If you suspect you have a plumbing leak, you’ll need a leak detection service quickly to prevent a host of problems leaking pipes can cause. Water leaks inside your home can create massive disasters if not caught early and repaired. The water can damage your walls, floors, ceilings and more. If the area stays damp, it can also lead to mold and mildew. Read on to learn more about leak detection service, why you may need it, and the benefits you’ll gain from scheduling the service with F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
What is Leak Detection?
Leak detection involves finding water leaks in your plumbing system. The plumber uses high-tech tools and specialized equipment to find even the sneakiest and most well-hidden leaks. Aside from visual inspection, our plumbers may use several methods to find plumbing leaks. Let’s take a look at the most common leak detection methods.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging utilizes a camera to detect temperature differences around pipes and plumbing fixtures. Most areas around a water leak will be cooler than the surrounding area. Of course, the opposite is true if a hot water pipe is leaking. This non-invasive method allows your plumber to look for water leaks without tearing apart walls, floors, or other areas of your house.
Sonar Detection
Sonar, or acoustic, leak detection is another non-invasive method for locating leaks. Sonar devices feature a microphone that picks up sound waves. These work especially well for pressurized pipes, like your potable water system. Water creates a faint noise as it escapes from a pipe. A sonar device allows your plumber to hear this noise and find the exact location of a water leak.
Video Pipe Inspection
Video pipe inspection involves running a camera through your pipes to look for leaks. The camera is attached to a flexible scope, which your plumber can use to direct the camera through your plumbing system. This method allows your plumber to visually examine pipes and see areas of concern without tearing into the walls. Video pipe inspection is usually non-invasive, as the plumber can insert the camera and scope through a drain.
Signs You May Need Leak Detection Service
Plumbing leaks can be sneaky and are often not visible. You may not even know you have a leak until you spot signs of massive damage. It’s crucial to understand the warning signs of a hidden plumbing leak so that you can act fast to stop it. Read on to learn some of these common warning signs.
Sound of Running Water
You may hear a sound similar to running or dripping water when you have a leaky pipe. Make sure all your faucets and fixtures are off. Check visible pipes and easy-to-access water lines for leaks. Call our professional leak detection service if you still hear the running water and find no leaks yourself.
Moldy Odors
Water from a leaky pipe saturates an area, making it the perfect environment for mold and mildew. The mold and mildew may grow on the interior of walls and under flooring, making it invisible. You may have a hidden plumbing leak if you smell mold and cannot find the source.
Low Water Pressure
Low pressure happens when water leaks out of the pipes before reaching the faucet. Low water pressure has many possible causes. If you experience low water pressure that is not temporary, first check with neighbors. Neighborhood plumbing work or broken water mains can cause a loss of pressure. If you are the only home experiencing low water pressure, it may be due to a water leak.
Wet Spots or Water Stains
If you find random, unexplained wet spots in your home, there’s a chance water is leaking under the floor, behind the wall, or above the ceiling. Water stains are another good indicator of water leaks. Water often leaves a yellowish stain on surfaces after it dries.
Sudden Increase in Water Bill
A sudden increase in your water consumption should be a red flag. A dramatic jump on your water bill could indicate that incoming water is leaking somewhere. An easy way to check for leaks that cause your bill to spike is to watch your water meter. Shut off all plumbing fixtures and faucets and monitor the meter. If the meter continues to run when you are not using water, you have a plumbing leak. A leak of this kind indicates that it is somewhere in a supply line, and you are paying for water you aren’t using.
Saggy Ceiling
If your home has more than one level, many of your plumbing pipes might run above the ceiling of lower levels. When these water lines leak, the water may pool and cause the ceilings to sag. Sagging ceilings require prompt attention as the structure may eventually give way, causing a messy flood.
Warm or Hot Floors
Warm or hot floors are another sneaky indication of a water leak. Hot water escaping from a pipe beneath the floor could raise the surface temperature.
Benefits of Leak Detection Service
Leak detection service is beneficial in many ways, such as saving money and mess. Scheduling professional leak detection at the first sign of a plumbing leak can make a world of difference in the extent of the consequences your leak causes. Read on to see more about these benefits.
Prevent Damage
A water leak can be catastrophic if not found and fixed quickly. Think about where the pipes run through your home. Now imagine if one of these pipes is leaking water. You may have damage to your floors, walls, ceilings, and personal belongings. A bad enough leak may even cause damage to the structure of your house. Underground leaks can cause slab or foundation movement. Leaks in the walls can cause mold and other toxins and rot your framework. The bigger the leak and the longer it goes unrepaired, the more damage you’ll be left to repair.
Save Money
Leak detection service saves you money in several ways. First, you’ll save money on repairs and remodels when you catch a water leak early before it can cause catastrophic damage. Second, if a water supply line is leaking, you’ll save money by finding and repairing the leak quickly and stopping the added charges on your water bill.
Avoid Toxins
Water leaks often cause mold and mildew to grow on surfaces and surrounding areas. Mold and mildew can be harmful to your health, causing respiratory symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. The toxins are even more harmful to those who already suffer from respiratory disease.
At the first sign of a plumbing leak, you need leak detection from an expert plumber to avoid devastating damage and costly repairs. Our experienced plumbers have a range of tools and equipment to seek out and diagnose water leaks. In addition, we offer high-quality plumbing repairs, drain cleaning, and water heater services. Our HVAC technicians provide top-notch heating and cooling maintenance, repair, and installations, making us the premier company in Cheshire to keep you comfortable and provide modern convenience in your home.
Get the best leak detection services in Cheshire, CT by calling the pros at F.F. Hitchcock Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today.
