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Your plumbing network is complex and often hard to access. A single, invisible leak can quickly spell serious trouble if you fail to detect it early. Unnoticed water seeping from a cracked pipe wastes water and can cause expensive damage to your home’s infrastructure. Even small drips can accumulate over time, resulting in major structural damage—not to mention health hazards such as mildew and mold.
The chances of you not finding a hidden leak until it’s too late are high. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the signs of a leak. A developing leak is often signaled by a hissing sound when your taps are off, a sudden spike in your water bill, or a damp spot on the wall or floor. Catching these problems early on will spare you from the headache of a major plumbing disaster. Here’s more information about how Pipe Works Services can find these hidden leaks.
Plumbing Leaks and Their Origins Explained
Leaks in a home’s plumbing system develop from various sources. Your plumbing system’s age is often a factor. As pipes grow old, they corrode and become brittle before they crack and break. High water pressure can also strain pipes and fittings, instigating a system failure. Shifts in your foundation or freezing temperatures may also lead to a burst pipe. Improper installation or poor maintenance contribute to additional vulnerabilities where leaks can take hold.
These defects can unleash a bevy of expensive problems if they are undetected. Even a minor leak can significantly inflate your water bill. Water damage will compromise the structural integrity of your home before leaving you with a costly repair bill. Likewise, mold likes to proliferate under damp conditions. This undoubtedly poses a health risk, and household mold remediation is as pricey as it is as inconvenient. By understanding the potential health risks, you can be motivated to take immediate action upon detecting a leak.
Identifying Hidden Water Leaks
Knowing that you have an unseen water leak hinges on your ability to detect several subtle indicators. Visible evidence may include warped flooring, discoloration on walls, or persistent dampness in areas that should be dry. Paint or wallpaper that peels without apparent reason can also signal underlying moisture from a leak. In less obvious cases, a musty odor might be your first clue. This could suggest an accumulation of moisture behind walls or below floors.
Closely monitoring your water usage will help catch elusive water leaks that don’t offer visual cues. Hidden leaks typically reveal themselves through an unexplained spike in your water bill. If your consumption patterns haven’t changed, and the numbers on your bill don’t add up, it’s time to investigate further. Checking your water meter can signal an elusive leak if you notice a meter reading change after two hours when you’re not using water.
Professional Leak Detection Methods
When we come to your home for a leak detection service, we will analyze your home’s infrastructure, using advanced technology to pinpoint unseen water escape routes. Following are just a few of the most common professional water detection methods.
Acoustic Leak Detection
Listening for leaks, acoustic detection devices capture the sound of water hissing through compromised pipes. This approach works best with pressurized systems like your fresh water supply. The escaping water creates a distinct noise profile that trained technicians can interpret. It’s especially effective in quieter environments.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging cameras detect leak-related temperature differences by translating them into vivid color displays. The cold water seeping from your pipe will contrast with its warmer surroundings. This difference allows the camera to visualize the anomaly. The thermal imaging method is primarily recognized for its ability to spot leaks behind walls and under floors without taking invasive measures.
Gas Tracer Systems
Intrusive leaks that defy other methods are most frequently resolved with gas tracers. A non-toxic gas, often helium or hydrogen, is introduced into the pipes. Gas is lighter than air, so it rises to the surface where the leak is present. This technique allows for swift leak detection by specialized sensors. The approach is ideal for complex systems, as it can hunt down the most elusive water leaks.
Video Pipe Inspection
Video pipe inspection offers a direct view of your plumbing’s interior. This procedure reveals the exact condition of your pipes and any defects at play. Our plumbers deploy a high-resolution camera that travels through your drain and sewer system to relay live footage that uncovers obstructions. The images will also expose any damage and leaks.
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing evaluates your system’s integrity by filling it with air or water and monitoring for pressure changes. A noticeable pressure drop is a surefire sign of a leak. While less sophisticated, this method can identify leaks quickly and is most valuable for checking waterproofing in new installations.
What You Can Do
Preemptively catching small leaks is essential for avoiding extensive damage and high repair costs. Homeowners can perform simple checks, like inspecting exposed pipes for condensation or corrosion and testing toilet tanks with food coloring to see if it seeps into the bowl. Regularly examining under sinks and around appliances for puddles or water stains is also advisable.
If signs persist despite your best efforts or if the area of the suspected leak is not readily accessible, you’ll likely need professional detection. Our experts use precision tools and techniques to reveal hidden leaks and mitigate risks to your property.
When to Call a Professional Leak Detection Service
If you’ve noticed a mystery spike in your water bill or damp areas without a clear source, it’s time to call a licensed plumber. These symptoms point to hidden problems that require expert attention. Delaying will only extend and exacerbate the damages.
Our plumbers come equipped with state-of-the-art tools that can find leaks with minimal margin for error. Experts will move through the inspection quickly, often arriving on site with the tools and expertise to immediately identify the issue and repair the leak.
This saves you from the hassle and stress of hunting down the problem yourself or buying unnecessary tools and parts as you attempt to fix it. Professional detection methods are typically non-destructive, as well. This means no tearing down walls or digging up floors unless it’s absolutely required.
As a professional leak detection provider, we can also tell you exactly how to resolve the leak and prevent the issue from recurring. Perhaps most importantly, consulting a licensed plumber lets you rest easy knowing you’re not facing a plumbing catastrophe. A seasoned professional can affirm that your space is safe from the risks of further water damage.
Our Round-the-Clock Emergency Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Services
Leaks often start suddenly and sneak by undetected before turning into a serious emergency. At Pipe Works Services, we provide top-tier leak detection services to homeowners in Central and Northern New Jersey. In addition to leak detection and plumbing, we offer comprehensive heating, electrical, and insulation solutions to ensure uninterrupted indoor comfort and efficiency. Contact us at Pipe Works Services in Chatham, NJ today for more on how we leverage the latest detection technology to identify and repair the most elusive water leaks!
