But how do plumbers find leaks? Plumbers use moisture meters and determine the area of the wall with the highest moisture levels. Sometimes, leaks are located using infrared cameras, which point out the coolest (and wettest) areas behind the walls.
For the most precise leak detection, plumbers use video pipe inspection equipment. These are small cameras mounted on long flexible fiber optic cables. Plumbers can insert these in faucets and other plumbing outlets to detect leaks.
Again, plumbing professionals will usually provide their own camera to locate the leak. Once your plumbers find the location of the leak, they'll get to work fixing it. They may need to cut into drywall to repair the issue.
A standard homeowners insurance policy typically covers some costs associated with water leaks. Coverage is limited to sudden accidental events, such as an abrupt plumbing-related water leak.
Wall scanners and digital detectors represent the cutting edge in home diagnostic tools. These devices, typically featuring screen displays, project a visual map of what lies behind the veil of your wall. Besides showing the skeletal stud structure, they can accurately locate plumbing and electrical conduits.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
They detect temperature variations that indicate the presence of leaks, making this technology particularly useful for finding hidden leaks. Endoscopic cameras also provide valuable visual information, allowing for the inspection of pipes and fittings.
Fixing an exposed pipe in a crawl space or basement is $150 while repairing a leaky pipe inside a wall starts at $150 and can go up to $350 or more. A pipe in the wall behind a kitchen cabinet will cost $500; if the faulty pipe is in a ceiling, it can cost $700 to $2,500.
Over time, bricks can crack, and mortar can erode, creating pathways for water to enter. Pay special attention to any visible cracks, gaps, or crumbling mortar. Gutter and Downspout Inspection: Faulty gutters and downspouts can direct water towards the wall instead of away from the property.
The wall needs to be cut open to determine the exact location of the leak, and the damaged sections need replacement. Then, the wall needs patching, sanding, priming, and painting. A professional contractor is your best bet if you have plaster or the leak is behind tile or brick.
Expert pipe locators and water leak detectors attend residential and commercial premises to inspect and test with advanced leak detection equipment such as underground pipe locators, Hydrogen tracer gas, acoustic systems, thermal imaging and inspection cameras. Leak detection for plumbers with tracer gas.
CONTACT A PLUMBING PROFESSIONAL
Some leaks are easier to repair than others. For tougher jobs, it's important to consult a plumbing professional to ensure that things are fixed correctly, the first time.
If you don't see water dripping from a pipe or your toilet tank, the leak is probably hidden behind a wall or under a slab. A slab leak can be tricky to find since it's covered by concrete and flooring. However, with the right tools, a plumber can find a leak anywhere in your home.
Plumbing leak detection is a crucial part of the repair process, but it can take time (anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours). If you suspect a leak in your home, time is of the essence. A professional must find the leak before it does substantial damage.
It's important that you look for gaps between the seals in and around your shower, bathtub, and walls. Any cracks or gaps could be a problem, and while you're doing that, be sure to look for peeling or bubbling paint on the walls. So, you found the source of the leak. Congratulations!
Look for water stains, damp spots, or peeling paint on ceilings, walls, or floors. These signs may indicate a nearby leak, and by following the path of the water damage, you can narrow down the possible source. Examine Faucets and Fixtures: Leaky faucets and fixtures are common culprits of water leaks.
An electric stud finder detects a ferrous object—a black pipe—in our test wall. Magnetic stud finders are good to use for tasks like hanging pictures and bathroom mirrors. Some electric stud finders also identify metal pipes and electrical wires.
Visual Inspection Methods
These sewer pipe camera inspection tools, often referred to as pipe inspection cameras, are lowered into the pipe system through access points such as cleanouts or manholes, providing a detailed visual inspection of the pipe's interior.
To detect pipes or wiring behind drywall, use a stud finder with live wire detection or a multi-function detector.