Even a small water leak can cause big problems for your home. If you suspect a leak, your best bet is to hire a professional who uses reliable water leak detection equipment to quickly and accurately scope out the problem area. 

Water leak detection equipment uses state-of-the-art technology to find the location of leaks. This eliminates guesswork and lets your plumber address the issue directly.

To learn more about signs of leakage, leak detection services, and the specialized equipment used, read on.

Do You Have a Leak?

Many leaks aren’t immediately obvious. While leaks can go undetected for quite a while, there are some indicators that you may have one. These should be addressed as soon as possible so that extensive damage doesn’t occur.

Water leak repairs should be done right away as water damage worsens over time. Early leak detection reduces damage potential.

Do a Visual Check

Do a thorough visual inspection of your surroundings. Some leaks will cause stains to form on floors, walls, ceilings, and cabinetry. 

Another visual indication of a leak can be wet areas around your property that never seem to dry. These can be indoor or outdoor.

Warped woodwork or unusual or persistent wet areas on the carpet inside or consistently wet areas outside can indicate trouble. Puddles and water flow are especially concerning.

Low Water Pressure

Some leaks may be substantial enough to cause a drop in water pressure. If you notice less water force when you turn on your faucets or spigots, a water leak may be the culprit.

Check Your Meter

Your water meter is a great tool if you suspect a water leak. It’s easy to check your meter to see if the water is flowing when it shouldn’t be.

To see if you have a sizable leak, write down the reading on your meter. Do not run your water for a stretch of 2 – 3 hours. If your meter shows use after a few hours, you may have a leak.

Check the Bill

Sometimes an increased water bill is the first indicator that you have a water leak in or around your property. Your water bill may be much higher than usual when you have water leakage. 

If your regular water usage has remained the same but your bill has increased, it’s probably time to have your property checked for leaks. Professional plumbers use specialized equipment and years of experience to provide a thorough check. 

Calling in a Pro

Sometimes a home or business owner’s inspection isn’t enough when it comes to hidden or underground leaks. In addition to a visual inspection, professional plumbers use special water leak detection equipment to find leaks so the correct water leak repairs can be made in a timely manner. 

Leak detection equipment uses sound and temperature reading technology to find water leaks that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to find. This equipment gets to the source of the problem right away so the proper repairs can be done. It also reduces the destruction that can come with trying to manually find leaks.

Leaks can cause unsightly and structural damage when left unaddressed. This is especially the case with slab leaks. Over time, these leaks can cause cracking and shifting of your foundation as the pressure of the water builds. It’s essential to hire a professional who specializes in leak detection to find and fix these leaks before costly damage is done.

Leak Detectors

Leak detectors such as the Goldak leak detector use low noise detection to seek out leaks, especially those in commercial and residential slabs. Extremely sensitive microphones in these detectors pick up on a wide range of leak sounds. These sounds are then amplified and played through stereo headphones that reduce external noise.

This equipment allows for the adjustment of microphone sensitivity, sound amplification, and filter frequency. This makes it easier for the operator to interpret the water leak sounds and take the appropriate action.

These detectors require special training in order to be used correctly. Professionals using the equipment must be able to identify a range of sounds to determine what kind of leak they are working with and how to go about repairing it.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal imaging cameras such as FLIR Thermal Imaging Cameras are excellent for detecting leaks in ceilings, walls, and slabs. Like leak detectors, this technology reduces or eliminates the destruction to structures that was previously required for finding leaks.

Thermal imaging cameras use infrared technology to indicate areas where a leak is present. They don’t actually “see” the leak. Instead, the cameras visualize the temperature differences of surfaces due to the presence of water. They do this by detecting infrared radiation levels that are emitted from a surface. 

A difference in radiation levels due to temperature variations can indicate what’s happening within a structure. Areas of leakage will evaporate water so those areas will vary in temperature from the surrounding dry areas. The contrast of areas is used to decide the problem’s location and severity.

Thermal Imaging and Slab Leaks

Knowing a leak location is especially helpful with slabs. Thermal imaging can pinpoint not only the area of the leak but also the depth at which it is occurring.

Infrared technology used by thermal imaging can save the professionals time and help them work more efficiently. This process also saves the customer money, as the process is quicker and less damaging than the old detection methods.

No Leak, No Charge

If you’re in the Diamond Bar, Rowland Heights, or Walnut areas and think you might have a leak, we can help. Because our equipment uses new and accurate technology, leak detection can be conducted without destruction.

We offer a variety of plumbing services and specialize in leak detection. If we don’t find a leak, there’s no charge to you.

Water Leak Detection Equipment for Accurate Results

Water leaks can be frustrating and destructive. Finding them quickly with water leak detection equipment saves time and money because it gets to the source of the problem immediately. 

