Author Archives: Drainmen Plumbing Inc

1. Monitor the Water Meter

If you are noticing your water is getting higher but you haven’t increased your water use, check the water meter for huge fluctuations. This is done by making sure all water sources inside and outside the house are turned off then watch the meter.  If the needle is moving, you definitely have a leak somewhere on your side of the meter. 

2. Check the Faucets

Faucets are often the problem for plumbing leaks, and it actually is more from the rubber washer located under the handles is worn out.  Replacing this is simply and can save you several dollars on your water bill. 

3. Toilet Plumbing Leak

The toilet can be a source of plumbing leaks too that goes unnoticed until it begins costing you a lot of money on wasted water.  To determine if your toile is the plumbing leak problem, add some food coloring inside the tank and wait 30 minutes. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl, then your plumbing leak is at the toilet tank. This is an easy repair by replacing the rubber flapper inside the tank. 

Another toilet plumbing leak indication is the handle has to be jiggled after each flushing to stop the water from running inside the toilet bowl.  This is fixed by tightening the nut on the mechanism inside the toilet tank or by replacing the handle. You may need to do both. 

4. Do a Visual Inspection

Plumbing leaks inside the ceiling or walls are usually unnoticed …. until the damage is done. These types of plumbing leaks can be stopped if you’re diligent in doing visual inspections periodically. Any hint of discoloring or staining on the ceilings or walls, mildew or mold growing, or sagging ceiling spots, are all often linked to a plumbing leak or roof leak. 

5. Underground Plumbing Leaks

Outdoor plumbing leaks can be expensive to repair and harder to detect. Low lying, soft areas in the lawn, or dark, lush green spots can indicate either a plumbing leak or sewer leak. These are they plumbing leaks that you’ll need to call a professional plumber. 

Can plumbers detect leaks?

Plumbing and leak detection go hand in hand for a professional plumber. They are able to find leaks today accurately and quickly thanks to modern technology, even inside walls and inside the cement foundation of your home. 

How do plumbers find water leaks in walls?

The first thing a plumber will do is a walk through and walk around your home. They are checking for any plumbing leak in wall or outside indications, and they often can find one that you didn’t see. They will look under sinks, around toilets, and in the yard, then follow up with a meter check as we described earlier. 

When they have ruled out any leaks in these areas, they start check the walls and underground for plumbing leaks with their sound detection equipment. This equipment includes headphones and a microphone so they can hear any sound like running water. Sometimes they “charge the pipes”, a process of using  pipe locator clamps on the visible sections of a pipes. These clamps transmit radar signals over the water pipes and can identify plumbing leaks.         

How do you fix a plumbing leak?

As a homeowner, you may want to do your own plumbing leak repairs, and if you’re handy with basic tools, depending on where the leak is located, it can be fairly easy.  Here are suggested steps for fixing a plumbing leak: 

Step One: Measure the length of pipe that needs to be replaced. Purchase the pipe and any of the following basic supplies that you do not have already: 

• Emery cloth
• Silver solder
• Solder flux
• Fitting brush
• Torch

Step Two: Turn all faucets off that are connected to the plumbing leak and remove any water left in the pipe with an air compressor.

Step Three: With a hacksaw or a pipe cutter, cut out the damaged pipe section and with the emery cloth and fitting brush, polish the inside and outside of the pipe left in and the new pipe you’re installing.

Step Four: Apply the soldering flux lightly to each side of pipes to be soldered.

Step Five: Wearing protective eyewear and gloves, solder the new pipe in place the let it cool. 

Step Six: Turn the water on and check for leaks. 

Remove the tank lid and using the following list, examine each part inside the toilet tank.

