Water leakage is a severe problem for homes and the environment at large. Consider the statistics: the average household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water yearly via undetected leaks.

Even the tiniest leak carries the significant potential to cause damage. Besides water waste, it leads to mold formation, ruins carpets and hardwood alike, weakens your home‘s structural integrity, dampens walls, and can leave your house flooded. 

You should call a plumber at the first signs of leakage, as they will carry out accurate leak detection and identify the cause. 

Accurate detection of a leak saves you money, as there is minimal wall cutting, floorboard prying, lawn tearing, and other destructive processes. 

Plumbers can precisely identify things like dripping faucets, frozen pipes, broken pipes behind walls, leaking hose bibs, and damaged drain pipes using increasingly technologically advanced equipment. 

It saves time, is more efficient, and provides better results. But what are some of the things they use for this process? Find out here.

Video camera pipe inspection

A pipe camera consists of an infrared camera attached to a long fiber optic cable, which the plumber inserts into drains, toilets, or other potential leakage areas. Pipe cameras are waterproof and durable and can withstand rough usage.

Plumbers get a live view of the pipes on a monitor, which helps them understand the problem. Since the cable is flexible, it can negotiate turns and curves without difficulty. Professionals use pipe cameras to detect grease build-up, corrosion points, and various obstructions like tree roots and old pipes. 

Ground microphones  

Ground microphones help plumbers listen to water passing through concrete, drywall, and cabinets, helping them identify the source of the leakage. These handy devices increase the sounds of leaky pipes by several decibels, thus making them audible with headphones when placed against the ground. 

Thermal imaging

Professionals might also use thermal imaging to identify a leak precisely. These are extremely helpful in cases when the microphone doesn’t work because of excessive noise or depth. 

A thermal camera provides a video or image of the exact surface by capturing the infrared radiation released from it. The plumber reads the temperature of the object, looking for abnormalities. 

Thermal imagery is used to detect leaks in water pipes in concrete, behind walls, and under floorboards. It also detects moisture in roofs, ceilings, and walls. This technology helps in quickly identifying leakages in large areas. It helps plumbers read the temperature of a particular surface by displaying an infrared video or image.

Hydrostatic pressure testing

Although professionals usually use hydrostatic pressure testing for fuel tanks, gas cylinders, and boilers, plumbers also use it to detect leaks in household water pipes.

Pressure testing helps in identifying leaks in underground plumbing. A plumber uses it by placing a test ball in the drain’s cleanout (a section of the pipe with a cap that provides access to the main sewer line). Once the ball is inflated, it blocks the main sewer line. The plumber fills the pipe with water to the top and waits a few minutes to notice a drop in water levels. If it starts dropping after 20 minutes, it is a sign of leakage. 
Accurate leak detection is beneficial, saves time and money, and is the most efficient way of identifying leakages. You should call your plumber if you notice leaks, low water pressure, or damp floors. They will identify and fix leakages using advanced technology like the things mentioned above.