How to Use a Moisture Meter

November 30th 2023

If you're experiencing an issue with damp in your home or garage, you may need a moisture meter to determine how much moisture is in your bricks, plaster or wood. In this blog, we talk about how to use a moisture meter accurately and what the meter readings mean.

What is a Moisture Meter?

A moisture meter (also known as a moisture detector) is a portable, handheld device that measures how much water is in materials such as brick, drywall, plaster & wood. The percentage of moisture content can let you know if the levels are suitable or if further investigation or repair work needs to be done.

Anyone who enjoys doing their own DIY projects or those who work in the building & carpentry trade will find having a moisture meter device handy as the more moisture that's in walls and other materials, the more they become damaged so it's a helpful piece of information to know.

Where Can I Use It?

You can use a moisture meter in brick walls, floorboards, grout, plaster & wood. From checking to see if there's a leak behind tiling, damp around doors and window frames, if plaster is dry to making sure there's no extra moisture in wood before building custom furniture, this digital device can help with plenty of jobs.

How Do I Use It?

A moisture meter device comes in different types so how to use them depends on which one you have.

Pin type moisture meters have around 2-4 steel probes that you'll find at the top of the device. Remove the probe cover & stick the device into the material you want to test. You won't need to push the probes into the wall, wood or plaster too much to be able to get a reading. By pushing the device in too much, you may damage the materials as well as the device. Push the probs in so that the are firmly inside the materials but loose enough to be able to pull them out. As the device's current circulates between the probes, a reading will be determined and shown on the digital screen.

Pin-less moisture meters have a sensor pad to detect water in materials. Simply place the device where you need to check for moisture, making sure it's flat. The pad uses an electromagnetic signal to measure how much moisture can be found in the materials. Wait a few moments for the sensor pad to get to work and watch the screen for the reading. Unlike the pin type devices, you won't need to break through any materials to get your reading.

Anyone can use a moisture meter device. Whether you're a buddy DIYer whose taking on a new project, a builder who has been called out to check some work, using the moisture meter is simple to use and is a light & portable piece of equipment.

Where Can I Buy Moisture Meters?

At HSS, we have a selection of moisture meters that you can buy and keep as part of your tool collection. These devices are from popular household brands such as Faithfull & Stanley so you know you'll be getting quality tools.

If you have any questions or need more information about moisture meters, get in touch with our live chat experts who are on hand and happy to help or contact your local HSS store.

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About the Author

Samina Ahmed

Samina is a member of the E-commerce team. She has plenty of product knowledge & enjoys writing about all things DIY.

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