• The Handle and The Flush Rod: The handle is what you push that commences the flush. Attached to that on in the inside of the tank is a horizontal rod called the flush rod that has a chain connected to it. This will sometimes come apart; a toilet repair, handle tighten or replacement. 
• The Lift Chain: Expanding from the handle horizontally, the flush rod will lift the attached lift chain. This will open up an outlet on the tank’s bottom, allowing the toilet to flush. The chain will sometimes work its way off the handle needing a minor toilet repair by reconnecting it.
• The Flapper: When you push the handle, the flush rod lifts the lift chain, which raises a rubber flapper, and that is where the toilet is allowed to flush. The rubber flapper acts as a stopper does in a sink. 
• The Flush Valve: Inside the tank bottom is a plastic part where that raised rubber flapper is allowing the toilet to flush, it is where the water leaves the tank and feels the toilet bowl. 
• The Overflow Tube: This part and the flush valve assembly are attached to this, the overflow tube, as a safety measure that prevents water from overflowing from the tank if the water supply valve doesn’t shut off. This is where the “running” toilet is usually repaired. 
• The Shutoff Valve: On the exterior of the toilet is a pipe for the water supply to the tank. Just above floor level is a shutoff valve. This is your go-to when water is running out of the toilet and you can’t stop it. 
• The Supply Tube: This is where the water runs through between the shutoff valve and the tailpiece of the water supply from the tank’s bottom. 
• The Water Supply Valve: Inside the tank is where the water supply valve is located, a vertical assembly that is mounted on tank’s left side and is the center of the toilet’s operation. Fresh water supply comes from this to refill the tank after each flush.  
• Float Cup: There is a float device inside any supply valve that senses the water level, and with a toilet, it is inside the tank. When the fresh water has filled the tank to the proper level, the float cup shuts the water off. When a toilet is constantly running, a simple toilet repair is to replace this part. 
• The Refill Tube: In the center of the tank, there is a small tube that clips to the overflow tube. This flexible tube is the refill tube and it allows a trickle of water to the toilet bowl as the tank refills.
• The Toilet Bowl: It is here where all the human action takes place, the throne! This is bolted to the floor and the curved trap on the back side works the same as the P trap under the sink, preventing sewer gas to fill your house. structure that works just like a sink drain trap. 
• The Wax Ring: Under the toilet bowl, before it is bolted down, the wax ring is placed to seal u where the toilet bottom and the floor meet. It is watertight, keeps the toilet water from escaping onto the floor. When you have water leaking from here, it is a major toilet repair that needs professional attention that offers toilet repair and installation. 

Can you replace the inside of a toilet?

Anytime a toilet is constantly running, the rubber flapper is usually worn out. There are two gallons of water in a toilet tank 24/7/365, so it isn’t surprising these metal, plastic, and rubber parts wear out.  When they do, they can wreak havoc on a toilet and the water bill. 

This doesn’t mean you need a new toilet though. You can use the above descriptions and follow online videos for “How do you fix a toilet tank?”  and determine which part of parts need replacing, or you can get a kit that will include all the internal tank parts and replace all of the parts. You can do a toilet repair just replacing those specific parts, and it is possible that you need a toilet repair without a flapper.  There are instructions online how to do this as well.  

 However, while a tankless water heater system won’t “run out” of hot water, it can be overwhelmed if there is demand in several points of the house. Like running the dishwasher and doing a load of laundry downstairs while somebody is showering upstairs.  A tankless water heater can only heat so much at one time. 

This can be resolved by installing multiple tankless water heaters. Since they are modular, they can be placed almost anywhere in your home without taking up a lot of space. So maybe having a tankless water heater for shower independent of the tankless water heater in the utility room for the kitchen could be something to consider. A professional plumber with tankless water heater experience can discuss these options with you. 

Can a homeowner install a tankless water heater?

A homeowner with a DIY ability could install a tankless water heater in their home but having knowledge of the traditional water heater is recommended. Why? Because you’ll have to remove the existing water heater and they were not installed with a tankless water heater retrofit plan for the future. 

An electric tankless water heater is easier to install and are less expensive. However, if your home is setup with a gas water heater now, you can’t have an electric tankless water heater without electricity. So, you’ll need to make sure enough of the right electrical power is available, which may need the service of a professional electrician. Then disconnecting the gas from the current water heater and permanently turning off at that connection.  

You should consider the different sizes tankless water heaters too. Are you looking for a whole house use or one room only? Big box home improvement stores often have trained staff available to assist in choosing the right size and thorough internet searching is always helpful. 

Do tankless water heaters need maintenance?

Another point in favor of a tankless water heater, it won’t require any more maintenance than the regular preventive maintenance you have done for your HVAC system. Any appliance or component that uses electricity or gas should have routine inspections.  These maintenance inspections will find small issues that can be taken care of immediately before they become bigger problems. 

Depending on where you live and the quality of the water, a water softener may be recommended.  The buildup that hard water creates can cause havoc in a tankless water heater system with the erosion, scale buildup, and staining. 

How often does a tankless water heater need to be flushed?

