24/7 Professional Leak Detection Services

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Orange County’s Trusted Leak Detection Company

Do you think you have a water leak but can’t figure out where it is?  Then it’s time to call in a professional leak detection service before there’s water damage.  This particular plumbing system problem is most common in older buildings, especially those with galvanized pipes.  But even copper pipe can weaken, and problems can occur in new construction due to ground movement or poor workmanship.  And many are roof leaks and other building problems such as poorly sealed window frames are difficult to spot before there’s been extensive damage.  Slab leaks under the concrete floor are an especially big issue — hard to find, expensive to repair, and often causing major damage.

The longer you wait the more likely you’ll face expensive water damage restoration.  But you probably know that most plumbers aren’t very good finding these sorts of problems, making one hole after another until they finally zero in on the spot.  And roofing contractors are interested in selling a new roof, not to say that you don’t need one.  That’s why you should find a company like Service First that has leak detection specialists armed with years of experience and the latest equipment.  If there’s no leak you’ll have immediate peace of mind, and if there is a problem you’ve just headed off further damage.

If you can hear hissing or running water or see wetness but can’t find the source, that’s an emergency.  And that’s why we’re always ready 24/7.

Symptoms Of A Water Leak

A jump or a month after month increase in your utility bill may be your only clue.  But be sure that you’re comparing usage –kWh for kilowatts of electricity, therms for natural gas, and ccf for hundreds of cubic feet for water — not the dollar amounts.  If there’s a plumbing problem you may hear spraying or flowing inside a wall, feel a warm area on the floor, or notice that the water heater is running more often.  Whether from bad plumbing or building damage you may smell musty odors or notice discoloration, dampness, or mold.  For commercial buildings don’t forget the sprinkler system and its supply pipes.  There could also be an issue outdoors such in irrigation plumbing system, the water line, or sewer line.  Here your clue is likely to be an area that’s greener that its surroundings.

TIP #1:  The after taking a look at faucets and toilets you should check clothes washer and dish washer hoses as well as the drain and valves under sinks next.

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Leak Detection Methods

A professional leak detection service will first verify whether or not you indeed have a leak with a sensitive pressure test, estimate its size, and then pinpoint its location.  In addition to training and years of experience, the specialists at Service First can employ a variety of leak detection gear.

  • Acoustic Techniques Whether by ear or with special microphones and amplifiers it’s possible to track down the sound of escaping water.  Alternatively the pipes can be pressurized with a safe gas such as carbon dioxide and the escaping gas location tracked down with ultrasonic instruments.
  • Electronic Leak Detection Electromagnet pipe locators let us trace out pipes hidden and walls and elsewhere, and electromagnetic instruments can locate damp areas.
  • Infrared Leak Detection Special infrared imaging cameras display tiny variations in temperature caused by hot or cold water, or even damp insulation.  They’re especially helpful for tracking down rain-related wetness.  Frequently they can pinpoint the location in a matter of just a few minutes.

With all of these non-destructive resources available, trial and error making one hole after another simply isn’t acceptable.  That takes longer and leaves you with more building repair bills.  That’s especially true if the repair involves hacking through and restoring concrete, brick, marble, or tile.

Tip #2:  You can check for larger plumbing leaks yourself.  First you can take a look at your water meter when there shouldn’t be any usage.  Is anything spinning?  For a slightly better test you can turn off everything, wait several hours, and see if the meter reading has changed.  But that can still miss small problems, and of course anything having to do with the building itself such as roofing, windows, utility cut-throughs, and so on.

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Slab Leaks

Anything underneath or within the concrete sub-floor is a slab leak.  That could be regular (hot or cold pipes) as well as radiant floor heating.  Besides damp or moldy carpet additional symptoms include cracks in flooring or walls.  That’s because erosion is undermining the foundation leading to uneven settling.  Major structural damage is often next.  The root cause is usually pinholes in older pipes, but it can also be the result of the ground shifting.

Slab leak detection can be difficult as the excess wetness is underneath concrete and flooring.  Choose the wrong spot and you’ve only made an expensive hole in the cement or perhaps chosen the wrong type of repair.  So the stakes are high and it’s really worthwhile to call in an experienced specialist.

Service First

Call us first and avoid the expense of water damage removal.  Besides residential leak detection we also offer top-notch commercial leak detection services and can follow through with damage restoration and restoration if needed.  Our technicians are CRA and IICRC certified.  We’re a licensed, bonded, and insured family owned company that provides a comprehensive warranty and personal customer care.  And we’re ready with 24/7 emergency crews.