Five Plumbing Leak Detection Methods For Smooth Functioning Pipes

Plumbing leaks can be tricky, requiring you to tap (pun intended) into your home’s water supply and fiddle with pipes and faucets, hoping to solve the problem. While DIY-ing your home’s upkeep can save you on services every once in a while, winging your plumbing jobs can land you soaked to the bone. And that’s not it! Leaks, minor or major, can cause significant damage to your home and create the ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Fortunately, professional plumbing services are only a phone call away. This blog post explores five plumbing leak detection methods professional plumbers use for smooth functioning pipes.

Five Plumbing Leak Detection Methods Used by Professional Plumbers

Professional plumbers use various tools and methods for plumbing leak detection. Here are five methods that can be used to keep your plumbing system running seamlessly:

Water Loss Inspection

Most major leaks start out as small hidden leaks that, over time, develop into big issues. Routine plumbing leak detection helps find the source of water loss before it can cause significant property damage, reduced plumbing system performance, and potential environmental damage.   

During a water loss inspection, a plumber inspects for signs of corrosion, damaged pipe joints, high water pressure, poor installation, and damage from construction and ground shifting. They may also check for discoloration, warping, and musty odours.

Acoustic Devices

A professional plumber may use a microphone that amplifies the sound of dripping water to detect leaks. It is used to pick up the sound of water through drywall, cabinets, and other furnishings. A ground microphone is used to sense leaks from subsurface pipes, while acoustic disc plates detect the signature sounds of leaks through concrete, stone, or brick effectively. 

Microphones are used to detect leaks in a variety of ways. A plumber may hover it over a potential leak and listen for sounds of leaks. The type of pipe can also point them in the right direction. For instance, leak sounds travel farther through metal pipes compared to PVC pipes. Moreover, pipes with smaller diameters transmit more sound than ones with large diameters. Larger pipes better conduct low-frequency sounds.

Noise Correlation Systems

Leak noise correlators comprise sensors positioned on both sides of the pipe and are used for plumbing leak detection. The sensors transmit radio signals back and forth, and the data is sent to a display where a plumber analyses the detected anomalies. 

The control unit’s processor also analyses the data and compares the information with mathematical algorithms. These mathematical algorithms factor in the distance and the noise profiles of different pipe materials. The technician is able to detect the leak with ease once they know the type of pipe being tested.

Thermal Imaging

Infrared thermal scanners are able to detect water leaks and moisture through drywall, floorboards, concrete, and soil. Following this, a monitor is used to display an image revealing shifts in temperature from one spot to another. 

These changes in the temperature can aid in pinpointing the location of the leak. While this sounds easy enough, using infrared imaging equipment and interpreting the results demands advanced training.

Valve exercising

Valve exercising is less of a leak detection method and more of a preventive measure. However, it can aid in plumbing leak detection and mitigation later. GPS technology is used to locate gate valves. Additionally, the technician will also record the number of turns each valve requires. 

This information is then stored in a database, allowing plumbers to use the data to quickly find and repair leaks in the future. When the technician exercises a valve, they may also clean the valve box to prevent the buildup of deposits and reduce the risk of shutoff issues in an emergency.

Benefits of Professional Plumbing Services

Professional plumbing services are a crucial part of keeping your home running smoothly. From detecting leaks, repairing broken fixtures, to providing drain cleaning solutions, they take care of many issues that can bring your home to a standstill.  

Plumbers use a range of methods and tools to detect leaks. Early leak detection allows you to treat them early on and prevent them from becoming a major issue. Early detection and treatment of leaks are vital not just to ensure seamless functioning of your plumbing system but also to avoid costly repairs later on due to aggravated issues.

Conclusion

Professional plumbers use a number of methods to detect plumbing leaks, including water loss detection, acoustic devices, noise cancellation, thermal imaging, and valve exercising. Professional plumbing leak detection can help you avoid property damage and costly repairs.

So don’t DIY! Contact a trusted plumbing service provider such as Guru Plumbing to keep your pipes functioning smoothly for years to come.