Who to Call for a Water Leak in the Wall? Explore Your Options

Whether you suspect a leak in the wall or know for sure that you have a problem, you need to call in a professional as soon as possible to take care of it. You can choose from a plumber, a cleanup and restoration company, or a leak detection company. Each offers different services, so try to determine what you need and what each can do for you before deciding who to call.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber to Fix a Water Leak in Your Wall

Unless your wall water leak is due to a complicated issue, your plumber should be able to fix it. Plumbers cost $45 to $200 hourly, which may seem expensive, but keep in mind that a plumber has more specialized knowledge than the average handyperson, so that extra cost is a good investment. Additionally, plumbers tend to charge less than cleanup and restoration or leak detection companies.

Your plumber will use moisture meters or infrared cameras to pinpoint the leak’s location in your walls. From there, they may cut into your wall to get to the problem areas. Commonly, leaks can be fixed by repairing holes or cracks in pipes. In some cases, you might need your pipes or fittings replaced. In a worst-case scenario, you may need to replace large portions of your plumbing. One thing to keep in mind is that, if your plumber cuts into your wall, you will usually need to hire a drywall contractor to fix the hole. Depending on the repair needs, this may cost $100 to $1,000 or more.

If the leak has caused electrical problems, then you will need to hire an electrician, which costs $50 to $100 hourly. And if there is mold and mildew growth, you will need to hire a pro for mold remediation, which costs $1,000 to $20,000, depending on the severity of the issue. 

Can I DIY Water Leak Repairs?

You may be able to fix a water leak in your walls on your own, but it really depends on what is going on. The first step is figuring out how to find the water leak. Ideally, it will be at an easy-to-access spot that does not require you to open any walls. You can try using an infrared camera or a moisture meter to detect the leak. Keep in mind that the place where you find the water damage is not necessarily the source of the leak.

Once you find the leak, you can see if it is a DIY-friendly repair. Some jobs, like fixing a hole in a water pipe or replacing fittings or pipes, may be doable based on your level of experience. Depending on your repair method, the solution may be temporary, so you should plan on calling in a pro down the road for a permanent fix.

Anything more complex, like water leaks with electrical damage or pipes with severe damage, should be taken care of by a pro. Also, if you have mold or mildew damage, it is important to get professional mold remediation done so you can make sure you and your family have a safe place to live.

Like any plumbing emergency, time is of the essence. So, in the interest of getting the damage fixed right away, it may make more sense to hire a pro than take the extra time to figure out the issue yourself.

Can I Hire a Cleanup and Restoration Company to Fix a Water Leak in My Wall?

A cleanup and restoration company handles everything from beginning to end, which can save you time and money, depending on the extent of the water leak. It will take care of finding the leak, repairing it, and restoring your home to its original condition. The services provided go above and beyond what a plumber does, and can include:

• Removing damaged personal property

• Disposing of contaminated materials

• Drying and sanitizing the area

• Mold remediation

• Replacing damaged walls, doors, windows, ceilings

• Cleaning carpet and personal property

• Electrical repair

You may consider hiring a cleanup and restoration company if you know that your wall leak is severe, if you already know you need mold remediation, or if you are certain you have a sewer leak.

Cleanup and restoration companies charge $3 to $4 per square foot for clear water damage, $4 to $7 per square foot for gray water damage, or $7 to $8 per square foot for black water damage.

Can I Hire a Leak Detection Company to Fix a Water Leak in My Wall?

If your plumber is having a difficult time figuring out what is going on, you may need to look for a leak detection company near you. These businesses specialize in locating the source of the problem. They use professional equipment that plumbers do not typically have, like acoustic listening devices and soil probes. These companies also employ cameras, smoke testing, and hydrostatic water tests. These methods are noninvasive, meaning that there is no need to open walls to inspect pipes visually for leaks. Instead, you will be able to point your repair person to the exact problem area.

Many leak detection companies help you pinpoint the source of the leak, but do not provide repair services. But if your plumber or handyperson is having a hard time finding the leak, then contacting a leak detection company is a great idea. You could save time and money and get your leak repaired faster. Leak detection services cost $100 to $700, depending on the complexity of the job.

How Do Pros Fix Water Leaks in Walls?

The first thing professionals will do to fix water leaks in walls is find the cause. It might be anything from a pipe problem to clogged gutters. Once they figure out what the issue is, then they will take appropriate steps to repair the damage. Some pros will go beyond just fixing the leak, and will also repair damaged drywall, do mold remediation, clean carpets, and more.

What to Do Before Your Pro Arrives

Here are some key things you can do before your pro arrives on site to help resolve your wall leak issue.

Identify the Leak

Here are some key things to look out for that may indicate a leak in your walls, including signs of hidden water leaks:

• Mold or mildew growth

• Sounds of water dripping

• Discolored or peeling paint or wallpaper

• Buckled ceilings

• Stains

• Musty smells or sewage odors

• Pest infestation

• Higher-than-usual water bills

If you notice these signs, call in a pro as soon as you can to get help.

Next Steps

After making an appointment, you should take these steps to avoid additional damage. Shut off your water so the leak will slow down and eventually stop. If you can already see visible damage, take good photos because you may need them for insurance purposes. And if you live in a humid area, you should keep humidity levels below 60% to prevent mold growth.