Georgia Leak Detection

Water leaks can be some of the most costly problems a homeowner can face and can be very expensive if they aren't repaired properly. Two of the most common plumbing problems are slab leaks and underground water line leaks.

Slab Leaks

A slab leak can happen if a water line beneath your home ruptures. At one time, it was believed that most slab leaks occurred due to contact with rocks underneath the house or the pipes having contact with the cement slab. A lot of homeowners believed that the leaks were caused because the water lines weren't installed according to specification.

A slab leak could be present if you have any of these problems:

• Excess moisture or mildew underneath carpeting
• Cracks in the floor or walls
• Sounds of water running when no faucets are on
• Excessively high water bills
• Hot spots on the floor

However, most home inspections reveal that there's a connection between copper pipe used in many water lines in older homes and the content in drinking water.

Making Repairs

Different options are available to repair the leak. A licensed plumber can use tracing equipment including electronic detectors to find the pipeline, or electronic magnification to determine the source of the leak. Some plumbing contractors recommend a single epoxy repair system known as epoxy restoration that is effective in many cases, to fix copper pipes that are below the water line. Epoxy pipe coating is a good option when several small leaks are detected or when digging up the slab isn't an option. A spot repair may be used in a home that's newer. Rerouting the pipe is an option in older homes that have a history of having leaks in the slab.

Underground Water Line Leaks

Underground water line leaks are not often easily detected. The first indication that water is leaking from underground is if you find a spot where water is accumulating on the ground or in your cellar. Usually with this type of leak, the problem is within a couple of feet from the wet area. If a lot of water is leaking into a zone, it may require digging to find the source of the leak and repairing or replacing the pipe. In other cases, water may be running from a high spot to lower ground and accumulating in a place farther away from the basement. Leak detection equipment must be used to determine the source of the leak.

Problems With Polybutylene

Polybutylene is a plastic used in residential water pipes that has caused millions of homeowners to pay high costs to have repairs done when the pipes rupture and cause water leaks. The problems with polybutylene pipe are usually caused by the chemicals that are put into city and town water supplies. The fittings and pipe get brittle over time and begin to crack, causing leaks. The water should be turned off as soon as a leak erupts to prevent further damage.

Alternative Materials

PEX, known as PolyEthylene is a good choice when a pipe refitting must be done. The pipe is durable and more flexible than Polybutylene. The pipe has fewer parts and is relatively easy to have installed. PEX is more affordable than polybutylene, which is a plus for homeowners. Copper is another good choice for refitting. Even homes that were built less than ten years ago can have pipes that have become corroded. High-quality copper pipe is durable and long lasting.

Why A Licensed Plumber Should Do the Repairs

It's essential when you have a slab leak or an underground water line leak to have a licensed plumber do the necessary repairs. City and state building codes are put in place to ensure that residential plumbing repairs are done safely. Only a licensed plumber has the necessary equipment and training to do the job correctly, and can get the necessary permits from the city.

Other factors to consider are whether the leak was previously repaired, the materials used in the pipe, and the age of the pipe. Only a licensed plumber can determine what must be done to fix the leak. When hiring a plumber, make sure to the contractor is licensed, insured and bonded. If you hire someone that doesn't have the proper credentials and experience, you may be in for more problems down the road.