Leaks in the plumbing can range from a nuisance to an emergency. But they have one thing in common: they can’t simply be left alone. A leak doesn’t fix itself, and even the smallest pinhole leak not only wastes water, it creates building damage and allows for mold and mildew to build up.
But do you really need a professional plumber to detect leaks in your house? If you think of each leak as a massive, catastrophic one that’s sending water directly into your home, it sounds a bit silly that you’d need a professional to say, “Hey, there’s a leak there!”
However, even with leaks you can immediately see, it’s necessary to get a plumber to track down the specific place to fix it and to see if there are other leaks. And, in the case of the majority of leaks you can’t see, you’ll absolutely need a plumber.
The Professional Leak Detection Job
What does a professional plumber bring to this job? It’s a combination of training and tools. Professional plumbers are experienced with detecting the signs of leaks that can quickly lead to them narrowing down the area where the leaks are occurring. Once the plumbers have done that, they use advanced technology to pinpoint the leaks so they can handle repairs with the least amount of disruption possible to your home.
Some of the tools a plumber may use:
- Video pipe inspection cameras that can be sent down into the plumbing. The camera sends back images of the inside of the pipes to monitors, allowing the plumber to find exactly where the leaks are.
- Acoustic listening discs that can pick up the sound of water escaping from a pipe—even through a concrete slab.
- Thermal scanners that detect temperature changes due to water leaving a pipe.
Knowing When You Need Leak Detection
The huge leak you can see isn’t as common as smaller ones you can’t see. But how will you know they’re there? Watch for warning signs such as these:
- An unexpected rise in your water usage. If you water bills spikes but you know you have increased the amount of water you use, it might be a leak.
- Spots of discoloration on the walls or ceilings. These usually indicate water pooling from a leak that’s causing damage to the drywall.
- The development of mold or mildew in unusual spots.
- The water heater turning on and off at strange times, which can mean a leak in a hot water line.
Regular Leak Detection
However, you don’t need to see any signs of leaks to decide to arrange for leak detection. We recommend any house has this service done every couple of years to help prevent bigger leaks and to get a jump on the situation. Many homes can have hidden leaks continue for years before they show outward signs. The only way to know it’s happening and stop the water waste and hidden damage is to let professionals do leak detection.
You can trust us as your Sanford, FL plumber when you need leaks found and fixed. We’re licensed professionals and have 24/7 emergency service.