Author Archives: 01austest

16
Dec
2022

Upkeep is a necessary component of house ownership. These obligations increase if your house is older. You may not have realised how much labour it required when you purchased your home.

Shower leaks behind the wall might cause long-lasting damage to your walls and an astronomical water bill if they are one of your issues. Therefore, you need to understand how to detect a shower leak and fix it immediately before it becomes a costly disaster.

What Are the Obvious Signs of a Hidden Shower Leak?

Visible shower leaks are usually the ones that are easiest to repair. The true danger comes from leaks that you can’t see. Frequently, you don’t even notice an issue until it causes harm. If you are experiencing these water leak problems, you need to know how to identify and resolve leakage issues.

It can be complicated to locate a hidden shower leak behind walls. Your investigative abilities will be very useful in these situations. An interior leak may not be visible, yet its proof will be there.

If you have an underground level and a first-floor shower, you can see water dropping from the ceiling onto the basement floor.
Water stains are among the most distinctive signs of a shower leak. More importantly, water stains indicate a hidden leak.
- For instance, if you have an upstairs bathroom, you could see dried water streaks on the ceiling below the shower. Shower valve leaks are often quite sluggish. Typically, these are pinhole leaks because of a defective valve or shoddy soldering at the contact points.
Homeowners don’t always have access to the shower valve from the rear in older houses. Therefore, front-side access is essential for many homeowners.
- However, the best way to determine if your shower is leaking behind the wall is to see the valve and surrounding pipes when the water is turned on.
Watch for any indications of water leakage while the shower is running. You have discovered your source if you see water dripping down the edges of the pipes. Sometimes there are just small leaks.
- You may need your flashlight and mirror for water leak detection and to check for little water droplets accumulating around the water pipe connections.

What Are the Main Dangers of Water Leaks in Your Shower?

The dangers of shower leaks could be devastating to your budget. Your property might suffer significant damage from a shower leak behind the wall, particularly if it remains unnoticed for a long time.

Most plumbing lines are often mounted behind walls to fit shower faucets properly. Therefore, even a little leak that spills two to three droplets of water per minute might result in significant harm if it is not discovered for many weeks or months.

Most homeowners have said that water generally reaches extremely porous surfaces due to shower leaks. In addition to significant mould issues that might be dangerous to your health, the wooden structure behind the wall is weaker.

Large portions of drywall may need to be removed and replaced as part of a mould remediation project. This may cost hundreds or even thousands of your hard-earned dollars. So, a hidden shower leak can result in costly repairs and restoration demands.

How Can You Fix a Shower Leak?

Identifying a problem and then tracking it back to its source is the first step in locating a hidden leak behind your shower wall. Sometimes there won’t be a definitive link, so that it will need some research and effort. You may not even be aware that a leak is happening if it isn’t significant or ongoing. It’s always worthwhile to take a closer look if you have doubts.

However, the art of shower leak detection is further accompanied by resolution. It is more difficult to stop shower leaks behind walls by fixing a leaky shower valve. The water enters the showerhead valve when it is turned on, mixing to the appropriate temperature.

You might have to completely turn off the water to the valve and also replace the faulty cartridge if the valve is dripping from the valve plate. If the water leak source is the valve body, the valve must be removed and replaced. You may avoid paying high repair costs and save money on water by fixing shower leaks behind the wall. A leaky shower valve may need professional plumbing assistance if you lack the necessary skills.

Hire the Right Plumbing and Leak Specialist

You should take prompt action if you detect a shower leak in your house that is spreading behind the walls to prevent having to pay more to fix any potential collateral damage. Getting a qualified plumber or leak detection company as soon as possible is critical to stop the leak from spreading to other rooms. Additionally, if you have the necessary expertise, you may remedy the leak on your own. In any case, finding a quick solution is essential.

If you suspect you have a shower leak in your bathroom, please give Austest Pipeline Solutions a call today on 1800 532 533 or send an enquiry on our website.

02
Dec
2022

Even the smallest plumbing leaks may be expensive. Your water bill’s rise is just the beginning of the problem. Your walls, floors, ceiling, and fixtures will get wet as a result of plumbing leaks, and this will eventually lead to costly repairs.