If you think you’ve got a leak, let us help you. We serve the Rowland Heights, Diamond Bar, and Walnut areas and specialize in high-tech leak detection. Contact us at 909-341-7249 today for more information!

Did you know that the average Joe or Jane spends at least eight minutes in the shower?

Doesn’t seem like a long time, right?

No, but consider this. A standard showerhead lets out about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. That means for every eight-minute shower you take, you’ve already used 20 gallons of water.

That said, it’s no wonder the average water use in California was 86 gallons per day, per person in 2016. If you have plumbing leaks, however, there’s no doubt you go beyond that amount.

That’s why leak detection services should be a priority if you think you have dripping pipes. Leaks aren’t only expensive; they’re also a complete waste of resources.

Before you call the first plumber Google gives you the number of, it’s best to do some preparation first. Check out the tips we’ve listed below so you can get the best bang for your buck when hiring a plumber!

1. Determine How Many Potential Leaks You Have

Before calling in the plumbing pros, confirm you actually have leaks first. It can take some time, but it’ll be worth it since you’ll also know how many leaks you may have.

This will then give your local plumber an idea of how big the leak repair project will be. For you, this means having an estimate of how much the job may cost.

In this case, your water meter can serve as one of your best leak finders. Most home water meters are inside, often in the basement or garage.

For Meters with Leak Indicators

To start checking for leaks, make sure no one is using water in any part of the house. Then, check the meter and see if the orange or red dial is moving. Some meters may also have a tiny, rotating silver wheel that indicates flowing water.

A moving dial or wheel means there’s still water running inside the house. It could be very helpful if someone else can do the checking of the faucets and toilets while you look at the meter. If not, you need to check them to determine which one is causing the leak.

You can also turn off each faucet and toilet at a time to see at which point the meter stops. Doing this lets you pinpoint the leak source. Also, since you’ll check for each potential cause, you’ll know how many faulty faucets or toilets you have.

For Meters without Leak Indicators

In case you have an older meter, you can still check for leaks by comparing readings.

To do this, look at your meter and take note of the current reading before heading to work. Make sure no one will use water throughout the house and for the rest of the day. Once you get back home in the afternoon, check the reading again.

If there’s no change, you don’t have a leak. If the readings don’t match, then it’s time to call in a leak detection specialist.

2. Do Your Homework on Local Providers of Leak Detection Services

After confirming you do have plumbing leaks, set up a schedule with a plumber right away. You want to go local, whether you live in Diamond Bar or Rowland Heights, California. This way, you can rely on the water leak specialist to get to your home as soon as possible.

Before setting up an appointment though, make sure you do the following first:

Check Licensure, Insurance, and Bond of the Plumbing Specialist

In California, plumbing contractors who take on jobs worth $500 or more need a license. It’s the law, and failure to abide by this can result in the suspension of the project.

Plus, having a license means the contractor has at least four years of experience. This also means they have liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Furthermore, licensure means they have filed at least a $15,000 bond with the Registrar.

These will protect you from liabilities and your property from damage in case of an accident. Let’s say the plumber slips due to the wet floor while fixing leaks in your home. If the plumber sustains injuries, you won’t be liable for the incident or the hospital bills.

Plus, a license also makes it easier to verify the plumbing business’ legitimacy. You can contact the California Contractors State License Board to confirm this. The CSLB will let you know that the contractor has an up-to-date license.

Read Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

Look up online plumber reviews and testimonials from previous clients. If possible, look for customer reviews specifically on water leak detection services.

These reviews may contain info on how long it took the plumber to pinpoint leaks. You may even find out which plumbers use precision plumbers leak detector technology. Precision leak detection technology saves time by pinpointing exact leak sources.

3. Prepping Your Home for the Actual Plumbing Service Visit

Make the leak detection and repair visit as problem-free as possible with these tips:

Tidy Up the Repair Area

The national average cost to hire a plumber is about $300. Most plumbers charge per hour though, depending on the project.

As such, you want to make the job take up the least time possible to keep your costs down. That’s why it’s best to clean and clear the repair area (where the leaks are) before the plumber arrives. This lets the leak detection and repair specialist get started right away.

Keep Your Pets Outside of the Work Area

If you have pets, place them in another room so that they won’t disturb the plumber. Allowing them access to the job site can lead to your furry pals sneaking out some of the plumber’s tools.

Also, keep in mind that plumbing parts and tools can be small. Your pets may chew and swallow these, which can cause health risks. Some can even get stuck in their throats and pose choking hazards.

Get Those Leaks Detected and Fixed Now

Keep in mind that a single faucet that leaks 10 drops of water per minute can already waste three liters of water a day. That’s why you want to find a trustworthy provider of leak detection services ASAP.

