How Do You Detect Water Leaks?

• Take a look at your water meter: Turn off your water, shut off faucets and appliances like washers, and then watch the meter. If it begins to change, a fast-moving leak is present. If it doesn’t change immediately, wait a couple of hours and check it again to detect a slow leak.
• Monitor your usage: On average, a family of four uses about 12,000 gallons of water per month. If your usage habits haven’t changed but the amount of water you’re using spikes, it’s likely you have a serious leak.
• Test for toilet leaks with food coloring: Because toilets use up to 30% of your water, you can test for a toilet leak using food coloring. Put a few drops in your tank. After about 10 minutes, if the food coloring shows up in the bowl, there’s a leak.
• Check outdoor spigots for seepage: Attach your garden hose and if there is seepage through the connection, the rubber hose gasket needs to be replaced.
• Regularly check pipes under sinks for signs of leaks like mold: Check under cabinets and basins. Even if you don’t see water accumulation, you may see mold or may smell bad odors. These are signs of leaks.

Plumbing leaks aren’t always obvious, especially if they are under floors, behind walls or under ground. While you can take steps to check to see if you have a leak, you’ll want to call a professional to find the exact location of the leak. For reliable leak detection and repair in Pottstown, PA, the talented professionals at Drainmen Plumbing Inc are the team to turn to. Reach out to them anytime you suspect you have a leak by calling 484-366-9362.  

How accurate is leak detection

When you suspect you have a leak, you want to make sure the leak is found and repaired quickly. For a long time, had to dig through landscaping or cut through extensive sections of flooring or walls to find the exact location of a leak. Today, however, most plumbers use high-tech leak detection equipment that is highly accurate, as much as 90% or more. From thermal imaging cameras to special listening devices, plumbers use several types of non-invasive tools to detect leaks.  

Is there a tool to detect water leak?

Plumbers have multiple tools they can use to detect water leaks. Some plumbers use thermal cameras that detect variations in heat in walls and floors. Leaks will usually show up as cool spots on the imaging devices. One of the preferred tools for leak detection is sound detection equipment that allows them to hear water running in underground pipes. Plumbers sometimes use pipe locator clamps with the sound detection equipment. The clamps are placed around visible pipe and send out radar signals through the pipes.

What is the best water leak detector?

While plumbers have leak detection tools, you can purchase home leak detection equipment to keep track of leaks in your home. One of the top-rated sensors is the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze detector. It connects directly to your router. It’s main drawback is that it can’t be integrated into a broad smart-home system. In other words, if you have a smart water valve, the detector can’t connect with it to shut off water if a leak is detected.

How does a leak detector work?

The leak detectors that plumbers use or home leak detection equipment are sound-based. The detector checks the types of leaks by the frequencies they emit. High-pressure leaks emit different frequencies than low-pressure leaks. 

Can you rent leak detection equipment

Some equipment companies will rent out leak detection equipment. While these devices are generally easy to use, it typically requires some training to ensure the device finds leaks properly. Unless you have some training and skills, it’s recommended you hire a professional to detect leaks. Learn more about Drainmen Plumbing Inc’s leak detection services by giving us a call at 484-366-9362. Not only can we detect the leak quickly, we can get started on the repair immediately so no further damage will be caused.

How much does leak detection cost?

Leak detection costs will vary. On average, however, you can expect to pay anywhere between $175 to $350. Prices will be affected by the leak’s location, the type of leak, and the type of equipment required. If your leak is hard to access or if you have a leak that involves Category 3 black water—dangerous to health—the detection services and repair costs will be affected. Similarly, if expensive equipment is required, the cost will be higher.