Mold may develop quickly in an atmosphere produced by leaks. In the worst circumstances, gasses that are poisonous or combustible may penetrate your house as a result of plumbing leaks that are linked to sewage outlets. This is where you can use smoke testing for identifying and addressing leaks.

How Does Smoke Test Detection Work?

Smoke testing is a simple method for locating leaks that allow storm/surface water infiltration. Simple smoke testing for leaks involves blowing significant amounts of smoke and air into sewage pipes. In a reverse-to-the-surface pattern, the smoke follows the course of the encroaching water, quickly identifying the problem’s origin. Smoke follows the route of least resistance, swiftly locating inflow points.

During a smoke leak detection, plumbers use just enough power to drive a completely harmless, non-toxic smoke through the piping system to overcome air pressure. This makes it possible for the smoke to eventually escape via any holes, breaks, or other openings in your system. Compared to other approaches, administering the test is less time- and labour-intensive. Plumbers then search for smoke leaving in unexpected places to find the cause of your issue.

What Are the Core Benefits of Smoke Test for Leak Detection?

Detecting leaks in HVAC systems, roofs, windows, doors, drain systems, and sewage lines is straightforward using smoke testing. Plumbers can examine the damage to your house or water line and undertake repairs by finding leaks in the pipes. Smoke testing can detect your water pipes or sewage lines if you have an older system and house and are unclear of their location. The main advantages of employing smoke testing in leak detection are listed below:

The Reliability Factor

For over a century, gas and water leak repair concerns have been found using piping smoke tests. Smoke testing is still primarily regarded as the most reliable method of checking for plumbing leaks, even though many technological advancements have encouraged the development of other leak detection techniques to enlist.

Smoke will follow an odour everywhere it can. Smoke test detection may quickly identify sources and causes of leaks that would otherwise take days to discover. Plumbing smoke tests identify damaged or cracked pipes, leaks, poor connections, insufficient venting, open pipes or couplings, and dry traps without any problems.

No Interruptions or Inconveniences

The drain does not need to be stopped or covered up during the testing procedure, which is a huge benefit. Therefore, plumbers will do everything in accordance with standard usage. A sewage system does not need to be shut down during a smoke test for leak detection.

If the drain is indeed stopped, you must take action immediately. Therefore, a thorough smoke test can identify leak sources, and you can effectively unclog blocked drains.

Most significantly, employing smoke to find leaks doesn’t need any physical contact. The smoke gets into difficult-to-reach areas instead of employing methods that need water or air pressure or manually sifting through your pipe system to discover the problem. You need to wait for it to locate the leak, as it will handle all the work.

Cost-Efficiency

A plumbing smoke test is the most effective and cost-effective way to check for gas and water line leaks, cracks, or breaks in houses. The best way to find plumbing leaks is by doing plumbing smoke tests.

Experts in plumbing repairs are able to set up equipment swiftly to fix issues with any water leaks. So, you can enjoy cost-efficiency and time efficiency without sacrificing testing quality

Using smoke to find leaks is far less expensive than alternative methods that depend on air or water pressure. This is due to the machine’s smaller size, lower cost, and more straightforward design. Setting up takes little time and effort, so it costs you less overall.

Get Smoke Leak Detection Today

As a result of rainfall entering the sewage system during times of heavy rain, sewer systems may become slow. You may save a ton of money by employing smoke testing instead of pricey inspections or a utility finder to determine how and where the water has gotten into the system. Smoke testing is a method that plumbers use to find water and gas leaks, but you may also use it to find “lost” utility holes before a problem arises.

Therefore, you can use a smoke test for leak detection to save yourself from costly repairs and renovations down the line. Moreover, you can also use smoke testing while installing new plumbing to see if there are any issues. You can easily save big on time and money with plumbing smoke tests.

If you suspect you have a water leak or a burst pipe underground then give Austest Pipeline Solutions a call or send an online enquiry today for a call back from one of our technicians. To prevent further damage we can identify the leak using our smoke test equipment and locate the cause right away.

18
Nov
2022

What Is an Underground Service Locator?

You risk damaging water, gas, electricity, communications, or sewage lines if you dig into the surface without first confirming the position of utility lines there. Blindly digging is dangerous since it may result in the loss of utilities, serious injury, or costly repairs. A phone call may get you in touch with dependable utility locator services.