So long as you follow our tips though, you’ll be able to save water and money by getting those leaks fixed soon.

Need immediate water leak detection and repairs? If so, then don’t hesitate to schedule plumbing service and repair with us! Ring us up now to set up an appointment or if you have any plumbing-related questions.

Do you live in an old house? Do you see molds and mildew forming inside the bathroom? Are there bubbles forming in your wallpaper?

These are signs that your house is suffering from a water leak. If you fail to arrest water leaks, it may lead to more serious and expensive repercussions.

Not only do your water bills go up, but you may also potentially spend thousands of dollars on repairs. Water leaks can cause costly damages on floors, walls, and your home’s foundations.

To arrest the problem, you need the help of a professional water leak detector.

Continue reading below as we discuss the major reasons to call a specialist.

Leak Detector Specialist: What They Can Do for You

Though you can fix a leaking pipe in your kitchen sink, you cannot say the same for those that are inside your walls, floors, and ceiling. In such instances, you may need to tear down some parts of your old house. This is one tall order that requires the help of a professional.

A leak detector specialist can take on the job. He has the right knowledge and proper tools to find the leak and address the matter, swiftly. Here are the benefits of hiring a professional inspector:

Correct Water Bills

If you have an old home, there is a big chance of water leaks occurring. When leaks happen, your water meter continues to run even if you close all of your faucets. Even a tiny leak can increase your water bills.

A professional leak detector can pinpoint the leaks. Regardless if the leaks emanate from behind the walls or under your floors, the detector can take them apart to accurately locate the root of the problem.

Once they seal the leaks, expect your water bills to normalize.

Protect Your Appliances

When severe leaks occur, they can spread onto your floor. Sometimes, they even reach areas where some of your appliances and precious items are.

Leak detectors can remedy the problem and keep the water from reaching your appliances and furniture.

Defend Your Foundation

The foundation of your home is practically the most important. Not only does it keep your home standing, but it also ensures the safety of the entire structure. But water damage from leaks can compromise your home’s foundation.

Repairing your home’s foundation is one of the most expensive home improvement expenses you can experience. Expect to spend around $4,000 to $10,000 in case the foundation collapses. Sometimes, an expensive foundation repair can reach over $100,000.

Ensure Water Safety

If there is a leak on your water supply pipes, it will likely jack up your water bills. But more importantly, the leaks can compromise the safety of your home’s water supply.

Leaks mean the pipes are open for different types of contaminants. Bacteria can easily slip into those pipes and blend with the water.

In worse cases, leaks on wastewater pipes may contaminate your entire property. But with the help of water leak detection companies, you can restore the safety and cleanliness of your drinking water at home.

Restore Water Supply Reliability

When leaks occur, they can get worse in a matter of days. When pipes burst, it can affect water pressure. When water pressure is weak, expect to have weak water flow coming from your faucets, showerheads, and spigots.

Through professional plumbing and leak detection, you can restore the right level of water pressure that your old home needs.

Avoid Future Repairs

Lastly, hiring a leak detector specialist will save you money in the long run. If you keep your leaking pipes as is, the issues can easily escalate. When things get out of hand, the damages will spread in other areas of your property.

When this happens, you can expect your repair expenses to soar. Spending for a professional leak detector today is cheaper compared to the thousands you may shell out once things go out of control.

Choosing the Right Leak Detectors

Now that you know the importance of hiring a professional leak detector specialist, the next step is finding the right one. Check out these few tips that will guide you toward the right choice:

Experience Matters

First, you need to consider the experience of the detectors. When looking at American leak detectors, find out if they have extensive training.

Research on their previous projects. Do they have happy clients? Or did they receive negative feedback for their services?

Effective Methods

Examine the methods that they use to detect leaks. There is a number of techniques companies use that doesn’t require digging the property.

Find a company the offers some of the latest technologies in leak detection. Go for a detector that uses thermal imaging and electronic leak detection.

Solid Track Record

You also need to look at the track record of the company. How do they fare in the local plumbing community? Do they have a reputation for providing fair and honest quotes?

How about the quality of their output? Do they treat their clients fairly? Did they treat you with respect and professionalism in regards to your inquiries?

Comprehensive Approach

Water leaks can sometimes involve other plumbing concerns. To save time, you need to find a leak detector that uses a comprehensive approach.

Find someone that offers more than leak detection. This will help save you both your time and resources.

Licenses and Accreditations

Lastly, you need to hire a licensed company. Go for leak detectors that are both bonded and insured. This will help protect both parties when things go wrong.

Some companies do not have insurances. This means when their staff gets into an accident, you may end up paying for their medical expenses.

Moreover, companies that don’t have a license tend to offer shoddy output.

