386-752-8656Leak Detection Services
Hidden leaks can be the cause of high water bills and can cause damage to your home’s structure and foundation. Leaks can be hidden behind walls, under floors, or beneath slabs and can be hard to spot or travel to other areas of the home. That’s why Barrs Plumbing Inc. has been the go-to team to detect and mitigate leaks since 1998.
- Available 24/7, 365 Days a Year
- Free Estimates for All Work
- Proudly Serving Lake City Since 1998
Our plumbers are experienced and knowledgeable. We can guide customers through leak detection, problem-solving, and help you get your home back to normal. Take the stress out of leaks by working with our professionals.
Call Barrs Plumbing Inc., your one-stop shop for all your plumbing needs!
Why Immediate Leak Detection Is Key
Ignoring a leak or waiting too long to take action can lead to costly water damage, mold growth, warped flooring, or compromised foundations. The longer a leak goes undetected, the more it can affect the safety, comfort, and value of your home.
Common Causes of Leaks
Some of the most common causes we encounter in homes include:
- Joint failures: Cracks caused by changes in water pressure can lead to leaks.
Cracks from water pressure: These can occur due to fluctuations in water pressure. - Cracks from freezing and thawing: Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to expand and break.
- Aging or corroded pipes: Florida’s mineral-rich water and humid climate can wear down plumbing over time
- Foundation settling and soil movement: Shifting soils or settling foundations can put stress on pipes, leading to cracks or breaks
- Tree root intrusion: The lush vegetation in Gainesville means roots are often drawn to underground pipes, causing blockages or leaks
- Weather-related wear: Heavy rains, tropical storms, and fluctuating temperatures can take a toll on plumbing systems and outdoor water features.
How Professionals Detect Leaks
Professional plumbers rely on a mix of experience, specialized tools, and systematic testing to detect leaks in a home. The first step often involves a visual inspection. Plumbers check for signs such as water stains on ceilings, warped flooring, bubbling paint, or mold growth, which can indicate hidden moisture. They also inspect fixtures, joints, and exposed pipes for drips or corrosion that might suggest a slow leak.
When a leak is suspected but not visible, plumbers may perform a meter test. By shutting off all water fixtures and monitoring the water meter, they can determine if water is still flowing through the system. A moving meter dial indicates a leak somewhere in the plumbing lines. To narrow it down, plumbers may isolate sections of the system to pinpoint the problem area.
The Cutting Edge Technology
Technology plays a major role in leak detection today. Plumbers often use acoustic listening devices that amplify the sound of water escaping from pipes, even when it is underground or behind walls. This helps identify the exact location of the leak without unnecessary demolition. Thermal imaging cameras can also be employed to detect temperature variations caused by dampness, which may reveal hidden leaks in walls or floors. Additionally, moisture meters are useful for confirming the presence of moisture in building materials.
For sewer or drain line leaks, plumbers may perform camera inspections by sending a waterproof video scope through the pipes. This allows them to visually identify cracks, blockages, or root intrusions. In some cases, plumbers use dye testing by introducing harmless dye into the water supply or drainage system to see where it surfaces.
Ultimately, professional plumbers combine practical inspection skills with advanced diagnostic equipment. This precise approach ensures leaks are located quickly and accurately, minimizing property damage and avoiding costly, invasive repairs.