Modern utility locators are necessary to identify electrical, gas, sewage, water, and drainage lines on corporate, domestic, industrial, and municipal sites. An underground service locator is a skilled tradesperson who employs cutting-edge tools, specialised training, and an understanding of construction to find and identify subsurface cables and pipelines.

How Does an Underground Utility Locator Service Work?

You need a utility locator to discover and define underground electricity lines, gas pipelines, and more on private, residential, commercial, and governmental properties. The lines that extend beyond the service meter are considered utilities.

Electrical cables, for instance, that go from the meter to a home or other structure would be regarded as a component of these services. So, it’s crucial to have these markings precisely and correctly designated before beginning to dig for security and liability concerns, even on your land. You will need to contact an underground utility locator to get them identified.

Utility maps are often incomplete, out-of-date, incorrect, or partial. Therefore professional locator teams don’t depend on them. Rather, they use a variety of specialised technologies to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the region.

A professional locator service includes a radio frequency (RF) or electronic pipe and cable finding instruments, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and electromagnetic devices. Therefore, a utility locator is able to provide thorough, top-notch utility maps showing the locations of active and abandoned lines.

Why Do You Need Underground Cable Locators?

Companies engaged in excavation operations may unintentionally strike and damage subterranean utilities. Therefore, this might abruptly terminate a project site. Such an occurrence might lead to missed production, the possibility of staff injuries, and expensive repairs. All of these may also significantly lower profit margins at work.

Modern cable locators provide a variety of service locators to effectively help project owners with underground service discovery to reduce such dangers. These utility locators use the most recent developments in digital signal processing to determine the precise location, path, and depth of pipes.

Additionally, they can consistently and correctly detect, identify, and track individual sub-surface pipelines and wires even in the most crowded places and challenging circumstances. Some of the most recent pipe and cable locators can also find copper services with a 20 mm diameter.

Utility service locators are perfect and crucial for a wide variety of businesses, including industrial and civil development, electrical, plumbing, telecoms, and utility activities like water and sewer maintenance jobs.

Similar to this, utility locator teams also provide a wide variety of very sensitive testing tools, including non-invasive pyrotechnics, vacuum test kits, hydraulic test pumps, anchor testers, concrete cover monitors and ultrasonic leak sensors. Consequently, residential and commercial constructions may benefit from using underground cable locators.

How Do Cable Locators Find Utilities?

Underground Service Locators use hundreds of secondary procedures in addition to two basic strategies to find underground services.

Electromagnetic Pipe Locator

This two-piece set of tools is utilised for most underground locating and can carry out a wide range of complicated operations. It includes:

A transmitter that sends an electromagnetic signal into any conductive medium at a given frequency. It can pinpoint the precise position of utilities by sending the signal straight through the ground into any conductive service under it.
A receiver catches the precise frequency that has been sent along with the service from the transmitter. The service locator may distinguish one underground service from another by using various and particular frequencies from the transmitter.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

A wheeled cart with an antenna installed atop it constitutes a GPR. Through the use of the pulsed radar, underground cable locators can easily detect the underlying structures when radar waves contact them and return to the surface. This approach is often excellent when working with non-conductive pipe materials like plastic or when the electromagnetic pipe fails.

Do You Need an Underground Service Locator?

You are accountable for safeguarding underground services if you excavate or otherwise penetrate the soil where utilities are present. Suppose you discontinue or interrupt a service that someone else depends on and don’t take the necessary precautions to safeguard it. In that case, you will be held legally responsible and liable for reparations for the financial losses suffered by others.

You will probably also be held accountable if the event results in someone being hurt or killed. Therefore, you need the best cable locators by your side to ensure that an area is safe for digging before moving forward with your project.

09
Nov
2022

Due to decaying water systems that have gone unregulated, water leaks and main breaks are increasing. These leaks often go unnoticed for more than six months before becoming apparent. We might lose up to 30% of treated drinkable water due to leaks, which is a serious consequence of breaches that go unnoticed. Fortunately, you can solve such problems using acoustic leak detection.

Acoustic leak detection methods depend on the fact that spills of liquid and gas make noise. However, it may be in the ultrasonic range and not necessarily a noise that the human ear can hear. Water pipe leaks pose a serious threat to the environment so this is where plumbing leak detection may provide a solution in such scenarios.

How Does Acoustic Leak Detection Work?