Enjoy Topnotch Leak Detection, Today!

Water leaks in your plumbing system are an urgent matter. So if you’re searching for a leak detector specialist you can trust, look no further.

Give us a call or send us an email and let us know what you need. Request for a free estimate and our friendly staff will discuss your options.

Let’s start fixing those leaks, today!

Did you know that the average plumbing cost is about $4.50 per square foot of your home’s size?

This is the expense you’ll expect if you’re trying to do a new installation. The main reason is the fact that plumbers will ensure that the work passes inspections related to several plumbing codes.

You can avoid these high costs with a water leak detection service. That helps ensure that you’ll fix the problem before it becomes unmanageable. After all, slab leaks will exert pressure under the home, damaging your furniture and wooden surfaces.

Are you ready to learn the other reasons to get leak detection? Read on and find out more today.

1. Reduce the Cost of Water Bills

It’s an accepted fact that even the water we use isn’t free anymore. In the United States, the average water price is around $1.50 for 1,000 gallons. What this means is that a gallon of water will cost less than a penny.

Regardless, as time goes by, water will become scarcer and harder to get. That means the price of water in the future will go up in a consistent fashion. That’s why it’s necessary to ensure that the water you pay for isn’t getting wasted due to leaks.

If you hire a professional, you’ll have the means of detecting a water leak. You can rest easy, knowing that all the money you spend will have some use in your household. It’s especially important if you’re thinking about the long-term cost reductions.

2. Increase the Water Safety

Having your own water supply isn’t going to be enough for your household. It’s always more necessary to ascertain whether your water supply is safe. After all, you don’t want your family members to suffer from water-borne diseases due to your lack of vigilance.

If your pipes’ leak isn’t detected, you’re risking your family to contaminants. They might get infections from drinking or using the water in any other way. It’s also worth noting that your entire property might get contaminated if your wastewater pipes have leaks.

To get a sense of peace, you need to get the leak detection services of professionals. They have the expertise and technology needed to find leaks wherever they might be.

3. Improve the Environment

Are you concerned about the environmental effects of your household? If so, you might want to ensure that all your pipes aren’t leaking. In the United States, the booming population puts a lot of pressure in the country’s fresh water supplies.

With that, the demand for clean water increases. It results in droughts across the country, with snowpacks getting reductions on an annual basis. You also need to remember that a lot of states’ reservoirs are at their lowest levels compared to prior years.

Detecting leaks earlier on will ensure that you conserve your water supply. It might have a little impact on the environment since you’re a single household. But if everyone in the neighborhood fixes their leaks, the environmental benefits will increase a lot.

4. Lessen the Cost of Delay

Another problem that might arise from neglecting water leaks is the exponential increase in costs when the problem gets bigger. The small, negligible damage can grow into a major problem if you don’t detect it early on. Some households end up replacing their entire plumbing system since they didn’t pay attention to small leaks over the years.

If you detect water leaks within its beginning stages, you can get the most out of your current water supply system. That means you won’t have to install new expansions and additions to that system unless you need them. That can save you a lot of money—from installation costs to maintenance expenses.

5. Avoid Damage to Other Properties

The worst part about water leaks is that they aren’t limited to just wasting water. Over a long duration, a ground leak can end up causing damage to your home’s foundation. This will increase the moisture levels within your house, giving rise to other problems.

One of the most common results of unfixed leaks is the growth of mold and other fungal infestations. All of these are problems that carry a hefty price tag when you try to solve them.

If your household’s pipes break from water mains, it will do a lot of damage to the surrounding buildings. It’s inconvenient, especially when your leaky water system ends up damaging your entire neighborhood. It will place you at a considerable financial liability, which can ruin your future.

That’s why it’s important to let professionals handle the problem as soon as possible. It decreases the possibility of disasters from happening.

Bonus: Reliable Water Supply

Carrying out leak detection is to ensure that you get a consistent water supply. You don’t only need to make sure that you have enough drinking water to go around. It’s also important to maintain it in a way that your house stays safe and functional.

For example, if the water leaks and it makes your supply intermittent, you might not have the means of responding to emergencies. What if your house catches a small fire? If your water isn’t consistent, your water sprinklers might not work at all.

Get Water Leak Detection Services Today!

There are a lot of other benefits when you opt to get your house checked for leaks. It helps you feel more secure while minimizing the money you need to spend to fix bigger preventable issues you’d otherwise get. If you’re looking for more basic reasons to get water leak detection services, this guide will help you.

But it’s also important to be careful of the professionals you pick when opting for a leak detection system. Make sure to look at online reviews and check your experts’ ratings and portfolio. That way, you’ll get the most out of your money and time.

Do you need help with leak detection and other plumbing services? If so, contact us today and we’ll help you get started.