How to find humidity and water leak in your house?
Water leakage is one of the biggest and most serious problems that can occur in the plumbing of a house. A water leak can be obvious or hidden. It usually appears in the main columns, in the sewers or in our bathroom, especially if it is old and we have not done renovation.
However, there are many cases in which it appears in the radiators , in the kitchen, on the floors, on the terraces, on the walls and in general in the water supply network of our house. Humidity detection is done with a thermal camera. In the following lines professional plumbers of Αποφράξεις Αργυρούπολη will answer the questions about water leakage in the house.
Why do water leaks occur?
When we build a house, we pass pipes underground, through walls, tiles and other materials. Just as all things have a specific lifespan, so the pipes of our house are not immortal. We estimate that the piping in a new house will take about 50 years.
This of course has to do with the materials you used in the construction of your house. Water leaks occur because pipes with age, use and salts wear out and corrode. Another reason that water leaks occur is in the joints, splices of 2 different materials. An old type pipe with a new type pipe. The union of 2 different materials, piping is something that we do not recommend in any case.
What piping materials are there?
There are 3 piping materials on the market. Copper, rehau and multilayer. Depending on what material we choose, the manufacturer will give us the corresponding life time of the pipe. Manufacturers give an average of 60 years for copper pipe, 30 years for rehau and unknown years for the life of multilayer. We recommend copper because the manufacturer gives more years of life.
Can a water leak occur due to the material of the pipe?
The water supply network of most houses that have been built in Athens is with galvanized pipe. This type of pipe is now banned. Nevertheless, many reconstructions have taken place since then until today. The result is that we have noticed many houses that combine in their water supply network these 2 materials that we said before.
Copper & Galvanized
On the one hand we have the copper and on the other the galvanized pipe. Our qualified plumbers does not recommend in any case the union of these 2 types of piping. However there are houses that have both materials together under the floor. There are special compounds for their best union, but again they are not recommended in any case.
A water leak can occur due to the material of the pipe because the pipes have corroded due to these 2 materials. Another factor that plays a role in water leakage due to the material of the pipe, is its age. A house that has been built since the 70’s, means that it is almost 50 years old and very soon it will leak. It’s natural next, after so many years the pipes need replacement.
What are the most common leaks?
The most common leaks we encounter are in the main column and in the sewer. However, water leaks are also found in heating and sewerage, on floors, walls, ceilings, terraces, swimming pools, gardens, courtyards, balconies, kitchens, bathrooms, pumping stations, radiators and in the stairwells.
How easily is a water leak detected?
Leaks can be obvious or hidden. Obvious leaks are very easy and manageable because the problem is in front of us and we can fix it very quickly. On the other hand, hidden leaks are much more difficult to detect and if we do not find the water leak in time, it can cause serious damage.
What are the most common leaks?
As we said above, obvious leaks are leaks that we can very easily perceive. Leaks of this type can be a faucet that we see dripping. The cistern that we hear makes noise due to water leakage. A radiator body , which we also see, because it is in a visible place.
What are the most common hidden leaks?
Hidden leaks are more difficult to detect. A hidden water leak may be inside a wall, through which a pipe passes to end up in the bathroom. Another hidden water leak may be in the bathroom, under the tiles. What we need to note here is that hidden leaks can cause great damage if we do not realize them quickly. These damages are caused because we did not realize them quickly due to their hidden nature. Water leaks in the main columns and drains are among the most common.
What are the steps I need to take once I notice a water leak?
If the water leak is obvious, all you have to do is turn off the main switch of the EYDAP clock. Then you can call us to come immediately to your place and see the damage.
If the water leak is hidden, it means that it pre-existed at the given moment that you realized it. If there is a water leak in the water heater and the attic is flooded and in this case all you have to do is turn off the EYDAP clock and call us to make an appointment at your place. If the water leak is hidden and is a pipe in the wall, in this case you can call Αποφράξεις Αργυρούπολη. Our workshop has special tools and thermal cameras with which it detects even the most difficult leaks that exist.
How do moisture and mold combine in a water leak?
Moisture and mold are signs that most of the time indicate that there is a water leak somewhere. It may not be close to the point of moisture or mold, but it is much lower. Moisture and mold are usually an outbreak of water leakage.
How can I check my entire home network for hidden water leaks?
A hidden water leak can remain hidden for years, decades. A water leak in the house can start from a very small tear dripping from a pipe or a joint, which is located under the floor, until much more water comes out, resulting in the EYDAP bill being inflated. It is difficult to locate the water leak without the appropriate equipment available at Αποφράξεις Αργυρούπολη. However, there are some indications that are worth noting in order for the homeowner to realize that there is a hidden water leak somewhere.
- The inflated account of EYDAP. If we are in the house where we live for years and for a month we notice the EYDAP account raised, without changing the use we make, what we need to see is to compare it with an older account. If we usually pay 20 euros and pay 120 a month, it means that there is a hidden water leak somewhere.
- Another indication is the peeled wall or the wall that has lost its colour. If there are tiles they will have swelled or come off.
- Mold is also another sign that there is a hidden water leak somewhere.
- In addition, the humidity and the smell is something that testifies that at some point in the house there is a hidden leak of water.
- The low pressure in the water supply network is also a sign that there is a water leak.
