Reliable Solutions for Hidden Water Leaks in the Desert
As desert dwellers, Phoenix and Tucson locals know the value of water. We deal with intense heat and minimal rainfall, especially in the summer, and our plumbing systems feel the effects of that as much as we do. It’s important to have a local plumber you can go to when something doesn’t feel right.
Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating offers leak detection in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ designed for local homes. With ground shifting and dry, abrasive soil, pinhole leaks and hairline cracks aren’t uncommon in our area, but they can be hard to identify if you don’t have the right tools. We use advanced diagnostic methods to identify problems and repair them quickly without the need to tear up your property to get to the bottom of things. With us, your home is always in safe hands.
Signs You Have a Plumbing Leak
A lot of times, plumbing leaks give away small telltale signs, but that doesn’t mean they’re obvious. Because the majority of our plumbing systems are tucked away behind walls and beneath slabs, it’s easy to miss a leak. It helps to know exactly what you’re looking for, so we’ve put together the most common signs of a hidden plumbing leak. If you notice any of these issues, give us a call for a professional plumbing inspection.
- A sudden, unexplained spike in your monthly water utility bill.
- The sound of running water behind walls, even when all faucets and fixtures are turned off.
- Damp spots, discoloration, or bubbling paint on walls and ceilings.
- Musty odors or signs of mold and mildew in cabinets or laundry rooms.
- A drop in water pressure throughout the house or at specific fixtures.
Signs Your Home Needs Repiping
Here are the classic signs you could need a repipe.
- Water flowing from the tap is discolored or rusty.
- Leaks occur in multiple fixtures, not just one.
- You’re noticing low water pressure all throughout your house.
- There are visible signs of corrosion or tiny holes in any exposed pipes.
- You still have old piping from before the 80s.
- Your water bills keep inexplicably creeping up month after month
Our Leak Detection Process
The most important part of the leak detection process is finding the specific location and cause of the actual leak. Guesswork can completely derail things, so our approach follows a few carefully laid out steps to ensure our work is accurate every time. Here’s a look at our leak detection process.
Full Inspection
We start with a full inspection of your plumbing fixtures and water meter. Once we confirm all of your fixtures are off, we’ll check the water meter and the low-flow indicator. If it’s spinning, this is a clear sign that there’s a leak somewhere in the system. We’ll also be able to get a general sense of how much water is leaking.
Acoustic Testing
After confirming that a leak really does exist, we use acoustic technology that listens for subtle sounds of leaking water. It also helps us identify where the sound is the loudest, which points to the exact point of the leak. Acoustic testing is fast, non-invasive, and accurate.
Camera Inspection
Once we have a general idea of where the leak is, we use a specialized camera to look at what might have caused the leak and just how bad it is. During the camera inspection, we’ll look at the leak but also trace the path of the water to its origin point. With a camera inspection, we can see if we’re dealing with a pinhole leak or something much bigger.
Importance of Catching Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can cost you money and waste water, but the real damage usually comes as a result of the leak. When water pools because of a leak, it can cause mold growth and poor air quality. Even worse, it can saturate the soil beneath and around your Arizona home, which can make the ground under your home unstable. Addressing a plumbing leak early can be the difference between maintaining your home and needing to invest in massive renovations down the line.
Contact Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating for Expert Leak Detection
Hidden leaks have the ability to damage your home, so it’s important to call a trusted plumber is you suspect a plumbing leak. We provide fast and accurate leak detection in Phoenix and Tucson, AZ to protect your home. Call us today or book your service online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a typical leak detection service cost?
The cost of professional leak detection depends on your plumbing system and the exact location of the leak. An older plumbing system or larger leak will both lead to higher leak detection costs. The good news is that homeowners always find that professional help pays for itself by preventing water damage.
Will you have to break through my concrete slab to find the leak?
Alaskan Air Conditioning & Heating is committed to non-destructive testing. We use modern, non-invasive technology to locate the leak without any digging or drilling. In almost every case, we can find the precise location of the failure before a single tile is moved.
Can a small leak really cause that much damage?
Believe it or not, yes, a small leak can cause a ton of damage! You’ll waste hundreds of gallons of water, deal with water damage, and even affect the very soil your house is built on. It’s always easier to treat a small leak than a major plumbing catastrophe.