Water Leaks in Plumbing
Plumbing and pipes are subject to wear and tear over time. The average life expectancy of a pipe is about fifty years, although high water pressure and pipe vibrations can lessen the lifespan. Over time, the walls of a pipe become thin causing pinholes, hairline cracks, and outright breaks in a water line. All of these lead to leaks.
A water leak can be discovered in a few ways. Sometimes a stain or cracks appear in a floor, ceiling, or wall. Mildew spots or moisture issues may also become noticeable. Very bad leaks will lead to standing water or flooding.
Often a high water bill is the first indication of a leak. Property owners should start by looking at the meter. If the small red gauge in the center spins, or if the reading changes when no water is running, there is a leak. This is a simple way to confirm that a leak exists.
Property owners who suspect they have a leak should call a plumber who handles detection and repairs. There is special equipment required for leak detection that not every plumber has, so it is prudent to ask specifically.
When deciding to work with a company, check to see if they perform both detection and repairs before your first visit. Many leak detection specialists only locate leaks. This can be more costly than finding a plumber who has the right equipment and can perform the repair as well.
Most leak detection equipment works by sound. The plumber will use a wand-like device and headphones to listen for vibrations caused by water exiting the pipe in the ground. Because of this, a lot of leak detection requires a quiet setting. Loud road noise and even the hum of an appliance can make leak detection difficult.
Slab leaks are designated by the location of the leak. Specifically, a slab leak refers to any leak that is located underneath a slab foundation. Homeowners often become aware of these leaks when they notice moisture in their carpet or seeping up through their flooring.
Meter leaks are breaks in the pipe that happen where the main water line meets the meter. Water meters are usually located near the road. The leak can happen either 'before' or 'after' the meter. Ownership typically starts at the meter. The 'before' or 'after' refers to whether it is on the property owner's side or the water systems side of the meter. Typically, leaks 'after' the meter are the responsibility of the property owner. This can vary by water district, however.
Underground water leaks refer to leaks or breaks in the water line that are buried between the meter and the structure. Fixing an underground leak requires either a spot repair or a replacement of the entire water line. Spot repairs are not usually recommended, simply because a hole in the water line usually indicates that the line is old and worn out. By repairing a single spot, it will only increase the pressure through the rest of the line. This may cause other thin spots in the line to burst, resulting in more repairs.
While an entire water line replacement may seem more expensive at first, it is usually a wise decision. Replacement may require trenching or boring services, which can be costly and cause unsightly yard damage. A licensed plumber can help you make the best decision for your property. It is prudent to discuss with the plumber how any yard damage will be handled. Plumbers will typically refill their trench and place yard straw over the dirt. Sod and other repairs to landscaping are the property owners responsibility.
Leak detection is as much an art as a science. A talented plumber with the right equipment can perform both detection and repair, which may result in long term savings for the customer. Always ask if the plumber has the right equipment for the job and whether they are licensed and insured before work begins.