Water leaking from a pipe makes a unique sound, with minor leaks having a higher frequency and bigger leaks with a lower frequency. By categorising and distinguishing leak noises from those of regular water flow via the distribution system, a water acoustic leak detection device may identify leaks and pinpoint their locations.

The use of modern acoustic detection methods allows for the precise identification of water and gas leaks. Pipes attempt to equalise the internal and outside pressures, resulting in a disturbance at the leak site. This is the source of the sounds and is affected by several variables.

You can efficiently identify water leaks using narrowband acoustic sensors since they often make noises below a few kilohertz. Contrarily, gas leaks create wider frequency spectrums that extend into the ultrasonic region and may be detected more effectively using broadband sensors.

What Should You Consider Before Employing Acoustic Leak Detection?

Before you run off to hire a leak detection company, there are a few points to consider. The following advice will assist you in streamlining the water leak identification procedure, regardless of whether you are new to leak detection or eager to uncover connections to your location.

Only Some Leaks Offer Audible Sounds: Leaks only sometimes produce noise. Even with the most sophisticated leak detection tools, it is often hard to hear sound. Consequently, you may use conventional water leak detection techniques to find the leak.
Say No to Hydrant-to-Hydrant Surveys: Unless you are looking for a bigger leak with a pressing deadline, stay away from hydrant-to-hydrant inspections. There is a higher likelihood that you may overlook some leaks, given their poor performance at contact points.
Stay Away from Overpromising Companies: Avoid leak detection companies who say they will locate all leaks. Since not all leaks are audible, it is difficult to locate every leak.
Understand the Power of Isolation: Never take anything for granted. Valve isolation is necessary straight away to prevent flow via tees, throttled valves, and crosses.

Find The Right Method To Detect Leaks

In plain words, each water system has a different method for finding leaks. Each water system is unique. A comprehensive survey is thus always necessary to ensure the optimal solution.

Acoustic leak detection sensors are increasingly being included in water meters. Meters are widely dispersed and strategically placed, providing enough coverage for leak detection. The meter, an essential component of the water supply system, has the proper mechanical connection to detect leakages.

Moreover, in addition to providing data on water use, smart meters feature a built-in wireless communications connection that may transmit information about possible leaks. Low power consumption is the main issue when incorporating leak detection into smart meters. Batteries for water meters should endure for at least 15 years. Very low-power acoustic sensors are utilised to save power consumption, and the meter only transmits a singular acoustic noise signal once daily.

Use Non-Invasive Detector Equipment

It is strongly advised to utilise leak detection services since they avoid digging up the soil or taking down any buildings to inspect the pipes physically. This is labour-intensive and necessitates subsequent replacements and maintenance. It takes time and a lot of trial and error to locate leaks manually.

Acoustic detectors take the bother out of physically examining and testing the lines. You’ll save time and money this way. Since there is no need to dig up the ground and harm the ecosystem, it is also ecologically beneficial. Acoustic leak detection is economical and productive. The amount of work is reduced by half or even more. It is among the best methods for identifying and locating a water leak.

You can contact a leak detection specialist to identify the leaks in and around your place quickly. Therefore, you can save crucial time and fix any issues before they become costly repairs. Moreover, leak detection experts can get everything done faster than traditional methods and also offer cost-effective methods as there is no need to dig up the ground. So you can address leak issues right away.

27
Oct
2022

Has your primary sewage line been causing issues? Are you going through stress and insomnia due to sewage leakages? Sadly, the broken sewage line comes with costly repairs. Dealing with leaky pipes, particularly a leaking sewage line, is unpleasant for everyone. However, there are techniques to spot these problems early, and you can stop additional harm by understanding the signs of a leaking sewer pipe.

The main sewage line is among the most crucial and vulnerable parts of your plumbing system. It links all plumbing, drains, and pipes. Over time, neglected plumbing pipes and fixtures may impact the central sewage system. Knowing why your damaged sewage line will make fixing or replacing it simple.

How Can You Identify a Leaking Sewer Pipe?

Since sewage pipes are underground, it may be difficult for a homeowner to identify an issue. The first step in averting a costly plumbing problem is to know the warning signs of a broken sewage line. Fortunately, sewage damage never happens without making a noise. The most prevalent warning indicators of leaky sewage pipes are as below.

