Whitbeck Construction's Blog

WC Tip! water leak..eek!

8/14/2017

You have a water leak!
If you can locate the highest concentration of ants, or follow their path, they will lead you to the water source. This is often a roof leak, so the "nest" will probably be somewhere in a “drip line”.

Carpenter ants, unlike termites, have no ability to digest cellulose(wood) However, after it becomes water-damaged they will forage around inside the wood, feeding off of fungi and other bits of food.

Boric acid is effective, but I have seen big problems arise when attics are indiscriminately dusted, and the corrosive dust gets transferred to the breathing space of little children through leaking heating and cooling air ducts.

Dry the conditions out completely, replace the damaged wood and your ants will disappear.
Be sure to check the wet area for water damage, dry rot (a type of fungi) and mold.

15 Comments

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1/14/2020 06:57:29 am

I came across your blog when I was trying to find some answers regarding how long the construction process, on average, takes for a 30+ storey condo development in Singapore. We have just moved into a lovely development off River Valley Rd and there is a huge construction site on the other side of the road. They have already completed the piling and first level for one of the towers but, from what I can see, they are still digging to set up the foundation for the second tower. I was wondering if you know how long the 'pile driving' part takes and if that really is the worst of the noise. I have to admit that they don't work on Sundays or after 6pm on weekdays (so far).

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1/14/2020 07:45:21 am

Home safety is the most important need for everyone. We should try to maintain every part of our home so that we can save our home & money such as home electric items, plugins, switches etc. Thanks for sharing your lovely stuff. :)

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3/12/2022 02:31:52 am

Water leakages can cause serious damage to a property and should be fixed as soon as possible by a professional. Water can damage walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture, and can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. A professional will be able to find the source of the leak and fix it quickly and efficiently.

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10/7/2022 08:39:53 pm

Turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances in your house, and note the reading on the water meter, to see if the leak is the result of faulty plumbing. Check the water meter once more after waiting at least three hours. An indication that the leak is originating from interior plumbing is an increase in water usage. This technique is less successful in houses with running faucets or toilets, and your water meter will show a little rise from the original figure you noted.

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12/1/2022 09:14:01 pm

Thank you for the tip. And please don't forget that we should also consider on looking at the water pipes to make sure that it is not the source.

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3/24/2023 12:31:03 am

We are grateful for the excellent stuff you provided. Everyone places high importance on keeping their homes safe. We need to perform maintenance on the electrical appliances, plugs, and switches in our home, as well as any damage caused by leaking water. I appreciate you going over everything necessary to ensure the safety of my home.

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9/9/2023 01:42:29 am

Hi great reading your post

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5/15/2024 11:54:04 pm

Great blog I enjoyyed reading

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1/14/2025 12:07:23 am

I had a major leak in my kitchen, and Pinkston Plumbing was quick to respond. Their technician was professional, courteous, and got the job done in no time. I’m really impressed with their efficiency and the quality of their work. Highly recommend!

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4/10/2025 03:58:01 am

"Protect your home from water damage with reliable waterproofing solutions."

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10/14/2025 07:57:25 am

Great post! At KVN Portland Roofing, we often see how unnoticed roof leaks can lead to hidden damage and even pest issues like carpenter ants. Addressing these problems starts with a professional roof inspection to identify the leak source, followed by expert roof repair or roof installation if needed to restore long-term protection. Our team specializes in durable roofing solutions that prevent moisture intrusion and future infestations—keeping your home dry, strong, and worry-free.

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12/19/2025 02:47:42 am

Great reminder about how moisture issues invite carpenter ants, and we often see similar problems tied to chimney flashing and roof penetrations that create drip lines just like you described. At Frechette Chimney Sweeping in Sanford, ME, we regularly find that small chimney leaks can lead to water-damaged framing, fungi growth, and insect activity if left unaddressed, especially around older masonry or poorly sealed venting. A thorough chimney inspection, timely repairs, and proper chimney caps can help keep structures dry, and when planning a wood-burning stove installation, correct clearances and flashing details are key to avoiding future moisture problems. Drying out affected areas and replacing compromised materials, paired with professional chimney care, goes a long way toward protecting the home and preventing repeat issues.

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1/25/2026 11:18:27 am

Cavingroups responded quickly and handled our water damage professionally. They made a stressful situation much easier.

WC Tip! water leak..eek!

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