Detecting Hidden Threats: Water Leaks Detection Services

Leaks are tricky: if not discovered fast, these seem-to-be-insignificant problems can lead to true havoc. Many homeowners just ignore minor issues or stay inattentive to signs of water leaks. Weakened house structures, flooding, burst pipes, and mold growth are just some of the potential consequences of undetected hidden leaks. How to recognize hidden leaks and why you need to call water leaks detection services immediately we will discuss below.

What Signs Indicate That You Need to Call Water Line Leak Detection Pros?

Early leak identification, particularly, slab leak detection, can reduce the risk of potential damage and save money. Left unattended, leaks can lead to severe after-effects compromising structural integrity, damaging flooring, walls, and even furniture, favoring mold growth. Mold is particularly nasty as it spreads fast and is toxic for both humans and pets. Water damage mitigation is relatively expensive and better be avoided. Experienced homeowners know well that regular maintenance of a piping system and early action in case of suspected leaks cost less, eliminate stress, and ensure peace of mind. 

A leaky sink or toilet is straightforward to be identified; however, leaky pipes in a basement and underneath the flooring can stay unnoticeable for an extended period until they result in visible damage. Thus, pros divide leaks into two groups: open leaks and hidden leaks. While open leaks are easy to locate and repair, hidden leaks need qualified specialists with dedicated equipment to be detected. Still, homeowners can notice some signs of leaky piping. 

What signs should you pay attention to suspect a leak?

• Wet patches on walls and flooring
• Increased water bills
• Sound of running water even if all faucets and toilets aren’t in use
• Mold spots
• Musty odor
• Puffed up flooring
• Higher moisture content in the air for no obvious reason

What factors can cause leaks?

• Corroded pipes. Plumbing systems in older houses might be affected more as custard iron and copper pipes were commonly used in the past. 
• Improper pipe installation. Wrong techniques, faulty sealings, and improperly adjusted valves are just some of the mistakes that can cause problems.
• High water pressure. This is one of the most common causes of burst pipes as high pressure weakens piping and leads to leaks. If not addressed early, a tiny leak might result in a burst pipe that requires more extensive and expensive repairs.
• Drain clogging. Clogs are the reason for the fluctuation of pressure inside pipes and they can lead to faster corrosion. 
• Huge temperature swings. Drastic temperature changes make pipes expand, contract, or shift. Accompanied by ground freezing or shifting, those changes can cause cracks, leaks, and even burst pipes.

Once you’ve noticed one of the signs, call plumbing leak detection pros that provide emergency services and are available 24/7. They have the required skills and equipment to determine the leak location and repair water leak right away. Some companies offer post-damage remodeling services to restore your house to its initial condition after it has been damaged by water.

Remember: A yearly routine inspection of the plumbing system is inexpensive and the most efficient preventive measure against water leaks. It is always easier and cheaper to identify a plumbing issue before it can destroy the house and undermine your health.

How Do Pros Detect Hidden Leaks?

In times past, leaks were identified only by digging up and down your property causing disaster and heavy expenses. The good news is that there is no need to tear apart your house anymore to locate a leak underneath your home. Advanced technologies allow pros to inspect the piping system and detect leaks using non-invasive methods.

In general, we can divide plumbing leak detection into two major types:

• Invasive. A traditional approach involves digging and physical examination of pipes leaving your property excavated. Once repairs are completed, massive restoration work is required to bring a house back to its normal condition.
• Non-invasive. Leak detection specialists deploy advanced technologies to achieve the best results with minimal damage to the property. 

Non-invasive technology can be subdivided into several sub-categories:

–          Thermal imaging/thermography. Trained specialists deploy thermal cameras to identify pipes located inside walls or under the construction through variations in surface temperature. Experts consider thermography one of the most reliable and accurate methods.

–          Snake cameras/endoscopic leak detection. An extendable flexible camera with a light source facilitates a visual inspection of piping. It is especially useful beneath suspended floors and other void spaces.

–          Acoustic sensors. A device with extremely sensitive microphones allows pinpointing a sound of a diminutive leak against the background pipe noises.

–          Leak correlation. Special sensors, known as leak noise correlators, are installed on both ends and transmit sound as radio signals. Then, electronic pulses are analyzed to reveal the leak location. This method is commonly applied for large networks of pipes typical for commercial and industrial constructions.

–          Trace gas leak detection. This method is based on pushing pressurized non-toxic gas through the piping system. Leak detection pros use a dedicated gas detector to locate a leak. Unfortunately, the equipment is relatively costly, so not all service providers deploy this method.

Some leak detection services deploy only traditional invasive methods and insist on expensive repiping of the property even when it can be avoided. When you just suspect a leak, search for a contractor that offers non-invasive detection. This way, you don’t pay for unnecessary work and supplies.

Not always possible to repair a water leak without taking the damaged pipe out; however, non-invasive leak detection keeps to minimum damage to your property. Addressed early, leaks won’t cost you a fortune. Ignorance and delays can affect other pipes and lead to the need for more complex and costly repairs let alone damage to your house.

Among various plumbing issues, leaks can be discreet and are not always considered by homeowners as an emergency. Yet still, they represent a hidden threat that if ignored poses a hazard to human health and requires costly water damage repairs. Thus, whenever you notice signs of a leak, contact a water leaks detection service promptly to avoid unwanted consequences.