At C & R Plumbing, leak detection is one of our specialties and every job tells a story. Recently, we were called out to a home in Moreno Valley where the homeowner noticed signs of water damage: bubbling paint on a wall in the hallway, a faint musty smell, and unexplained moisture near the baseboards.

Initial Leak Detection

We arrived promptly and began with our standard leak detection process. The symptoms suggested a water line issue, but the water meter wasn’t spinning, and pressure tests on the hot and cold lines held steady. That told us it wasn’t a pressurized supply line.

Next, we inspected fixtures and drains. When we ran water at the bathroom sink, we heard a faint dripping sound inside the wall. That was the clue we needed.

The Real Problem Revealed

After carefully cutting open a section of drywall behind the vanity, we found the culprit: a cracked ABS drain pipe. Over time, the crack had grown and was slowly leaking every time the sink was used. Because it was a drain pipe, the leak didn’t show up on water pressure tests, and it only leaked intermittently, making it one of those tricky, easy-to-miss problems.

Our Solution

We removed the damaged section of the drain pipe and replaced it with new, properly sloped and solvent-welded ABS piping. We also made sure to test all connections thoroughly and verify that no other parts of the system were compromised.

Before closing up the wall, we gave the homeowner the option to have a restoration company inspect for any hidden moisture or mold. It’s always better to be safe when water has been sitting in the wall for any period of time.

The Takeaway

Leaks aren’t always from water supply lines. Drain pipes, especially in older homes, can crack, shift, or separate over time, causing slow leaks that can damage walls, flooring, and cabinetry if left unnoticed.

If you notice musty odors, bubbling paint, or moisture around your baseboards, don’t wait. Call a licensed professional to investigate. At C & R Plumbing, we use a careful, methodical approach to leak detection to save you time, money, and stress.

Need help with a leak?

Call us today for reliable leak detection and expert plumbing repairs in Moreno Valley and surrounding areas.