4 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Leak Detection and Repair

At Option One, one of the most important plumbing services we provide is leak detection and repair. Leaky pipes or fixtures in a home are undesirable since they waste a tremendous amount of water and contribute to mold growth and structural damage. Because much of a house’s piping is hidden, detecting leaks can be tricky and demands the use of professional local plumbers with the necessary skills and equipment.

This blog will answer the four frequently asked questions about hidden leaks we get asked from homeowners. We hope this blog helps you deal with any potential leakage issues and avoid the worst consequences of leaky pipes or fixtures.

Q1. Can I do anything to prevent leaks in the first place?

Sure, you can—but preventive measures will not stop all leaks. 

“Formicary corrosion” is one of the leading causes of hidden leaks in copper pipes. This type of corrosion causes small yet insidious pinhole leaks (often only large enough to allow a drop of water to pass), which are very hard to detect. Formicary corrosion is usually caused by chemicals in a house’s water or air, which is difficult to prevent. If your home’s plumbing is old—say, over 50 years—having it repiped is the best way to avoid leaks.

Q2. Is it possible for me to find hidden leaks on my own?

It is possible, but you will probably not be able to pinpoint the leaks precisely enough to fix them. You most certainly also lack the necessary skills and equipment to dig the pipe, remove the leaking section, and replace it. What you can do instead is put on your detective hat and take a look at the water meter to determine if there are any hidden leaks. However, once you know about the leaks, it is best to leave the detection and repair to trained professionals.

Q3. How much water is wasted due to pinhole leaks?

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average household’s leaks can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per year. Furthermore, 10% of households have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more of water every day. As a general rule, if your family of four uses upwards of 12,000 gallons of water per month, you might be dealing with some serious leakage problems in your home.

Q4. How do professionals detect hidden leaks?

Leak detection technologies and methods evolve with each passing year, and the local plumbers at Option One employ only the latest and the greatest. 

Leak detection begins with plumbing expertise to narrow down the areas where leaks are most likely to occur. Once our local plumbers have a general idea of the source of the leak, they use tools like an acoustic leak detection kit to hear the sound of water escaping and a thermal imaging camera that detects temperature changes and pressure rises in areas where water is exiting a pipe. With a video camera inserted into the plumbing, leaks and their sizes can be pinpointed with incredible precision.

If you are unsure whether or not you have hidden leaks in your home, scheduling Option One’s leak detection services is a great preventive measure that will help you prevent complex and costly problems down the line. We also provide 24/7 emergency leak detection and repair services. Our team of skilled and experienced local plumbers is dedicated to bringing homeowners in California, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wyoming quality and affordable plumbing solutions. Call us at 1-800-905-7115 or write to us at wo@optiononeplumbing.com to request a quote today!