Your plumbing system is a complex network composed of supply lines, drainage pipes, fixtures, valves, vents, and a water heater. All these parts work together to ensure your comfort, health, safety, and the smooth operation of your home. While doing its job, the plumbing system experiences wear and tear as well as unexpected issues that could lead to leaks.

Often, these leaks are not immediately visible, and if left unchecked, they can lead to serious issues. This is why it's critical to call a professional at least once a year to inspect your plumbing for leaks and address problems early. Here are a few reasons you need a professional inspection.

Dangers of Hidden Leaks in Home Plumbing

Water leaks in a home are often underestimated. The level of destruction that can result over time is significant and may require extensive repairs. The main dangers include:

Structural Damage

Water can weaken your home's foundation through material deterioration, soil erosion, and hydrostatic pressure.

First, water will penetrate the wood components of the foundation, such as beams or posts, and cause them to rot and weaken. It will also corrode the steel reinforcement bars in the concrete, and the pressure of your house can cause them to break eventually.

Second, water leaks can erode the soil beneath the foundation, causing it to sink or shift. Finally, water can expand and contract some soils, like clay, consequently exerting pressure that may induce hairline fractures or cracks.

Health Issues

Water leaks can facilitate the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew. Mold and mildew release allergenic spores that can lead to reactions like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and breathing difficulty. Bacteria and fungi can cause infections, headaches, fatigue, respiratory irritation, and, in severe cases, immune system dysfunction.

Electrical Hazards

If water leaks encounter exposed electrical wires, it can cause short circuits. Fire can easily break out if you have no safety mechanisms or don't regularly maintain your electrical grid. You can also get electrocuted, or your appliances and devices may get damaged.

Water Wastage and High Bills

The municipal water supply still counts leaking water as part of your home's water consumption. A single small leak, such as a dripping faucet, can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Larger leaks, such as an underground pipe leak, can waste tens of thousands of gallons, significantly increasing utility costs.

Pest Infestation

Rodents and insects love moist areas because these areas are a vital source of drinking water. These pests carry pathogens, contaminate food sources, and chew wires and clothes.

Common Culprits Behind Leaks

Water leaks in a home can originate from a variety of sources. The common ones include:

Age

The plumbing system deteriorates over time due to corrosion, mineral buildup, and general wear. The O-ring, washer, and gaskets of the faucets also degrade due to friction and mineral deposits, leading to leaks.

Weather Conditions

Winter temperatures can cause the water inside the pipes to freeze. When water turns into ice, it expands, putting extreme pressure on the pipes. This pressure can lead to the development of hairline fractures or cracks. When the ice eventually thaws, leaks can form.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure (above 60 PSI) puts excessive stress on the plumbing system's components. Some parts may weaken or break, leading to leaks.

Poor Installation

Installation mistakes such as incorrect pipe sizing, improper connections, using the wrong materials, failing to support pipes properly, and not adequately sealing joints can all lead to leaks. These errors compromise the integrity of your plumbing system, resulting in costly repairs.

Professional Annual Leak Detection

Our plumbers use various techniques to find leaks within the plumbing system.

The first standard method is the use of acoustic devices, which amplify the sound of dripping water. They can pick up water sounds through cabinets, drywall, furnishings, and concrete.

The second method involves using sound wave analysis via noise-correlating systems. These devices consist of sensors positioned at the ends of the pipes. The sensors analyze pressure variations to determine exactly where the leak is located.

The third method entails the use of a miniature camera attached to a long fiber optic cable. The plumber can view the inside of the pipe on a video camera to determine the location of the leak.

The fourth method utilizes infrared thermal scanners. Thermal cameras detect temperature changes within the drywall, floorboards, and concrete. Wet places will have a different temperature compared to the surrounding areas. A plumber can use this information to find the general area where there is a leak.

For more stubborn leaks, a plumber may use the tracer gas analysis method. This process involves introducing a non-toxic gas, typically a hydrogen/nitrogen mix, into your plumbing system and detecting its presence at a surface other than within the pipeline.

Benefits of Professional Leak Detection

Professional leak detection is thorough. The plumber will find all potential leaks, including those that are hidden and difficult to detect. With the various non-invasive methods available, they'll fix your plumbing leaks without the need for major renovations. Plumbers may also recommend new faucets, pipe replacements, or other upgrades to improve your plumbing system. The time required for leak detection varies depending on accessibility and complexity. While simple leaks may take under an hour to locate, more complicated cases, such as underground or behind-wall leaks, could take several hours.

Signs to Watch Out for

Don't wait until a scheduled leak detection service to determine if you have leaks in your home. Call one of our plumbers immediately if you notice signs such as cracks, increasing water bills, musty smells, stains, and reduced water pressure. Cracks often occur on the floor or walls where pipes are located. An increasing water bill is a direct indication of water wastage. If your meter is running when you are not using water, you most likely have a water leakage. Musty smells can result from mold, mildew, bacterial, and fungal growth caused by persistent moisture, while stains on walls, ceilings, or floors indicate water damage. Reduced water pressure from your faucets occurs because water is diverting through unintended openings.

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® for Leak Detection in Your Home

Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® for your annual leak detection service in the Nashville, TN area. Our technicians are highly skilled and experienced in finding even the most hidden leaks in homes. We also offer other services, including garbage disposal, water treatment, and sewer line repair and replacement. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® today for your annual leak detection in Nashville.