The Real Hidden Object Game: Water Line Leak Detection

Advice for Recognizing the Signs of Hidden Water Leaks

There is perhaps nothing as annoying as a dripping faucet, but this is the most noticeable and least damaging water leak. However, hidden pipe leaks can cause a huge problem, especially when they go unnoticed. Whether it is caused by tree roots, corroded pipes, or human error, the results of underground pipe leaks are the same. This article will share ways to know if the home has a water leak and when to call in the professionals.

Clues That a Home has an Underground Water Leak

water billThe first step in hidden leak repair is to determine that there is a leak. Several easy-to-identify signs may indicate the presence of a break in the water supply line. The major ones are listed below.

  • Yard Swamp: If there are wet spots in the yard when there is no rain or areas where the grass seems to grow more quickly, this can indicate a crack in the water pipes.
  • Low Pressure: If the water pressure decreases to a noticeable degree throughout the house, the problem may be a leaky pipe.
  • Higher Water Bills: If the water bill seems to spike when consumption has not increased, this may result from a pipe break.
  • Water Damage to Walls and Home Structure: If there is evidence of water damage, it may have come from a hidden leak.
  • Mold or Mildew: The presence of mold or mildew in odd places can indicate a leak.

If any of these signs are present, a homeowner can move on to the next step in checking for leaks.

Become the Water Meter Monitor

If a homeowner suspects that their home has a hidden water leak, a good way to test it is to perform a water meter test. This involves shutting off the water main and monitoring the meter to see if there is any movement. 

If the meter continues to move while the water main is shut off, there is a leak.  When a leak is confirmed, it is time to call in the professionals for water line leak detection. Homeowners should not put off leak repair because the longer a leak is left alone, the more damage it can do.

Know When to Call in the Professionals

professionalWhen there is a hidden water leak, a good plumbing company will have the proper tools to find it and repair it. There are several different methods that plumbers and plumbing technicians use for leak detection. Here are a few of the techniques that can be used:

  • Sonic Detection: This method uses sound waves (much like radar or ultrasound imaging) to find the leak's location. Irregularities in the vibrations along the pipe will let the plumbing pro determine the exact location of the leak, and then they can make a plan on how to proceed.
  • Thermal Imaging: Temperature detection may seem like an odd method for leak detection, but it makes sense when a person considers that the pipe would register as a line of a single temperature, whether hot or cold, and movement outside that space would be easy to see.
  • Inside Pipe Detection: The final leak detection method is performed by placing a sensor within the pipe that can detect variations in pressure through sonic, pressure, or electromagnetic means. 

A professional plumber can determine the proper repair method once the leak is found in the underground plumbing.

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a family-owned and operated business serving Salt Lake and Utah Counties since 2011. They provide competitive pricing, a hassle-free experience, and 24/7 live answer. Call them today for plumbing services in West Jordan, UT, and look for the truck with the duck!

Important benefits of water leak detection

The Essential Benefits You Didn't Know About Leak Detection

Why Is Leak Detection Important?

Many homeowners across the nation live their lives blissfully unaware of water leaks in their plumbing. Small leaks that don’t make much of a difference don’t get discovered and homeowners carry about their daily lives none the wiser.

After all, ignorance is bliss, right? Wrong. Minor leaks should never be ignored. Even the smallest drips can lead to major issues. A little leak is never a minor matter. This article will cover some of the great ways leak detection can protect and benefit your home.

Catching Leaks Early Avoids Emergencies

water damageWhen a leak is small, it barely impacts your home or your plumbing. A drip here or there that barely gets noticed isn’t a cause for alarm. The little drips and drops pass for a mere annoyance if they’re seen or go completely ignored if they’re unseen. However, small leaks never stay small and it’s crucial to catch them right away so they can be fixed before they grow larger.

Any leak left alone long enough can eventually turn into a complete plumbing emergency. What starts as a drip could end as a flood, water damaged walls, contribute to mold and mildew, and many other issues that cost significant amounts of time and money.

Less Water Waste, Lower Bills

Having a leak detection service can not only stop plumbing emergencies before they even arise but also can save you a lot of money on your water bill. The common assumption is that a small drip or drop won’t add that much to your water bill.

water bill

The reality, however, is an entirely different story. A dripping faucet or a dripping pipe can add gallons of water onto your water bill without you even realizing it.

In fact, if your water bill starts increasing and you aren’t using any more water than normal, you can probably be sure that you have a leak somewhere. Getting a leak detection service is essential for finding the source of the leak and getting it stopped before it gets worse.

Water Leaks Hurt the Environment

water saveNot only will catching leaks as early as possible save your pocketbook, but it’s also an eco-friendly practice. While people may not be in a drought, there is still the need to conserve water. History has shown that droughts come and go and no one is quite ready when they do arrive.

Practicing conservation of water will help everyone use resources well. When a drought does come, the practice of wise water use will already be in place. Water is the last thing individuals should be wasteful of when instead, everyone can responsibly use what they have. Water conservation is beneficial for the planet, as well.

Everyone is sharing the water drinking and showering water with the rest of the planet. By being responsible with how much is used, people able to help maintain a beneficial cycle for the environment and ensure that there’s enough water to go around for everyone.

Exceptional, Customer-Oriented Plumbers

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning serves West Jordan, UT, for water leak detection, water heaters, sewer line repair, maintenance, and installation. They offer a hassle-free experience, competitive pricing, and a 24/7 live answer hotline. The entire team of plumbers and drain technicians are highly trained, experienced, and ready for any job.