Water Leak Detection & Repair
Why CJ Plumbing & Heating
Water Leak Detection Services
Water leaks are the most common problem faced by the residents of the greater Chicago area. The typical home loses 2,000 to 20,000 gallons of water every year because of leaks, according to the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
Here in Illinois, the cold, harsh weather results in the freezing of water pipes, eventually leading to leaks. To make matters worse, most leaks that occur are either in the pipes inside the wall or underneath the concrete. This results in a greater challenge when trying to detect these leaks. A delay in detecting a hidden water leak can result in extensive damage over time, which can cost you a lot.
It can be difficult to locate dripping faucets and leaky water heaters, but other leaks like toilet flapper valves or cracked water supply lines can also go undiscovered for a period of time. That’s why it’s important to locate and repair minimal leaks.
If you’re not fixing issues around your home regularly, what are some signs you may have a hidden water leak?
10 Signs You Have a Hidden Water Leak
Detecting a hidden water leak can sometimes be difficult, requiring you to look in not-so obvious places in your home. Look out for the following signs that indicate the possibility of a hidden water leak.
- Higher water bills even though water usage is relatively the same.
- If you see water in strange places and you can’t identify its source.
- There are reddish stains in your tub, or your water is reddish in color.
- You are able to hear the sound of water dripping or running but are not able to see.
- Low water pressure in a tap or faucet.
- When you can locate soft spots in your floors and walls.
- Spongy floors can be the indicator of water leakage beneath them.
- If you see mold or mildew developing in your home.
- There’s damp soil or erosion by your foundation.
- The water meter is running even if you are not using water at all.
Consequences of Prolonged Water Leakage
The dire consequences that follow an unattended hidden water leakage include significant health and safety hazards. Prolonged water leakage will result in the absorption of water into your walls or floors. This eventually leads to wrapping or swelling of the walls, floors, or the ceiling which weakens their strength and can result in devastating outcomes. Other effects on the walls are discoloration and streaks. Water leakage is often followed by the growth of mold, which creates an unhygienic environment. This mold can cause considerable health issues for you, your family, and guests.
The water leakage also corrodes the metal used as the building material and weakens its strength. As a result of dampness by this water, electric fittings are vulnerable to faster deterioration. Timber decay – wood rot and insect infestations – is another common outcome, which could lead to severe damage to your furniture and property.
How to Properly Detect a Water Leak
If you believe you have a leak but can’t see the signs, check your water meter to make sure no water is being used inside or outside of your property. You’ll also want to check the leak indicator on your water meter. If you’re having trouble locating the meter, be on the lookout for a triangular dial or miniature silver wheel. If the dial is spinning, there’s a good chance you have a leak.
At CJ Plumbing and Heating, we can find the origin of the leak and get it repaired before you spend more money or potentially damage your home. Schedule a water leak service in Chicago today.
With modern plumbing innovations and technological advancements, leaks can be detected without causing any harm to your property or pipes. Our highly skilled plumbers have the experience and best-in-class equipment to repair any water damage. For instance, our leak detection services include the use of infrared technology, which requires absolutely no excavation.
To identify the leaks that are hidden behind the walls or underneath your floors, we can use thermal imaging. We also use an electromagnetic pipeline locator wherever necessary. This is one of the safest ways of identifying the water leak without causing any damage to your property. All of these tools and techniques require high expertise possessed by the plumbers here at CJ Plumbing & Heating.
Stop Water Leakage with CJ Plumbing & Heating
If you observe any signs of a hidden water leak in your house, contact CJ Plumbing & Heating for immediate service. Our licensed and insured plumbers will visit your place with state-of-the-art inspection tools to confirm if there is a leak or not. If a leak is suspected, we’ll use infrared technology to identify the source of the leak.
Unlike most plumbing companies, we don’t do hit and trial which could cause extensive damage to your property. Instead, we use sustainable methodologies to identify the exact location of the leak. The whole process is followed by thorough testing and complete inspection for other potential leaks near the previous one.
We’re professional, plumbing experts serving the greater Chicago area with the fastest service at the lowest rates. We inculcate the use of advanced tools and techniques to deliver the best results. A water leak repair can be costly, so contact CJ Plumbing & Heating to protect your home without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
The swelling in the wall indicates that it has been absorbing large amounts of water which means that there is a hidden water leak behind your wall.
Some causes of leaking pipes are an excess in pressure, cracks, and corrosion. When too much pressure is applied to pipes, it can easily cause them to begin leaking. For those pipes that do crack, the water has to go somewhere as it travels through, so it’s only natural that a bit would begin to seep out. Corroding pipes can become an issue because of the chemicals in your water, the pH in your water, the temperature of your water, the water pressure and velocity, and the oxygen content of your water as well.
Aside from the walls and flooring, the bathroom and kitchen are two places to consider looking first if you suspect a leak in your home. Read our blog on the common household water leaks to look out for.
If you’re looking into repairing a leaky pipe, the cost will depend on how much of your property is damaged, alongside the time it took to address. Our plumbers will need to address any surplus water you don’t need. If left untreated, the issue could result in further leaks that can wreak havoc on your home.