Finding leak Underneath A Water Bed Mattress

Question: What if there is a  hole is located on the bottom side of my waterbed mattress?

I’m pretty sure the leak is not anywhere easy to get to and repair. The top side of the mattress is dry, but down underneath of the bladder it is wet and there is standing water. Does this mean the leak is underneath the water bed mattress?

Follow These Tips for Locating the Leak

The top and sides of the bed being dry doesn’t necessarily mean the water bed does not have a leak in those particular areas. Water will seek the lowest point no matter where it is located hence the standing water you might find under a water mattress.  Leaks can be fickle and hard to find sometimes and are not always in the most obvious places. Top, sides, and ends are those obvious places but it still has to be found. Sometimes those leaks are not obvious or easy to find. This is because some holes will only leak when put under pressure for example when you are laying on the bed. In a low humidity environment like a house, the water trail from a leak can quickly dry erasing the telltale trail of wetness and seepage that typically helps a person to locate a hole.

So where is the best place to find a leak in a waterbed mattress?

There really isn’t the best place but there are some leaks are easier to find than others. The following are the areas where nearly all leaks occur and are some of the easiest to get to for repair: Seams, corners, wrinkles, blemishes in the vinyl, mattress surface, and especially sides. These are by far the most vulnerable areas for failure or punctures. The underside while not immune to problems should be inspected when all other areas have been thoroughly inspected.

Finding a leak on the bottom side of a water bed

First – Do you have a free flow or a baffled mattress?

Free flows have nothing but water inside and baffled models the waves are restricted to reduce wave movement. To find leaks on the bottom one must be extra cautious not to shift free-floating fiber or baffles out of place. This can be done by filling a mattress to 3-4 inches and then placing one hand on the underside and one top side of the mattress as if you are clapping your hands together. Clamp mattress tightly between your hands and fold back mattress on top of itself and inspect for moisture. Circle damage with the marker and unfold mattress the same way and lay it back out and drain completely and vacuum pack ideally with a wet-dry shop vac or venture pump. Completely drain the mattress. At this point, you are ready to flip the mattress over carefully and repair the hole as long as it is not on a seam or corner. Also, be leary of cuts larger than ½ inch they rarely hold.

Finding a leak Underneath A Water Bed Mattress is fairly easy. We hope our tips help make your job easier. Have some tips you would like to share? Please comment below or read more tips.

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