The general recommendation is to flush your tankless water heater once a year to keep it working efficiently. However, if you have hard water, you should consider flushing it twice a year. Some homeowners with a tankless water heater consider getting a combination tankless water heater with pump, aka a circulator pump. 

The pump circulates the water periodically back to the tankless water heater and reheats it. This requires three pipes  to be installed instead of two: cold water, hot water, and recirculation. While this is an option to be considered, you may need to flush the tankless water heater an additional time since it will have that additional pipe installed. 

How long does a tankless hot water heater last?

Like a traditional water heater, the tankless water heater life expectancy can vary based on the quality of the water in your home and the maintenance performed, like flushing once, twice, or three times a year.  The life expectancy of most tankless water heaters is up to 20 years. If you have problems with your tankless water heater, there are parts that make repairs easy and will extend the life of the unit a few more years.   The traditional water heater will last on average 12 to 15 years. 

Are small gas leaks Dangerous?

Natural gas in its natural form is odorless. What we smell when there is a gas leak, or a stove burner turned on is a chemical that is added to the gas supply. That chemical gives off a rotten egg odor, something that we’re sure to smell even in the smallest of gas leaks.  

Otherwise, a small gas leak could be as dangerous, if not more, because we wouldn’t notice. Even the smallest of gas leaks can cause an explosion or fire when a match is struck, or even turning on a light! So, if you’re noticing a slight natural gas leak inside your home, or around the exterior, call a professional plumber that can do outdoor or indoor gas line repair.

Can you patch a gas line?

A gas line leak needs to be repair promptly and if you are unable to do a gas line repair yourself, call a handyman or plumber. The following are the basic steps, you can find the full instructions online: 

• Step One  – Turn the gas off: Never work on the gas lines without turning the gas off. 
• Step Two – Remove plastic covers: Wearing a proper gas mask and gloves for safety of inhaling the natural gas. Remove the outer plastic covers so the gas pipes are exposed. 
• Step Three – Detach gas line: Remove low pressure gas line. 
• Step Four – Release excess gas pressure: Remove any residue gas pressure by cracking the line fitting with a wrench. 
• Step Five – Clean the gas line: Clean the high pressure gas line with acetone to remove any impurities that could cause other leaks. 
• Step Six- Scratch the surface: With sandpaper, scratch the surface of the gas line to smooth it and then use the acetone to clean again.
• Step Seven – Attach gas line: Attached the gas line with a loose fit so not to create new leak. Using the rubber tape will reinforce the grip to assure the pipe is well sealed. 
• Step Eight – Apply Epoxy: Place epoxy to gas line, follow the package instructions in detail. Let the pipe sit 8 hours or more for curing. After the gas leak repaired are has cured, tighten the high pressure gas line fittings.   Now replace the low-pressure gas line.
• Step Nine – Test  gas lines: Turn the gas back on and check for leaks. If any leaks, turn the gas off and seal any leaks. Repeat this process as much as needed until there are no leaks. 
• Step Ten – Reinstall covers: Replace the plastic covers you removed once you are certain the gas line repair is complete. 

Who do you call to fix gas lines?         

It depends on where the gas leak is located. If it is on your property side of the meter, you need to call a licensed plumber or any experienced gas line repair contractors for any gas line repair and installation services. If the gas leak appears to be coming from the gas line on the meter side, the gas company is responsible for that gas leak repair. 

• Frozen: In many parts of the country, like Pennsylvania, homeowners prep their homes because we know the ground is going to freeze. Frozen ground means frozen water pipes if precautions aren’t taken before winter arrives.  Water will freeze in a pipe with a temperature at four degrees below zero. When the water freezes in the pipe, the pressure becomes considerably high and keeps accumulating to the point of expanding inside the pipe. Eventually one end you’ll have a burst pipe, and the other end a leak. Guess which end gets the leak? 
• Aged: Metal or plastic, all water pipes age and will only last for so long. The elements affect their lifespan, like the frozen water we mentioned above, and if they are regularly inspected and maintained.  serviced. Water pipes typically have a twenty-year life before they become structurally degraded to the point they can’t withstand water pressure, particularly metallic pipes which can corrode and burst pipe results. With a plastic water pipe, the plastic gets brittle over time and the pressure of water can cause a burst pipe. 
• External Pressure: External pressure can cause a burst pipe, typically from tree roots. However, if the water pipes are installed in certain places, like under roadways, cars driving over the road will put pressure on the pipe. Another external pressure is excavation by construction equipment that will squeeze the pipes more than their structural limit and the pressure will cause a cracked or burst pipe. This leads to leaking pipes underground and the task of finding the leakage can be daunting. All the while you’re looking for the leak, it can still be causing other damage.
• Clogs: Clogged water pipes are a major cause of burst pipes. Clogs happen when the accumulation of minerals and other debris coagulates inside the pipe. A massive clog will hinder water flowing and it backs up until has created incredible pressure resulting in burst pipes and leaking pipes. 
• Excessive Pressure: A water pipe is designed to withstand a certain limit of water pressure. When that water pressure is exceeded, usually by an increase in the volume being pumped through, it can result in a burst pipe. Heavy rains can cause the ground to move too, even uncovering water lines, exposing them, and result in burst pipes. 
• Incorrect Pipework: When plumbing pipework is done by an inexperienced person, it isn’t always connected and laid properly, resulting in burst pipes. A qualified plumber has gone through training and apprenticeships, testing and ss licensed, making them the right person to have any plumbing installed, laid, or connected. They know how a pipe should be installed to keep it strong and less likely to result in a burst pipe.            