1. Clogged Sewage

A blocked sewer drain line may impact plumbing fixtures, such as stormwater drain pipes, throughout a property. When conditions are dire, raw sewage will start to back up in drains. When a toilet is flushed, sewage often backs up into the shower or bathtub drain. Call a qualified plumber right away if a blockage is bad enough to allow raw sewage to back up inside of a house. Raw sewage is a health risk and may destroy your property if left unattended to. The plumber or leak expert with drain camera equipment can diagnose a clogged sewer line and see what’s causing the problem.

2. Odour and Smell

The structural rigidity of a major sewage line should stop smells from exiting the pipes. There can be a leak in the main sewage line if you start to detect unpleasant odours in your house. Basements and utility rooms are often where these scents are first noticed. Call a plumber right away if your drains or fixtures begin to smell like rotten eggs or sewage. Blocked stormwater drains can also cause these issues. So, speak to a qualified plumber to fix these issues.

3. Mold Growth

A sewage line leak inside your house might result in the development of mold and mildew. This is particularly true if the underlying leak issue is not resolved straight away. The likelihood that you may get mold increases the longer a leak is left unattended.

Contact a leak technician as soon as you see any disastrous signs of sewage leak to detect the problem. They can run a stormwater pipe inspection to identify the issues and treat the leaks immediately. Therefore, you can resolve the issue prior to the development of mold or mildew.

4. Lush Grass Patches

The wastewater from your leaking sewage pipe may serve as fertiliser for your lawn. As a consequence, your grass may see abrupt and greener growth. If this happens, a broken sewage line is almost always just under the troubled region.

You could have a sewage leak if you start to see areas of vivid green grass in your backyard. As sewage rises from the leak, its nutrients may be nourishing your yard, resulting in lush patches of grass. While seeing sections of your lawn that are lush and green may seem wonderful at first, this usually indicates that something terrible is going on under the surface.

You should definitely get a leak specialist to look it over if these patches start to appear more and more. They can try expert stormwater leak detection techniques to identify and address the issues immediately.

5. Foundation Cracks

Large, noticeable cracks in the foundation of a house are among the most typical indications of damaged sewage or drain lines. Sewer or drain line leaks may seriously damage foundations and create sinkholes in yards if left unattended for a long time.

It often seems unlikely that a leak might eventually result in foundational fractures in your house. However, the ground may shift due to leaking sewage pipes, resulting in vertical or diagonal cracks. Such cracking might jeopardise the structure’s stability and create a risky situation.

Stormwater CCTV inspections can identify the location of leaks, and you can avoid costly home renovation or repair expenses without issues. Any qualified leak expert or plumber can help with CCTV drain inspections.

Protect Yourself and Your Property from Leaking Sewer Pipes

Sewer line issues may result in significant property damage and costly repairs. It’s crucial to maintain drains and sewage lines and repair them as soon as a problem arises to avoid expensive property damage. If you think your property is a victim of a leaking sewer pipe, you can go for a stormwater pipe inspection and identify the leak sources. These inspections can keep sewage leak issues at bay and protect your property without issues or costly repairs.

If you suspect that your sewer line is leaking or clogged up then give our technicians a call at 1800 532 533 for expert advice or an inspection quote.

12
Oct
2022

Water leaks anywhere on your property are a great concern. They can lead to massive expenses in terms of repair costs. Left untreated, they can have a seriously negative impact on your health. If you’re looking to sell your property, if interested would-be buyers detect water leaks and damage, they’ll run a mile. The risks are just too high to take such a costly problem on.

Water leaks drive down the value of a property

You can safely say that water leaks drive down the value of a property, because there is also the ever present threat of mould and fungal growth. Mould can produce allergens and it can also bring on asthma attacks.

How do these water leaks happen in the first place? It could be that you haven’t established the habit of water leak detection. This is when you give water leak areas a good check over before a problem occurs.

If you’re not familiar with how to examine pipes, how to check for leaks in a toilet, or how to check your swimming pool for leaks, a leak detection specialist can do it for you the first time and advise you on how to examine your pipes regularly.

You will learn how to detect rust around pipes due to aging, how to check for blocked drains and other helpful tips that can help to tackle water leaks.

Aging plumbing pipes

You can’t just assume that your home has traditional galvanized steel piping. Certainly, it used to be simpler when all water supply pipes were steel, but now there are several common kinds of plumbing pipes.

