Water damage is one of the most common—and expensive—problems that homeowners face. In fact, 14,000 people in the U.S. experience water damage in their homes every day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is easily avoidable by early leak detection.
The average cost of repairing water damage is more than $3,000, and that doesn’t even take into account the cost of replacing damaged belongings or fixing the underlying problem that caused the leak in the first place. That’s why it’s so important to be vigilant about leak detection and to take action as soon as you suspect there might be a problem. But knowing when and how to conduct a leak detection test and when to call in a professional can be tricky. Keep reading to learn what you need to know about leak detection and when it’s time to call in a plumbing specialist.
Call Certified Plumbing of Brevard!
At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, our leak specialists and plumbers have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help patch leaks both minor and severe. When you make an appointment with us, you can rest assured knowing your home’s plumbing is in good hands. With decades of experience in the business, we’ve seen it all. Give us a call today or visit our website to see what our leak specialists and plumbers can do for you.
When to Conduct a Leak Detection Test
There are a few different situations in which you might want to conduct a leak detection test. The most obvious is if you can see water damage or if your water bill has spiked for no apparent reason. You might also want to conduct a test if you hear strange noises coming from your plumbing or if your fixtures are loose. Leak detection methods can be used to pinpoint the exact location of a leak, allowing you to make the necessary repairs. In some cases, a leak detection test can also be used to confirm that your plumbing is in good working order.
If you are unsure about whether or not you need to conduct a leak detection test, consult with a professional plumber. There are a few different situations in which you might want to conduct a leak detection test. The most obvious is if you can see water damage or if your water bill has spiked for no apparent reason. You might also want to conduct a test if you hear strange noises coming from your plumbing or if your fixtures are loose.
Conducting a Leak Detection Test
If you suspect there might be a leak but you can’t see any water damage, don’t despair. There are a few different ways you can conduct a leak detection test before deciding to hire a professional.
One way is to simply turn off all appliances and fixtures that use water—including your washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, showers, etc.—and then check your water meter. If the needle on the meter is still moving, that means there’s water flowing through your pipes even though all fixtures are turned off, which means there’s probably a leak somewhere.
Another way to check for leaks is to take a reading of your water meter before you go to bed, and then again first thing in the morning. If there’s been any movement on the meter during that time, it means there was water flowing through your pipes while you were asleep—again, an indication of a leak.
A final way to conduct a leak detection test is by adding food coloring Toilet tanks have an overflow pipe that prevents them from overflowing if the toilet is accidentally flushed while the tank is full. This overflow pipe is located just above the fill valve—the mechanism that allows water into the tank—and is usually connected to the bowl with a short length of pipe. When conducting this test, simply remove the lid from your toilet tank and add several drops of food coloring (any color will do) directly into the overflow pipe. Then wait 15 minutes or so without flushing any toilets or running any fixtures that use water; if food coloring appears in your toilet bowl after this time period, it means there’s probably a leak somewhere in your system.
If after all of these steps you are still struggling to locate the source of the leak, then it may be time to call a leak detection and repair specialist. At Certified Plumbing of Brevard, our team of leak specialists are seasoned veterans when it comes to spotting and repairing leaks in your home, and can handle minor and major leaks. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule your leak detection/repair appointment today!
Call a Professional to Patch the Leak
Leak detection is a complex and delicate process that should only be performed by a trained professional. Attempting to patch a leak yourself can often do more harm than good. This may even end up costing you more in the long run. A trained technician will have the necessary tools and experience to quickly and accurately identify the source of the leak. Once the leak has been located, they will be able to provide you with a reliable repair solution. Furthermore, they will also be able to advise you on how to prevent future leaks from happening. So next time you have a leak, don’t attempt to fix it yourself – call in a professional!
What to Expect from a Professional Leak Inspection & Repair Appointment
Leak detection begins with a thorough inspection of your home, both inside and out. Your leak detection specialist will look for telltale signs of leaks, such as pooled water, damp spots on walls or ceilings, mold growth, and unusual stains. Once potential leaky areas are identified, your specialist uses state-of-the-art leak detection equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This may involve using a moisture meter to measure moisture content in building materials or using acoustical leak detection to listen for the sound of running water. Once the leak has been located, your specialist will provide you with a detailed repair plan.
Leaks can occur anywhere in your home. Some of the most common places for leaks to occur are in your roof, around your windows and doors, and in your plumbing.
Once the leak has been located, your specialist will recommend the best course of action to repair the leak. In some cases, a simple repair such as tightening a loose fitting may be all that is needed. However, more serious leaks may require more extensive work such as replacing damaged pipes or installing new plumbing fixtures. Regardless of the extent of the repairs needed, professional leak detection services can help get your home back in tip-top shape – and help you save money in the process.
Remember to Call the Experts
Calling in professional help sooner rather than later will save you money in the long run. Not only will they be able to fix the problem quickly and efficiently, but they’ll also be able to determine its root cause and suggest preventive measures you can take to avoid similar problems down the road.
If you need any help with leak detection and plumbing services, our team At Certified Plumbing of Brevard is here for your convenience. We offer traditional and 24/7 service no matter what time of day or night! Whether it be a free quote or emergency repair services-we’ve got them covered at affordable prices too so don’t hesitate to contact us today!