What happens when your pipes burst?

A burst pipe inside or under your home can cause a lot of damage. It could be immediate damage or an eventual, slow damage, depending on the location of the burst pipe. The size of the burst pipe can create severe damage or slight damage to your floors, walls, and belongings, even the ceiling if the burst pipe is in an upstairs bathroom. 

How do you fix a burst pipe?

Every homeowner should be prepared to defend the plumbing system against any burst pipe, repair with a quick temporary fix until the plumber arrives. Why? To save you money and trouble with the damage that a burst pipe can cause!  So, what can you do for that quick fix? 

• Duct Tape:  Apply pressure to the burst pipe by tightly wrapping duct tape around the busted area. This is the one fix that will last the shortest amount of time because duct tape isn’t going to have much pressure.
• C-Clamp: Turn the water off at the main shut-off and place a piece of rubber over the pipe burst area. Place a piece of wood on top of the rubber and the place a C-clamp over that, with the C-clamp opposite of the burst pipe, then screw the clamp down to the wood. 
• Sleeve Clamp:  A sleeve clamp is two semicircular metal pieces that will make a whole metal sleeve when put together around the burst pipe.  Wrap the burst pipe section with the gasket material that comes with the sleeve clamp, surrounding the pipe, the place each part of the sleeve on the pipe and connect with the screws that are provided.
• Call the plumber! These are only temporary fixes, so calling your plumbers sooner than later is recommended. 

So, can a leaking pipe burst? Absolutely!  Just because it appears to be a small leak, doesn’t there isn’t pressure on water pipes. The constant drip is actually eating the pipe, and that ongoing pressure will eventually push a hole through the pipe to the point of a burst pipe and bigger problems. Call 484-366-9362 today!

Can Baseboard Heaters Start Fires?

Heaters, generally speaking, have the propensity to start fires. This is true of baseboard heaters too. If the baseboard heater is not installed correctly or used correctly, a fire can start. If the baseboard heater is already in a state of disrepair, then it will be important to refrain from using your baseboard heater. On the other hand, it is important to remember that baseboard heaters are just as safe and perfunctory as any other form of electric heating.

What is Baseboard Heating?

Are you wondering what baseboard heating is? It’s a very important question, especially if you are considering a baseboard heater installation. Baseboard heating is a term that describes two different kinds of heating systems. Hot water baseboard heaters, which are also called hydronic baseboard heaters use central heating. What makes this system so unique is the fact that hot water is channeled through pipes to individual baseboard heating units. The other type of baseboard heating is called electric baseboard heating. This type is distinguished by individual units that heat a home room by room. Electric baseboard heating is less efficient than most central heating systems, though they do beat out other space heating units due to their efficiency.

Which Baseboard Heater is Most Efficient?

Are you wondering which baseboard heater on the market is the most energy-efficient? Please review the following brands to discover which kind of baseboard heater may be best for your residence.

• The CADET 9954 Baseboard Heater 1000W (the top pick)
• Fahrenheit PLF1004 Hydronic Baseboard Heater
• Heat-Wave EB98937 Convection Baseboard Heater
• Comfort Zone Low Profile Baseboard Silent Operator Heater CZ600
• Fahrenheit PLF2004 240-volt Hydronic Baseboard Heater

Can I Lower My Electric Bill With Baseboard Heat?