They’re made from different materials, such as plastic piping known as PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. You also get copper pipes and ABS pipes, among others. Pipes can generally last for up to 20 years or more. You need to know when they were installed so you can have an idea of when you need to be on guard because of rust and ageing and inevitable water leaks.

Clogged drains

Nobody likes to shower with their feet submerged in dirty water because the shower drainage system is blocked. If there is a blockage in the drain pipes, the water backs up and can result in a burst pipe. Even if the pipe doesn’t burst, the pressure building up within the pipe will result in water leaks through seals and joints of the pipes.

These pipes are designed for water to flow seamlessly through them. You can try a regular drain cleaner, but stubborn debris such as pieces of soap and hair might well require the services of pipe leak detector. These water leak experts may opt to use a powerful high-pressure water jet to clear the blockage.

Blocked gutters

The role of gutters is to divert rainwater away from your house. Gutters clogged up with leaves and twigs can cause water to build up, which can damage the very foundations of your home.

Gutters need to be cleared of debris on a regular basis. Get up on the ladder and remove all the debris. It’s causing the water to pool inside the gutters so that it eventually seeps into your roof. It weakens the roof, gaining entry into the interior of your home.

If the leak is undetected or ignored, even the electrical wires and plugs can be impacted. A leak detection expert can diagnose your gutter problem and repair it to prevent further leaks.

Rust in your hot water system

It can be quite devastating to have a leaking hot water system. They age just like all of your home appliances and start to cause problems. Most of the time, the culprit with old water tanks is rust buildup.

At some time, your hot water system will show rust and water leakage. Then again, if your hot water heater is leaking, it could be that the anode cover has managed to come off. This could be because the system is leaking internally and the combination of heat and water has pushed the cover off.

Water heaters can serve you for up to 20 years if maintained properly. You need to look them over regularly because a leak can result in significant water damage. Corrosion that occurs in your water heater can be stopped by replacing your water heater’s aluminum anode rod. However, if your tank is already leaking, it will need to be replaced.

Detect water leaks by reading your meter

Your water meter can be an indicator as to how much water is leaking on your property. The leak indicator next to the meter hand moves when there’s a water leak lurking in your home.

Water seepage can occur anywhere in your home. Avoid a disaster by learning how to detect water leaks in water pipes before the leaks turn into a major problem. Undetectable leaks can add significantly to your water bill. To detect water leaks, start by learning how to read your meter. It can help you identify an unusual rise in your water usage that would indicate a water leak.

Early detection of a water leak can save you a lot of money because it can prevent a potential pipe burst and a lot of further damage to your property.

29
Sep
2022

Water represents one of the biggest dangers to your home. An unseen water leak can cause severe issues to your property. While flooding from a major leak is obvious, a small leak that remains undetected can leave permanent damp that rots wood and encourage growth of harmful mould with the potential for causing health problems for your family.

It is those smaller leaks that you should really focus on, if your kitchen is flooded it is a disaster, but not one you are going to miss! Knowing where the smaller leaks most commonly appear can help with leak detection, but if you do find issues with water damage, a leak specialist can find those hidden water leaks quickly and easily.

Here are some of the areas to think about where those unnoticed slow leaks can occur, and cause lasting damage to your property.

1. Leaks From Home Appliances

Over time, appliances can develop issues, seals may degrade, pipes get blocked leading to leaks. These could be water leaks directly from the appliance itself, or problems with drainage causing overflows. In both cases, they can cause damp and other issues, with even a very small leak resulting in significant problems over time if left undetected.

Check your appliances once a month for signs of leaks, but if you have a fully fitted kitchen it could be almost impossible to see them. In this case, be alert for musty smells or other indicators of dampness, which could be caused by water build up behind the machine. A leak detection company can check for any suspected leaks without dismantling your kitchen if you think there is a problem.

2. Clogged Gutter Problems

When it’s working properly your gutter system is a very effective and efficient way of moving rainwater away from your property, but exposed to the elements all year round, it doesn’t always operate as it should. Blockages are the most common issue, and that leads to water build up that eventually leaks out of the gutter channel and into the eaves of your property.

Because water has a knack for finding its way into any crack or crevice, that can lead to water dripping and collecting in unseen areas of the property. This can damage the wooden structure itself, but importantly even a small area of stagnant water can lead to the development of mould. The spores of moulds can be harmful to you and your family, so it is crucial that this is spotted before it becomes an issue.

