Water damage causes millions of dollars in damage to homes across the country each year. And this is not damaged from Acts of God, such as a flood or torrential rainfall. This damage is caused by water leaking from the plumbing pipes and fixtures in and around these homes. But in many cases, the homeowner had no idea that there was any problem or leak. Because most of their home’s plumbing is concealed in the walls and floors of the house. So the million-dollar question becomes, “How do you know if you have a water leak in your home?” And the answer is leak detection.
What Is Leak Detection?
Not too many years ago, leak detection was done with a sledgehammer. If you thought there was a leak somewhere in your home, a burly gentleman showed up with a massive hammer. And he began knocking holes in the walls and floors looking for a leaking pipe or puddle of water. Fortunately, that is the old way to locate a water leak.
Modern leak detection uses a great deal of technology to find water leaks hidden deep inside the walls, floors, or ceilings of your home. And some of these tools can even locate a tiny leak under the slab foundation of your home.
Leak Detection Tools Of The Trade
A professional plumber uses many intricate tools to determine the location of a water leak in or under your home. Sound amplification tools allow a skilled operator to locate even the smallest drip of water simply by listening for the moving water’s sound. Moisture sensors are also used to determine if objects like wood and drywall have absorbed water from a leak. And infrared equipment allows your plumber to look inside your home’s walls and floors to take thermal readings. By locating either substantially hot or cold spots, it is easy to determine if the water is leaking in the area to alter the temperature.
How Homeowners Benefit From Leak Detection Technology
Time is huge when you think that there could be a water leak in your home. Every minute you allow the water to continue to leak into your floors and walls will cost you more money in water damage repairs.
But there is also a second concern. The longer you wait to call a pro to locate the water leak, the more time you are allowing for mildew and toxic mold to grow and contaminate your home. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to begin to grow in a moist and warm environment. And once that mold has taken hold inside your home, the only safe solution is costly, professional mold abatement.
Finally, using technology to locate a water leak in your home is faster than the old method of playing seek and find with the water. And we are sure that you will be happy to know that we will not be damaging your walls, floors, and ceilings when we are using our technology to locate the water leak. So clearly, time is money when it comes to a water leak in your home.
Signs It’s Time To Call In A Professional
As we mentioned, it can be hard to know when there is a hidden water leak lurking in your home. However, there are a few indications that you have a problem.
- Warm spots on the floor. A hot water line that is leaking will create a warm area on your floor. And if the floor is carpeted, you will also notice that the area is moist.
- The sound of running water. You might only hear it when the house is silent, but know that the leak is ongoing, even if you can’t hear it all the time.
- High water bill. If you get an unexplainably large water bill, chances are there is a water leak somewhere in or around your home.
If you discover any of these signs of a hidden water leak, call 806-583-3558 immediately. A Action Air Plumbing and Septic licensed plumber will arrive at your home quickly to locate the leak and provide you with cost-effective repair solutions that carry a complete warranty.