Are you wondering if you can lower your electric bill with baseboard heat? The answer is pleasantly positive. If you set your baseboards to sixteen degrees Celsius both at night and when you are away from your home, you can save up to ten percent on your monthly energy bills. Through being proactive and energy-conscious, you would be surprised at the number of ways you can save money.

What Baseboard Heater

There are several interesting things to note when it comes to baseboard heaters. For instance, baseboard heaters use the method of convection to draw up the cold air near the floor. During this process, the heater will warm up the air and then release the treated air back into the room. Naturally, heat rises and will soon warm the inhabitants of the room. When the air is cool again, it will fall and be filtered into the baseboard heater once more.

When to Replace Baseboard Heater Thermostat

If you are wondering when you should replace your baseboard heater thermostat, it will first be important for you to consider what kind of thermostat you need. A line voltage thermostat is the usual kind of thermostat that is installed with electric wall or baseboard heaters. In contrast, a low voltage thermostat is usually used to control central heating and cooling systems. No matter what kind of system you have, it will be important to have a functioning thermostat. If your baseboard heating system is no longer working, one of the possible problems will be if your thermostat has fallen into disrepair. A qualified repairman should be called in to investigate the matter and get to the bottom of the issue.

When to Replace a Baseboard Heater

How old are the baseboard heaters in your home? If you don’t know how old your baseboard heaters are, and if you are unaware of their current condition, it is urgent that you seek out a reputable and insured baseboard heater repair service. Knowing the current condition of the heaters in your home is half the battle. Once you know the condition of your heaters, you can then set up repairs or a replacement as is deemed necessary. Your safety comes first which is why it is important for you to have the appropriate help when necessary.

If you would like to install or repair your baseboard heater in Pottstown, PA, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. You can reach us at 484-366-9362.

How Do You Know if Your Well Pump is Bad?

Homeowners will need well pump repair if their well pump has gone awry. But what is the best way to know if your well pump needs some repairs? Please review the following signs and symptoms of well pump dysfunction to learn more.

• If there are fluctuations in water pressure throughout the home, you may have a faulty pump.
• If there are strange noises or rapid clicking sounds that are coming from the tank.
• Faucets in the home that spit water.
• Excessively high electric bills.
• The shower water is scalding hot.

How Do I Fix My Well Pump?

If your well pump is having issues, it is urgent for you to first consult with a plumbing professional. When dealing with plumbing problems, the sooner they are addressed, the better. There are three common well issues that happen. The first is when the well is pumping no water at all. For this issue, you can first check to see if the power is on. If it is, you can check the pressure switch. If the pressure switch won’t work, then it won’t start the well pump and you won’t have any water. If the switch is bad, you can have a professional plumber replace the switch. 

The second common well pump problem is pulsing water. For this fix, you will want to check the pressure tank. If you have a bad pressure tank, it will affect many of your water fixtures in your home, including your toilet and your shower. The third well pump problem is if the pump runs continually. For this fix, you may need to repair or replace your check valve. 

Can I Replace My Well Pump Myself?

It is certainly possible for homeowners to replace their well pump themselves, but there is a risk of improperly installing it. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to always use a professional plumbing authority whenever possible. One of the chief reasons why it is important to use a plumber is because they have the tools and the expertise to make a plumbing repair simple and straightforward. When water isn’t readily available for hygienic purposes, homeowners can struggle and suffer. A plumber can make emergency plumbing repairs happen with a simple phone call.

What Happens When Well Pump Stops Working?

If your well pump has stopped working, it may be due to lack of power. Try resetting the well pump or replacing a fuse that has been affected by a power surge. A brownout could also have caused the well pump to stop working. You can try switching the circuit breaker on and off to see if this has any effect on the power source for the well pump.

Well Pump Repair

If you have a broken or intermittently working well pump, it is important for you to get it repaired as soon as possible. This is because when your water source is in jeopardy, it can cause havoc and strain in your life. Through a disciplined, licensed and experienced plumber, you can have a well pump repair that will prove itself through longevity and purpose.

Well Pump Replace

Before you get to the point where your well pump needs to be replaced, it would behoove you to set up an annual inspection for your water fixtures with your local, licensed plumber. He or she will be able to navigate plumbing problems before they happen. That way, you can get repairs you need before you need to call in a plumber to mitigate a plumbing emergency.

