A household leak can end up causing its fair share of trouble for the average homeowner faced with such an issue. An uncontrolled source of water can cause the affected floors, walls, and ceiling to weaken and degrade over time, and depending on the severity of the matter, this could result in actual structural damage within a home. Additionally, the presence of water within a home can, over time, lead to a costly and extremely unhealthy mold problem. For these reasons, it’s important that a homeowner contact a trusted plumber to evaluate the situation as soon as he suspects a leak. Fortunately, plumbers these days have a number of techniques that they can use to detect household leaks and repair them before they get worse. Daniel Fish is the owner of Daniel Fish Plumbing, a company that has been serving California’s Los Angeles and Ventura counties since 1981, and according to him, leak detection services are one of the most worthwhile investments that a homeowner could possibly make.
The purpose of leak detection services is to precisely pinpoint the source of a leak within any given plumbing system. In the grand scheme of plumbing services, leak detection is actually considered a rather tricky affair, as it can be awfully difficult to uncover the source of a hidden leak. In fact, according to Fish, leak detection is often a thorough, painstaking process of elimination. On the plus side, these days, plumbers are able to use new tools and technologies in order to make leak detection as effective and accurate as possible.
As part of the leak detection process, Fish and his team will perform a visual inspection of the plumbing system and property at hand. In certain cases, a simple walkthrough, coupled with proper observation, is enough to enable Fish to pinpoint the source of the problem. In other cases, the visual inspection serves as a stepping stone for further assessment and scrutiny.
Another component of the leak detection process involves pressure testing to see if the water pressure within the plumbing system is too high or too low. Pressure testing enables Fish’s team to determine whether or not a leak exists within the pressurized system, and if so, whether the leak is coming from the hot side or the cold side.
Another aspect of leak detection comes in the form of moisture probing. Using specialty sensors, Fish and his experts are able to determine whether or not moisture exists in places where it shouldn’t, and if so, how much is present. This technique also allows Fish’s team to figure out the source of the moisture so that it can address the issue as efficiently as possible.
When it comes to leak detection services, a good plumber will often use technology to his advantage. For this reason, Fish often enlists the help of a fiber optic borescope, which is an instrument used across a number of fields for making visual inspections in otherwise restricted areas. This specialty tool enables Fish’s team to inspect the areas within walls and in between floors for the presence or effects of moisture without having to cut or drill any holes. Of course, the fiber optic borescope is not the only nifty piece of equipment that Fish has on hand. He also has a thermal laser and camera, which can help with the leak detection process.
While many plumbers are able to offer leak detection as part of their many services, it is these forms of technology that truly set Fish apart from competitors in his field. Plumbers who aren’t up on the latest gadgets are often forced to tear up flooring and cut holes in household walls in order to detect leaks. Fish, on the other hand, is able to offer his customers accurate leak detection services without all of the potential damage.
The presence of a leak in your home can end up causing some serious damage and costing you a lot on the eventual repair front. Therefore, if you do happen to suspect a leak, then contact a trusted plumbing professional – preferably one who is up on technology - to come over and evaluate the problem. Remember, what you’ll pay for in leak detection services, you’ll save in the avoidance of major household damage and associated aggravation.
