Leak Detection

Water leaks cause damage to often to the most critical parts of a house or building’s structure. These damages can start small, and balloon into serious structural issues that can lead to fast deterioration of foundations, load bearing walls, which can lead to collapse, and even in the most dramatic results, injuries to its occupants. Such is the nature of unnoticed moisture in the walls and floors. These materials weaken when, over time, soften or warp from the effects of water on wood, concrete and other materials used in your home or office. Here’s how Leak Detection can save you from a very big plumbing emergency.

Water leak detection should be done periodically by checking the areas and components of the house or office’s plumbing system by a licensed plumbing professional or even by installing a commercially available water leak detection device. Here are your options:

1. Passive Leak Detection Systems – These devices are usually placed near areas where leaks are possible. They are often battery operated, and work by detecting moisture via a sensor that will trigger an alarm when a potentially harmful level is reached.The nice thing about them is the noise they produce takes all the guess work of where the leak is located. One factor in their use is that they are only as effective as long as their batteries have power.

2. Active Leak Detection Systems – These are a little more proactive, as they not only sound an alarm, but will also shut down the water flow. They may use a moisture sensor or flow sensor or both. There are two types of active leak detection system:

a. Individual appliance systems – In some circumstances, an appliance has it’s own leak detection system, and can automatically shut off the water supply interacting with the appliance if a leak is detected. Pretty cool!

b. Whole house systems – What’s better than one single moisture sensor leak detection device? A whole bunch of them smartly connected and placed throughout the structure to cover all potential problem points. They often use a radio signal or electronic wiring apparatus to communicate the issue.

At Rocket Plumbing, we are always cognizant that every home or office is unique, and represents a special situation. Therefore, what type of water leak system is the best choice for your home requires one of our free inspections. While some can be installed by the homeowner, any more complex system should be done by a licensed plumbing contractor who has the big picture of costs, effectiveness and ease of use.

What areas do we check in your home or office for leaks?

• Bathroom & toilet area (check for leaks on showerhead, faucet, and water heating system)
• Pool and spa
• Lawn (check on turf, low water use garden, irrigation system)
• Laundry room (check for leaks on faucet, clothes washer)
  Patio
• Water meter
• Kitchen Plumbing Systems (check for leaks on faucet, dishwasher, water heating system)
• Garage and basement area (check on evaporator cooler, hot water system)

Small and quiet leaks are the most insidious leaks to catch.  Obvious leaks often come with noises when plumbing systems are activated, like gurgling, bubbling, knocking noises, and visual cues include water damage on walls or ceilings.  But the unseen ones can do their damage day in and day out without anyone knowing it.

A sign of a broken toilet that is leaking is when your toilet is flushing all by itself.