Who to Call for Well Pump Repair

The best specialists that you can call for well pump repair are certified and licensed plumbers who have years of experience with well pumps. There is practically no price for expertise, which is why it is urgent for homeowners to be discerning in who they select to help them with plumbing repairs around the home.

If you need well pump repair in Pottstown, PA, your best choice is to move forward with a call to Drainmen Plumbing Inc. We can be reached at 484-366-9362.

When should you call an emergency plumber?

With what is considered to be an emergency plumbing problem being aforementioned, occasions where you need to call a plumber for emergency plumbing in particular are clear. Leaks in particular that are constant and cannot stop can be considered as such. Furthermore, when the leak or issue connected to your plumbing system is capable of flooding a room or multiple parts of your home, that should be a solid indication that you need emergency plumbing services. 

On some occasions however, plumbing emergencies can be sudden like in the case of a pipe burst. While you may not be able to see directly a pipe that is about to burst, there are signs you can understand and spot. While not visible or blatant, when being observant here are some signs a pipe may be on the way to bursting: 

• Water discoloration and odour 
• Water marks near or on the pipe
• Standing water correlating to the pipes position
• Sounds originating from pipes
• Higher water bills
• Sporadic or failing water pressure
• Shuddering pipes

Due to pipes having the job of moving water along, blockages can wreak havoc on pipes and can build up to the point that it becomes a major issue. When you detect such issues then it’d be a good idea to contact your local plumber or us for areas we serve. When it comes to other services plumbers can offer and do repairs on, water heaters for example. Whether you have a gas powered, electric, or another water heater type then you can expect plumbers to understand to be capable to repair them.

What is the most common household plumbing problem?

Just like other industries, plumbers work on a variety of issues inside the home that may not necessarily cause mass property damage, but simply be an inconvenience. Plumbers work on a wide array of service requests that do not just pertain to emergency plumbing situations. Often times it involves such events where a person’s toilet or bathtub won’t drain due to a clog or simply a person’s water heater shut off and needs to be turned back on. Here are some of the most common problems those in the plumbing industry run into: 

• Clogged drains
• Inoperable garbage disposal
• Leaking faucets
• Constantly running toilet
• Low water pressure
• Clogged toilet

Simply put, while some of these problems are not capable of causing an overt amount of damage to your home, plumbers are still the best trained to fix them. Untrained persons that attempt to make repairs, but use crude methods in doing so often make up a large portion in the repairs plumbers make each year due to the system needing to reset to it’s proper order.

• 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.

Hydro Jetting vs Snaking

There is, in fact, a difference between hydro jetting and drain snaking. With hydro jetting, a plumber is using a rod and feeding highly-pressurized water throughout a section of the plumbing, usually main lines. While drain snaking, you are still focusing on a specific section of the plumbing, but it’s usually closer to the house. Drain snaking is not as effective because it will not remove all traces of a clog, instead only removing bits and pieces. So which is better? It ultimately depends on your situation and your needs. Jetting is essentially pressure washing your plumbing and it’s incredibly effective, though it can be very harsh on older plumbing. Whereas drain snakes are good for removing surface-level clogs, however, it can easily scratch or damage the pipes as well. That in mind, everyone wants to know is hydro jetting safe? It absolutely is! Though it can be incredibly powerful, when used correctly, there should be no damage to your plumbing. This method will cost more than snaking a drain. It will probably be about as much as a gutter installation, so that’s something homeowners can use to budget for.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is hydro jetting safe for pipes?
  • Yes, but there are certain circumstances in which hydro jetting would be good and bad. Older pipes that could be damaged, corroded, or rusted may be more likely to be damaged by the pressurized water, which is very powerful.
• How effective is hydro jetting?
  • It absolutely is. This is a solution that has proven time and time again to be one of the most effective ways of clearing plumbing lines. While it can be aggressive, this method of cleaning is the most effective, thorough, and reliable.
• What does hydro jetting cost?
  • It really will depend on how far down the line the clog is and other factors. However, most plumbers offer base rates between $350 and $600 for cleaning services. Contact your local plumber for more information. 
• What does hydro jetting mean?
  • This refers to a process of using highly pressurized water to clean and clear out the plumbing on your property. It is often used to remove clogs in your main water or sewer line. 
• Can snaking a drain damage pipes?
  • Yes, the wrong size or improper use of a drain snake can damage your plumbing. Drain snakes can result in significant damages such as scraping, puncturing, and more. No matter what the problem is, rely on a professional plumber to avoid serious problems.