FAQ (Water leak Detection)

Q: How can I know if the water loss in my pool is due to leaking or just normal evaporation?

​A: A bucket test can be done to see if the water loss is caused by a leak or a normal evaporation.

Q: There is a consistent flow of bubbles from my pool’s return pipe. How does this happen?

​A: When we receive concerns like this, we ask the caller to do the following: check all the pool equipment, tighten all visible screws, and lubricate all visible seals. In some cases, the bubbles will keep flowing.​This is usually caused by air that gets into your system. It can be hard for the owner or even the pool service technician to find where the air enters.​Leaks can occur on a suction line that is located underground. When the pumps draw water from the pool, it can also draw air from the leak, producing bubbles through the line. This type of leak is hard to detect without specialized testing and modern leak detection instruments and methods.Another reason that bubbles appear can be the leaks on the above ground equipment. These may also be hard to detect without the proper tools.​These bubbles can also be a result of a non-leak related problem. The pump impeller may have become too worn out that it makes it spin too fast. The speed may have broken water molecules apart, causing bubbles to go through the return lines.​A good leak detection company should be able to provide you the equipment you need to find the real cause of the problem. 

Q: My water bill is high, and I think the large pond in my yard is causing it. How can I know if there are leaks?

​A: Contact an equipped and experienced company who can help you check for leaks. Some companies may not have the necessary equipment, but there are still some that specialize in big jobs. They should have modern leak detection technology that can be used to test fountains and ponds.​The technician should be able to assess the amount of water lost by the pond, the recirculating system size, and the condition of the pond’s interior. A good one will discuss these thoroughly with you, and will provide you with the most reasonable quote.

​Q: I hear a “humming” sound from my bathroom sink’s pipes. Could this be a sign of a leak?

​A: It is likely the case. Leaks along piping system can produce a “humming” sound. Water can be lost either through a outlet or fixture, or through an actual leakage point in the line. If water is lost through fixtures or outlets, the “humming” sound is made by water flowing really fast through the line. This causes pipes to vibrate when the water leaves the outlet. The water flow against the inside of the pipe produces friction, which then sends vibrations that the human ear can hear.

​If the water loss occurs through an actual leak in the pipe, the “humming” is produced by a difference in pressure between the water inside the pipe and the atmospheric pressure around the pipe. When a pipe has a leak, pressure loss can also occur as the pressure inside the pipe tries to level with the pressure outside the pipe. The pressure loss produces “Leak Energy”, which is basically pressure waves that move down the pipe, away from the leak.​Human ears may not be able to hear the “leak energy”. Most cases require the use of electronic leak detection equipment that can amplify the sound. If you hear the leak energy even without using the equipment, chances are the leak is close to you, or it has grown big enough that you can already hear it.

​Still, the humming sound is not just caused by leaks. There is also a possibility that it is caused by pipes getting in contact with a vibrating appliance like refrigerators and air conditioning units.​A good way to find the problem is to double check all faucets, toilets, outside hose bibs, and valves. If nothing turns up, it would be best for you to contact a leak detection specialist. They should have the professional experience and electronic equipment needed to fix this problem for you. 

​Q: Are there any initial steps I can take before calling in a leak specialist?

A: Of course! Here are some steps you can take to find leaks without using any specialized leak detection tools.​Check all your faucets one by one. Turn it on, and while the water runs, move the faucet handle back and forth. Check for leaks around the valve stem and faucet spout. It would also be best to check the drain piping under the sink as well to see if there are leaks in the drainpipes. Do the same thing to outside hose bibs too. ​Check for toilet leaks by placing any of these into a full toilet tank: dye tablet, milk, half and half, food coloring, and milk of magnesia. If it seeps down into the bowl area, a repair or replacement of the flapper valve is needed. ​Check for toilet leaks by placing any of these into a full toilet tank: dye tablet, milk, half and half, food coloring, and milk of magnesia. If it seeps down into the bowl area, a repair or replacement of the flapper valve is needed.

​If your sinks or tubs have lever-operated water stopping devices or plugs, test them open and closed. Check for leaks in movable parts that are connected to the drain system.​Check your water heaters. Most water heaters come with a safety relief valve or a temperature / pressure valve. Leaks can occur at the exit ends of the valve or at the valve piping. ​If the valve has a hand operated check lever, you can try flushing the valve for a few seconds. Do note that you can only do this if it is piped safely, and if it will not run water on your walls and floors. If you find it leaking, then a replacement should be done.

​Look for leaks in your dishwasher and garbage disposal during or after you use them. ​See if there are any discoloration, sponginess or moisture on walls where the pipes stick out. ​Check if your exterior hose bibs are turned off. This is one of those simple problems where you help from a specialist is not needed.

​Q: A technician advised me to do a complete repipe instead of looking for and repairing a leak in my hot and cold water lines. He said the plumbing has become too corroded that repairing the leak is too much of a headache. Should I listen to him? Is this really the only way?

​A: There are some instances when a complete repipe is a good choice. But this isn’t always the case. Plumbing really can deteriorate over time, but it isn’t always recommended because of the costs it entails. You won’t just be spending for the actual repipe, you will also shoulder the expenses of restoration work needed. Your walls and floors are likely to be touched and plumbed in and through. Detecting and repairing leaks will cost you about a thousand bucks, but a repipe may cost you a whole lot more.

​A complete repipe is only advisable for cases when the same line experiences leakage in a short amount of time. A quality leak detection service should first identify the problem, then recommend the most cost effective, and least destructive repair option. ​You may want to look at all your options before you proceed with a repipe or repair. Ask your technician for more information about the leak. Ask where it actually is, and what other options you have. If they can’t provide you with those information, it may be better to call someone else.

​Q: How do I know if a leak detection specialist is good?

​A: Leak Detection can cost you a lot of money, especially when done by an inexperienced technician. You might experience a lot of damage and shoulder the costs of digging up areas in your property just to find the leak. This search and destroy method of finding leaks can cause unnecessary expenses. The good news is that you can avoid all these unwanted problems. Read our list of what you can look for in leak detection specialist.

​Equipment

Modern electronic detection equipment is a must-have for quality leak detection services. This will save you from the unnecessary diggings and property damage.

Experience and Resources

Ask them how many years they have been in the business. You may also want to check if they are a legally operating company, and not just one person answering calls who can choose to call back or not. You also need to know if there is someone else they can send in case the specialist they assigned can’t find the leak. It can also be good if you find them associated with an organization that does research and development of leak detection methods and techniques.

Guarantee

A guarantee from the company can definitely put you at ease. In instances when they fail to find the leak, or if they dig up the wrong area, it is good to know if they can stand by their work and fix their mistakes.

Referrals

You may want to contact your home insurance company before going directly to a specialist. They may be able to recommend a trusted and reliable leak detection specialist, and even pay for the costs. You can also contact your property management company for recommendations.

Upfront Pricing

Leak problems can cause you a lot of headache, and can affect your pocketbook and your long-term property value. It is important that you take careful steps in ensuring that your problem gets solved. Unnecessary costs, disruptions, and property damage can be avoided when you hire the right people for the job.

Areas serviced:  Pretoria East, Pretoria North East, Pretoria West, Pretoria Central Western and Centurion.