The Real Hidden Object Game: Water Line Leak Detection » Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

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 bill The 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

professional When 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!