Water leaks are a major hassle for commercial facility managers. They can cause damage quickly and often end in expensive repairs. However, nothing is worse than a leak that is occurring within the walls of your facility. These are incredibly hard to catch and will result in drywall rot, roofing damage, and mold if you’re not careful.
Sometimes internal water leaks are easy to catch — but it’s often when they’ve caused other damage to your facility. If you want to catch them early, here’s what to do:
Look for wall or floor discoloration.
This is the most obvious, and unfortunately the worst sign of an internal water leak. If the leak has gotten to the point where it is visibly causing discoloration or even puddles, that means a major pipe has been damaged and replacement of both the piping and the wall or flooring will likely be necessary. While this is an inconvenience, it can be repaired with the MaintenX plumbing and renovations team.
Feel for changes in texture.
If water is leaking within your walls, the texture of drywall and other materials is likely to change. You may notice that the wall is bubbling or puckering in certain places, or that it feels softer than areas adjacent to it. If so, the leak is likely nearby.
Be wary of musty smells.
If you smell something musty or generally off but can’t find the source, a water leak may be the culprit. As the water absorbs into the wall, it doesn’t have a chance to dry out. Instead it will develop a mildewy odor which can signal you to a leak within the wall. While the musty odor may not be caused by water damage, it’s best to contact your plumber to confirm, so that a small leak doesn’t turn into a major disaster.
Watch your water bill.
Do you suspect there is a leak in your facility due to an unusually high water bill? This is often the case for smaller leaks, where physical signs aren’t apparent but you’re paying significantly more for water than you typically do. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water a day. If you’re suspicious, go ahead and call your MaintenX plumber. If it’s not a water leak, there is likely something else we can do to help get your water bill back to normal.
Don’t take these signs of water leaks lightly — the sooner you call us, the easier your repair process will be. For more questions about commercial plumbing, contact us.
