Leak Detection in Santa Rosa, CA

Where are leaks common?

Anywhere in the house along the gas or water line is susceptible to leaks; you can even have a slab leak with a radiant heat system. Water lines, gas lines, sewers, and all plumbing appliances can all be susceptible to leaks. Leak detection points to some common places, like the kitchen and bathrooms, as the most likely areas of the home to experience a leak. Dishwashers, laundry machines, faucets, and hose bibs are also frequently guilty of leaks.

How can leaks be detected?

Tracer gas leak
Tracer gases can be used to identify gas leaks. Helium can be put into the water in order to monitor the helium levels outside the home. Any areas above a leak will give a signal for high-helium detection. This identifies the area of the gas leak. A hydrogen/nitrogen mixture can also be used for this type of leak detection, as well as something called a sniffer test that involves a handheld probe that is filled with a type of tracer gas and then moved around an area to analyze whether or not the gas concentration exceeds the normal rate.
Acoustic Sound
Acoustic leak detection services involve using specialized sensors in order to detect an audible signal of a liquid or gas leak. Water or gas escaping from a pressurized system will make a noise that can be detected when listening through acoustic leak detection equipment. This form of leak detection is able to detect a leak at incredibly early stages, making it extremely beneficial. Since the sound of a leak is not audible to human ears, having this technology be able to locate and analyze the sound of a potential leak is helpful in making sure you catch any water or gas leak before it can get out of hand completely without you being aware.
Water shut-off valve
An automatic water shut-off valve can be installed in your home to help completely prevent any catastrophic leaks. A shut-off valve can detect leaks by keeping track of the water flow within your pipes or picking up whenever water is gathering on the floor. If the movement within the pipes is irregular or moisture is gathering on the floor, the valve will shut off the water supply to your house to immediately cease the leak before it can grow out of hand.

What are the signs you might notice that a plumbing leak repair is needed?

For a water leak:

• You notice a sudden increase in your water bill
• Growth of mold and mildew or a moldy odor
• Even in the absence of a running faucet, you notice the sound of trickling water
• Water accumulating in unexpected places on your home
• Wet carpet
• Wet areas in the garden
• Low water pressure

• Smell of sulfur or rotten eggs- There is a very distinct smell to propane and natural gas. The smell is added to the gases for our safety and to assist with leak detection in gas lines.
• Higher than normal gas usage- This could be a good sign that you need to have leak detection performed on your home. Higher bills can mean a leak in the line.
• Hissing sounds- This may be one of the more obvious signs of a gas leak. Leak detection may not even be needed in this situation. Call immediately for service.
• Plants inside and outside of your home are dying- If there is natural gas or propane present, plants will not be able to absorb oxygen and will die off. This could be one of the first signs of a gas leak due to plants and their sensitivity to gas. Leak detection service should be performed immediately.

What can be installed to alert of leaks?

The majority of households have one of two types of leak-detecting systems. In order to notify you when there is a leak in your house, both of the more recent models of these leak-detecting systems connect to smart devices. Your water line can have a Moen Flo whole-home monitoring installed. This keeps an eye on flow and will cut off water if it detects excessive use over an extended period of time. Pucks are another item that can be scattered around the house. Although the pucks are less expensive, it may take ten or more pucks to completely secure your house.

Some insurance companies require homes to have a leak detection water shut-off valve or leak detectors to be insured. You can even have a combination of the moisture sensor and the whole-house flow system. By installing these leak detection systems in your home, you can also receive discounts from your insurance service provider.

What causes leaks?

Your home’s plumbing system may leak for a variety of reasons. Over time, this may experience deterioration such as corrosion and cracking. The line may rupture and leak if there is an excessive accumulation of pressure inside it. Another way that frozen pipes might lead to leaks is when they expand. Another possibility is a problem with the brazing or press fittings of your copper water line.
A continuous leak may also be caused by cracks in your hose bib or irrigation pipes. Leaky flappers in toilets are another typical source of problems in homes. Up to one trillion gallons of water can be wasted annually by residences nationwide.