Tag Archives: leak detection

Oct '22

How Do Plumbers Detect Leaks?

Facing leaks in the home can be a severe issue. One that can be tough to detect and even harder to fix sometimes. It also requires a lot of patience and money to invest. If left unchecked, it can be an even bigger disaster. Not two of the leaks are the same. They can also be very easy or challenging to detect. Some are well hidden that you do not even know you are suffering from one. It can often be seen as a spike in the water bills and can be the only way to spot it. The best solution is to hire professional plumbers and have regular inspections. But how do plumbers detect leaks? This article will discuss some methods and technology plumbers use to detect water leaks.

How to detect leaks

Apart from detecting the leakage with your eyes, leaks can be extremely tough to spot, even for a trained eye. Leaks can be found deep in the plumbing system, below ground, or in walls, so no matter how much of a good vision you have, you still won’t be able to detect them. Modern technology has allowed us to improve our “shortcomings” and make our lives much easier. Here are some of the methods modern plumbers use:

visual “eye” detection
sound detection
detection by pressure
video-feed detection

According to plumbers at chicagoplumbingexperts.com, these methods have proven to be the best and most adequate means of discovering leaks in plumbing systems. They also state that using the correct tools is the key and should always be left to professionals to handle it.

Detecting leaks

The first thing every expert plumber will do when coming to your home is to make an inspection. That means that he will take his time to assess and discover any potential leaks by eye. He will search the most common and less common spots where leaks can occur. This method is the basis of every plumbing inspection and a staple to many regular check-ups and inspections you must undergo. A well-trained eye will spot any abnormalities that might be occurring. Another interesting method that they implore is sound detection. Although it can be challenging to assess the spot where leaks could be, it can be a great tool in narrowing down the general location of the leaks. After the inspection, he will continue the search with modern tools.

Visual and sound detection is how plumbers detect leaks.

Video inspection

The video inspection is the most precise leak inspection there is. Video inspection consists of small cameras mounted atop long and flexible optic cables. With them, skilled experts can access the plumping system through the outlets and search for leaks. The image will then be sent directly to the monitor, giving a live feed from the optic cable. Although it may be slow, this method guarantees precision findings. It enables the plumber to access the system’s otherwise inaccessible parts and precisely locate the leaks. As stated by evolutionmoving.com experts, this method is also helpful when you have pipes that go through inaccessible walls blocked by furniture. Instead of moving all the furnishings for a better view of the pipes, you can just use the sewer camera inspection service.

Video inspection is a good way of finding leaks

Plumbers detect leaks with listening discs

Another handy tool every plumber should have is the listening disc. Detecting leaks through walls and furnishings has never been easier. These discs search for sound frequencies of the leaking water. The plumber listens to the water running through the system and detects changes. That has become a primary method to pinpoint the vicinity and location of the possible leak. The plumber will see that location on the screen and determine how to proceed next. Another great ability of these discs is that they can detect sounds through thick materials such as brick, concrete, and stone.

Hurt your chances of a sale

Many things can hurt the price and chances of sale for your home. Owning broken or lousy plumbing is one of them. It is even on the top of the list of things that hurt your property the most. Bad plumbing can hurt your chances for sale drastically. It also devalues the house and can lead to buyers unwilling to invest in your property. It has become a staple for buyers to do a routine check or inspection of the plumbing system. Since it is very costly and tough to replace you home plumbing pipes or spend hours and thousands of dollars on repairs, many buyers don’t bother to invest. That is why owning a flawed or broken plumbing system hurts the chances of a sale.

Plumbers detect leaks with soiling probes

Soling probe is an excellent method of detecting leaks. Leaks in the sewer lines can be complicated to spot. The lines also go through lawns and yards, making it even more difficult. That is where soiling probes come in. These gadgets track the pressure in the pipelines and help pinpoint the leak’s location. It detects pressure spikes through the earth, grass, and even concrete, emitting a beeping sound. The sound gets louder as the device approaches the point of leakage. Due to the different sounds, a seasoned plumber can then detect the exact leaking point and nature of the leak and prepare for the repair process accordingly.

