipes. Unlike apparent leaks (drop by drop of a broken tap or pipe), these leaks do not show any obvious flow. This makes their detection more complex.
By what signs can a non-visible water leak be detected?
Several clues can warn of the presence of a hidden water leak:
- An unexplained increase in the water bill: If your consumption increases for no reason, it may be a sign of a continuous leak;
- Moisture or mould stains: Appearance of dark spots or fungi on walls, ceilings or floors;
- A persistent smell of mould: Stagnant moisture in walls or floors can give off an unpleasant smell;
- Areas of paint or wallpaper that are peeling off: Moisture affects interior finishing materials;
- A floor that swells or walls that crumble: The infiltration of water alters the structure of the materials;
- The water metre test: a cut-off of all water-consuming appliances allows you to observe if the metre is still running, you can suspect a leak.
These clues are often the most common although the list of clues is not exhaustive.
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What are the risks if the leak is not quickly detected?
Ignoring a hidden water leak can have serious consequences such as:
- Deterioration of structures: Water weakens foundations, partitions, floors and can cause subsidence;
- The development of mould: This can affect indoor air quality and lead to health problems, especially respiratory problems;
- Electrical problems: Infiltrated water can reach electrical installations, increasing the risk of short circuits or fire;
- Increased costs: The longer the leak persists, the more expensive the repairs are, not counting the amount of water consumption lost.
Given the seriousness of the consequences that may occur, particular attention must be paid to the different signs.
How to fix a water leak at home?
To repair a water leak at home, several key steps should be followed. First of all, it is necessary to cut off the water supply to limit immediate damage. Then it is necessary to locate the leak precisely, which may involve the use of specialised tools such as humidity detectors, thermal cameras or acoustic probes. Once the leak is identified, it is necessary to access the pipe or the leak point, which can sometimes require breaking a wall or floor if the pipes are recessed.
The repair may consist of a simple clogging or, in more serious cases, the replacement of a section of piping. Once the intervention has been carried out, it is essential to rehabilitate the affected surfaces by drying and repairing the damaged materials. In some cases, temporary clogging using putty or sealing tape may be considered, but this solution does not replace a complete and durable repair.
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Which professional can we call on?
Several specialists can intervene depending on the situation. The plumber is usually the first professional to contact, as he has the experience and tools necessary to locate and repair leaks, including those that are hidden. Another expert, the non-destructive leak detection specialist, uses advanced technologies (thermal cameras, tracer gas or electroacoustic devices) to identify leaks without having to damage walls or floors. Finally, in the event of water damage, you must notify your home insurer as soon as possible in order to benefit from coverage in accordance with the guarantees provided for in the contract.
A hidden water leak may seem innocuous at first, but it can quickly cause major damage to your home. Being attentive to the warning signs, intervening quickly, and calling on the right professionals are the keys to limiting the consequences and preserving the health of your home.