LEAK DETECTION & REPAIR IN READING
Do You Suspect a Leak? We Can Help!
A leak in your plumbing system will not only cause you worry but can also do damage to your home or businesses structure. Here at Essig Plumbing & Heating, we have over 80 years of plumbing experience and we have seen many leaks. A leak is most often caused by aging pipes but can also be due to poor installation, tree root infiltration, and the use of caustic drain cleaning chemicals.
There are several signs to look for when determining if you have a leak present in your plumbing:
- Weak ground
- Puddles on the floor or at the base of walls
- Puddles in the yard
- Water spots
- Visible water dripping
- Water sprayHow Are Leaks Located?
Leaks can be tricky to find because some leaks can be as small as a pinpoint, but under pressure, those small leaks can still lead to significant damage. In years past, plumbers only had one way of determining the location of leaks in piping that was obscured by foundations and landscaping, digging through the obstruction and visually inspecting the pipes. With advances in technology, Essig Plumbing & Heating is now able to see inside your pipes without excavation.
When we arrive at your home, we will:
- Insert a small camera into the pipes
- Inspect the inside pipe wills to locate the leak
- Assess the area where the signs of the leak are present
- Use video equipment to move through the pipes
- Present a detailed quote with upfront pricing
Leak detection helps protect the integrity of your property while locating the leak quickly and efficiently.
Different Types of Leaks & Tips on How to Find Them
Locating water leaks is not easy because your plumbing is complicated, and what’s tricky is not only trying to find where the leak is coming from but what type of leak you’re dealing it. Some leaks are easier to spot than others, such as a leaky roof or dripping pipe, but not all leaks are obvious. Most of your plumbing hides between walls, underneath the floor, and just out of reach in your drains. Detecting what the leak is and where to find to it, means you know what to look for. Luckily all leaks have their warning signs. To best spot a leak, here are a few different types and what to look for.
- Ceiling leaks. When in doubt, look up. Roof leaks tend to be more common during the winter season when snow and ice dams build on top of your roof, allowing water to seep through. The most obvious sign of a ceiling leak is if you have a wet ceiling, watch for dark stains, peeling paint, and mold. To find the source of the leak, you’ll need to get up into the attic. There all you may need to do is a quick scan to find the source of the leak. Check the underside of the roof, if there is a leak, the wood could be stained a darker color. If your attic has insulation, it can harder to find the leak. Walk towards where you suspect the leak is, and pull away insulation from the floor as well as the ceiling for signs of water damage. If there are any pipes visible, inspect them for damage as well.
- Splash leaks. Splash leaks are a common bathroom leak and occur simply when water escapes the shower curtain or door. It sounds like a minor problem, but eventually, the water leaked out of your shower can seriously damage where the shower stall meets your floor. Signs of damage include curling vinyl flooring or loose tiles, peeling flaking paint, water stains on the ceiling or joists below, or mold spots on the wall or floor. To find where the leak is coming from, you’ll want to splash water on the door and frame. It may take a few minutes for leaks to show up. Check the shower door and caulking for any gaps where the water can get through.
- Drain leaks. Especially when made of plastic or fiberglass, your bathtub or shower can experience drain leaks, which happens when water sneaks around the outside of the drain. These type of leaks can ruin the flooring in your bathroom. If you’re looking for a drain leak, check for water stains on the ceiling or joists, as well as loose flooring near the tub or shower stall. One way to find the source is by plugging the drain of your tub or shower and filling it with a small pool of water. Mark where the edge of the water sits with a shampoo or soap bottle and wait an hour. If the water level goes down, you have a drain leak.
- Toilet flange leaks.The toilet is one of the most frequently used appliances in the home, that sometimes the result could be a toilet flange leak. These leaks occur where the toilet pipe connects to the sewer pipe below, allowing water to seep out with every flush, which can cause tremendous damage to your bathroom floor over time. The warning signs you’ll need to watch for are water pooling around the base of the toilet, loose or damaged flooring, stains on the ceiling below, or a toilet that rocks when you push against it. Finding the source of this leak may involve measuring the ceiling stain (if there is one) from below. The source most likely is a damaged flange, which can be found either at floor level or just beneath it.
How Are Leaks Repaired?
When we use the video inspection equipment, we are able to pinpoint the exact area of your leak. With a detailed location, we will typically only need to cut into walls, floors, and landscaping in the location of the leak. For minor leaks, we are usually able to replace a small length of pipe to remove the damaged piping. In pipes that have several large leaks or excessive damage, a whole home pipe replacement may be required.
Priority Response
Leaks can occur at any time. Fortunately, we are here 6 days a week. Do not allow leaks to do expensive damage to your home!
Call Essig Plumbing & Heating today at (610) 557-3302 or submit an online contact form to schedule accurate leak detection in Reading and the surrounding areas throughout Berks and Lehigh Counties.