Thermal imaging cameras

Like the video inspection we discussed in the previous paragraph, thermal cameras work similarly. These “heat scanners” help detect the most complex leaks hidden in walls, concrete, or hot water systems. These thermal cameras find heat spots and signatures and make them visible on the monitor. This way, you can spot things an eye can’t see, such as moisture. They are exact and can easily find any leaking spots. These cameras are ideal for covering larger areas quickly, so you won’t be spending much time trying to assess the possible location of leaks.

One of the best methods of finding leaks is using thermal imaging cameras

Feb '22

Water Leak Detection 101: How to Detect Leaks in Your Home

The plumbing system is one of the most extensive and most used systems in the home. Almost every room in the house has water running through it, and a wide range of activities done in modern homes require water.

On average, one person in the home uses 80 – 100 gallons of water a day; that’s just one person. When you work out the amount of water used by the entire family, you can start to see just how much work the plumbing in your home does.

That is why plumbing leaks are easily the biggest maintenance issue in the home. The fact that water is very mobile and present in every part of the home means plumbing leaks can happen in any area on the property, warns McCaw Property Management. Moreover, these leaks can be incredibly complicated to detect.

Why are plumbing leaks so hard to find?

The reason is that most plumbing system components are invisible inside the walls, flooring, basement, and ceiling. It protects them from damage and preserves the aesthetic appeal of the home.

The second reason is that plumbing leaks rarely happen as we imagine them. Instead of water cascading down the home’s wall, most leaks occur as small continuous drips from damaged pipes or fixtures. These can go unnoticed for a long time.

But the long-term effect of these small leaks can be devastating to your wallet and the physical structures of your building. The costliest plumbing leaks in your home are not those that often flood your home, but the ones that secretly damage your building.

How do you detect those types of plumbing leaks early?

The following are the different ways to detect plumbing leaks in your home even before the effects of the problem become apparent. A leak detection system built on these strategies will save you thousands of dollars.

Monitor your water bill for changes

You should know the average amount you pay for water every month. If you notice large and sudden spikes in your water bill without any significant changes in your family’s use of water, you may suspect a leak. That will not tell you where the leak is, but it will help you be aware of the problem.

Measure your water usage

A family of four will not use more than 12,000 gallons of water a month. That is according to statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency. If you check your water usage and it exceeds this average by a wide margin, you can be sure there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing.

Watch your water meter

The dial of your water meter should stop moving when all the water in your home shuts off. With all the faucets in the house turned off, the reading on your water meter will only change if there is a leak in the system. Turn the faucets off, note the reading on the meter, wait one hour and observe the reading again.

Check the toilet for leaks

Toilets are notorious for hard-to-detect leaks. The tank may be leaking water into the bowl for years without any indications of the problems. To check if the tank is leaking, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait ten minutes and check to see if the color has appeared in the toilet bowl.

Inspect problem areas

Some parts of the home are notorious for hiding plumbing leaks. These include toilets, under the sink, and dripping faucets. Along with checking these areas, you may also look for signs of mold and moisture. Another sign to look for is a musty smell.

Check water sources outside the home

Exterior faucets and water spigots are also a crucial source of leaks. Since they are outside the home, they don’t get enough attention when homeowners look for plumbing leaks. If there is an area outside the house that is constantly wet, there might be a leak in the area.

Look for patches of green grass

If an area of lawn grass is greener than surrounding areas, it could indicate that that part of your lawn is getting more water than other parts. That is not always an indication of a water leak; it could also happen if your home’s sewer line is leaking and requires repair.

Check appliance and fixtures

Water-utilizing appliances may also contribute to your high water bills. Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can all leak. Check the connecting hoses for these appliances to ensure they are not leaking.

Look for clues of leaks around the house

Leaks will often leave behind a range of signs. Stains on the wall show that water is leaking behind the drywall. These stains can show on ceilings and walls. Bubbly and bulging paint also shows the surface behind the paint is wet. The musty smell around the home is another indication of leaks.

