3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Leak Detection Method for Indoor Plumbing
As a residential plumber, you have to find the best leak detection techniques for your clients. Proper leak detection entails pinpointing the location of a plumbing leak and fixing it promptly to prevent structural water damage. The methods you employ should be convenient and efficient. Therefore, as you explore the various technologies, here are three questions to help you choose the best technique for indoor plumbing leaks.
Is the technique invasive?
Indoor plumbing leaks often occur in hard-to-access areas such as under concrete slabs, under tiles and behind plastered walls. Tearing down walls and floors to locate a leak can prove costly to a homeowner. Therefore, choose a non-invasive technique that can identify hidden leaks with minimal surface contact.
Methods such as thermal imaging and acoustic leak detection are ideal for indoor plumbing leaks. They use advanced technologies to unearth leaks without coming into contact with the affected piping. Therefore, instead of breaking through tiles and slabs, you simply pass the detection device over the surface, and it identifies unusual water movement patterns in the plumbing system.
How fast is the procedure?
Sometimes, homeowners may be unsure of the location or severity of a plumbing leak. You have to scan their indoor plumbing system and pinpoint the exact problem areas. Traditional techniques are not only invasive, but they are also slow and inefficient. For example, it may take hours or days to scan through the entire indoor plumbing system to locate a pipe leak, especially if there's no surface water damage.
A good leak detection method should be fast and efficient. For example, thermal imaging technology uses an infrared camera to unearth leaks through temperature detection. You can quickly scan the entire plumbing system within a short time and collect accurate data on the location of leaks.
Acoustic leak detection identifies sound patterns in piping and uses this information to differentiate normal and abnormal water sounds. This method is also fast and efficient. Furthermore, it pinpoints the exact location of the leak, allowing you to execute prompt repairs. The efficiency of these advanced leak detection methods makes them suitable for preventive plumbing maintenance too.
What's the cost of the procedure?
When assessing the cost of plumbing leak detection, you need to look beyond the actual detection procedure. Some techniques require additional expenses such as:
- Tearing down walls and floors
- Excavation costs
- Post-repair renovations
Highly invasive methods cost homeowners more in post-repair renovation work. Conversely, while advanced techniques such as acoustic and infrared technologies may seem a little pricey, they are non-invasive. Therefore, your client will only pay for fixing the leak and repairing the access point.
Consider these issues when choosing a leak detection method for your residential clients.