Water leaks from pipe work are the most common cause of home insurance claims in the UK. Whilst at times they are easily identifiable, at other times they can be hard to detect and fix. If a homeowner doesn’t identify and address the issue quickly, they could be facing a costly repair bill. That’s why hiring a professional leak detection service can be so important.
By using advanced technology and techniques, a leak detection service can identify the source of the leak and provide a solution that is both quick and cost-effective.
In this article, we’ll explain why professional leak detection is essential for homeowners who have hard to find leaks, and how it can save you time and money.
1. What is leak detection
For many years, before technology advanced, the typical way for a hidden leak to be found was through utilising the services of a plumber. The plumber would use their experience and know how to help narrow down the search area before having to open up any walls or floors behind which a leak may have been located.
Whilst this method worked pretty well, there was always the high probability that the area where it was believed the leak was located may not in fact have been so, and unnecessary damage would be caused to the property in pursuit.
Water will always follow the path of least resistance. When water leaks from a pipe it is pushed further by water coming behind it. As it moves, it may have to travel through different materials typically passing along the route that provides the easiest option.
This means e.g. that whilst a central heating pipe may have leaked at one side of your property, the water could have spread and not shown up until it found an easy to escape course which can sometimes be many, many metres away from the leak itself.
For this reason, the location of a leak can sometimes be misleading and whilst all evidence would point to one area where the leak is located this cannot be certain, leading to unnecessary damage being caused trying to find it.
Related: Learn how to detect a water leak in your home.
The advancement of technology has helped to minimise this issue. Specialist equipment such as acoustic listening sticks, thermal imaging, tracer gas, borescopes, etc have all been developed to allow any hidden leaks to be narrowed down, and in some cases specifically pinpointed, before the decision is taken to open up any area of a property. This is known as leak detection.
A reputable leak detection service will have the tools and expertise to pinpoint the source of any type of leak and provide solutions to address it. If you suspect you have a leak, call PCLA for help.
2. Benefits of Leak Detection
The most important benefits of a leak detection service are that it will save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches down the line. Why?
Fast response time: Call PCLA today and see for yourself how quickly we can be of help.
Accurate leak detection: We only use the best leak detection equipment. This means we can find your leak fast and most importantly, accurately. By locating the exact source of the leak we can help prevent further damage to your property.
Experienced professionals: What our leak detection experts don’t know about finding water leaks isn’t worth knowing. This means we can guarantee to provide you with our renowned high-quality service.
We can help recover your costs. As long as you have buildings and contents insurance, you should have ‘trace and access’ cover included.
Call 028 9581 5318 to find out how we will manage your insurance claim on your behalf.
3. Common Signs of a Leak
There are certain signs that can indicate the presence of a leak. These include:
- Damage to low level wall plaster above skirting boards
- Boast or cracked floor or wall tiles
- Damaged wooden floors with signs of ‘cupping’ to boards.
- Hot water taps running cold water
- Sound of running water or tanks filling, when no water turned on
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact a professional leak detection service as soon as possible to minimise any water damage.
4. Methods of Leak Detection
Leak detection services can help you identify and locate any water leaks in your home or business.
The most common methods of leak detection include acoustic leak detection, thermal imaging, infrared scanning, and dye testing.
- Acoustic leak detection involves listening to the sound of water running through pipes with specialised equipment.
- Thermal imaging utilises infrared cameras to detect hot and cold spots that can be indicative of leaks.
- Pressure testing of pipework. This test is used to determine if there is a loss or drop in pressure. This could indicate a leak is present in the system.
- Moisture Mapping: we look for moisture patterns to track movement of moisture.
- Tracer Gas Detection: we inject special gas into the pipes and when it escapes, our specialist equipment can pinpoint the exact location.
- Chemical Analysis. This is used to determine the type of water as this can help identify whether the water is from inside your home (part of your plumbing) or external (rain water).
- Borescope surveys: in other words, we put a camera down your pipe! This helps us understand the scale of the problem.
5. The Importance of Professional Leak Detection Services
Professional leak detection services are an integral part of preventing water damage and ensuring a safe and healthy home environment.
Leaks are a common problem in homes and can cause extensive damage if not taken care of quickly and correctly.
Professional leak detection services help to identify the source of the leak and can then provide the necessary repairs to stop the leak and minimise the damage.
In addition to saving money on repairs, professional leak detection services can help to prevent future issues by identifying and addressing potential problem areas. Moreover, professional leak detection services can help to prevent mould and mildew growth, which can have negative health consequences.
By seeking professional help, homeowners can ensure that their homes are safe and well-maintained.
Related: Do you have trace and access cover?
Leak detection services are a great way to identify, analyse, and fix issues with water leaks in your home. They provide a convenient and cost-effective way to save money on repairs, and also help to protect your home from costly water damage. A qualified professional can help you find the best solution for your needs, and can provide the necessary expertise to help you keep your home safe and free from water damage.
If you suspect a leak and need help, call PCLA today. We’ll schedule a leak detection survey for your property as soon as possible. Call 028 9581 5318 and speak to a leak detection expert.