Sep '21

Top Reasons for Water Leaks in the Home

Leaks can cause extensive damages to your home and the repairs may be costly. The impacts of water leaks are numerous. Some of them include:

Increase in your water bills

If you have leaks in your home, your water bills will increase. Even when the leaks appear small, they can waste a copious amount of water. According to epa.gov, if one faucet is leaking at the rate of one drop per second, it translates to about 3000 gallons of water in a year. You can as well shower that volume of water about 180 times. Imagine how much you are spending on 3000 gallons of water every year without using it.

Water damage and mold growth

Leaks cause water damage, and molds thrive in high humidity. The presence of water leaks in your home will create a suitable environment for mildew. Molds that grow during water damage are harmful to the health of occupants. Water damage causes several negative impacts on your home. It can damage your ceiling, drywall, wood, furniture, carpet, and appliances. Water damage can also destroy the foundation of your property and reduce the home’s value.

Safety concerns

Leaks in a property can render it unfit for habitation. Remember, water and electricity do not mix. If the leak is close to electricity sources, it can make the house prone to electrocution. We advise that you always switch off the electric supply to the area where the leak is active. Another safety concern is that the water spills on the floor will make it slippery and cause falls.

There are several other impacts of water leaks. To protect your home from all these occurrences, it is essential to know the top reasons for water leaks. When you know the causes, you can prevent them from occurring. Below are the common causes of water leaks in the home.

High water pressure

The normal pressure of water inside the pipes in your home should be between 40 to 70 psi. Appliances, pipes, and pipe joints cannot withstand water pressures higher than 70 psi. If the water pressure in your home is too high, the pipes will rupture, resulting in leaks or burst pipes. To prevent this, you can monitor the water pressure in your home by using a pressure gauge.

Damaged pipe joints

Pipe joints are the weakest spots in water pipes. Because of that, leaks often occur here. If there is excessive water movement or pressure at the pipe joints, they easily break down and cause leaks. Your plumber can help you assess the pipe joint and reinforce them to prevent leaks.

Broken seals

Seals occur in several parts of your plumbing system. Following high water pressure, age, or poor installation, the seals break down. When this happens, water starts to leak from those spots. Your plumber can remove all old seals and install new ones properly.

Air conditioners

Functioning air conditioners produce water, but this water flows through a duct and discharges outside the house. Sometimes, this may not be the case. Instead of the water flowing outside, it drips inside and pours on the walls. That may be due to overflowing condensate pans or poor installation. Here, your HVAC specialist should assess the air conditioner and fix the problem.

Clogged lines

The primary reason you have clogs in your drain pipes may be because you pour harmful things into your drain. One of such things is grease or cooking oil. Grease solidifies inside the drain pipes and causes clogging. Clogs often manifest as leaks. If you have been pouring grease, cooking oils, or other harmful things into your drain, get professional drain cleaning plumbers to clear these clogs.

Corroded pipes

Pipes corrode for various reasons. It could be due to corrosive substances in the water, age, destabilizing movements, bacteria, or normal wear and tear. When pipes corrode, they start leaking. Hire a plumber to detect any water leaks and replace corroded pipes to prevent leaks.

Loosening water connectors

During the installation of water appliances, water connectors help to attach the water fixtures to the water supply. Over time, the water connectors may loosen following vibrations or shifting of the gadgets. If you notice that there are leaks at these spots, get an expert to fix it.

Other appliances

Leaks can occur because of your water appliances. Common appliances that can cause water leaks include washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and water heaters. Conduct routine servicing and maintenance of your water appliances to prevent leaks.

In a nutshell

Outdoor leaks are not as common as indoor leaks. You can also inspect your outdoor areas for leaks. The sources of outdoor leaks are the roof, gutters, burst pipes, tree root intrusion, downspouts, and sewer pumps. As a routine, always hire professional plumbers to conduct a comprehensive assessment of your plumbing system.