While you may not be able to see where the water leaks are collecting, you can usually spot a blocked gutter. Frequent checks can help you spot and deal with problems before they can damage your property at all. Check for damage too, a cracked gutter can cause similar water leaks and the associated problems just as quickly.

If you see an issue and are concerned it may have been around for a while, a leak detection specialist can use a number of non-invasive methods to find water ingress quickly and easily.

3. Water Leaks in Hidden Pipes

Probably the most common cause of issues caused by water leaks, as it is almost impossible to know that there is a problem until there are symptoms. You will quickly notice a leak in a pipe going to your sink, but by necessity, the majority of pipes in your property are hidden from view. Knowing when one of those is leaking can often be by chance, hearing a tiny dripping sound, or smelling the damp build up.

If you experience either of those, or have an unexplained drop in water pressure to a particular area of the property, then you need answers. A leak detection company can identify if you have a leak, and importantly where it is. Using thermal and audio equipment, this process is fast and non-invasive, so you can see where the problem is without having to disrupt your home.

4. Air Conditioning Systems

It’s easy to forget that your air con system removes excess moisture as it works, but if the ducting gets blocked in any way it can degrade performance, leading to a build up of water. This will eventually leak into other areas of the property.

Regular maintenance will minimise the risk, especially filter changes as this goes a long way to avoiding blockages. However, if there is a problem, water leaks are usually simple to locate in the system. If you do need help with water leak detection in your AC system though, a qualified technician will find it for you.

5. Overflow in Septic Tanks

Septic tanks will overflow if not regularly maintained and cleaned. When they back up, septic tanks are not just water leaks, but cause sewage to leak into your home. Not only cause damage an issue in the same way other water leaks do, but sewage itself presents a health hazard for you and your family.

It is crucial that you detect water leaks early when related to a backed up septic tank, and it is really important to call a leak detection professional as soon as possible to identify and solve the problem.

Call the experts to deal with leaks quickly

Because water leaks accumulate damage, the longer they are left the larger the problem will be, it is important to detect water leaks quickly and deal with them effectively. As a leak detection specialist, Austest Pipeline Solutions use the latest in thermal imaging and audio detection equipment to identify leaks in a non-intrusive approach that quickly locates problems wherever they may be.

If you need leak detection services, please call our team of water leak experts on 1800 532 533 or send through an online enquiry today.

06
Sep
2022

Being a homeowner or company owner, you might well be familiar with backflow testing. You might be notified to provide your testing findings to the city authorities or water provider as most cities necessitate yearly testing and routine maintenance of the backflow preventer.

However, while you peruse the document, your understanding of what it entails and everything you must do to accomplish it becomes increasingly unclear. Fortunately, we are available to address any queries you may have. What exactly is a backflow test, and what makes it essential to have one?

The Process of Backflow Testing

Whenever dirty water flows backward into the supply lines intended for pure water, this is known as backflow. A major shift in the flow of water, similar to that generated by blown drainpipes, could cause this problem at any point where pure and contaminated water lines meet.

Polluted water is extremely dangerous to drink since it could be contaminated with fecal matter, chemicals, or insecticides. Pipes designed specifically to transport uncontaminated drinking water into the house and pipelines designed specifically to transport wastewater away from the home are both components of every water system.

Backflow happens in a water system whenever the usual flow of water is disrupted due to lower levels of pressure. Backflow can be dangerous. Because of this drop in water pressure, tainted wastewater (from a toilet or hose, for example) flows out via the clean water pipes rather than via waste pipelines as it normally would. This poses a health risk to those who use the water.

Backflow Prevention and Testing

Backflow is avoidable by installing a protective device in the system at the appropriate location. The equipment will prevent contaminated water from accessing the pure supply of water in the event that there is an unanticipated or significant shift in the pressure of water.

Having said that, this gadget must have a correct installation and then be tested in order to guarantee that the pure water line will not become contaminated. To guarantee whether backflow prevention equipment is in good working order, municipal ordinances mandate that they be tested on a yearly basis.

If somehow the testing is not conducted within the given timeframe, you may be subject to fines, or supply of water to your home or place of business may be turned off. Because of this, we strongly advise making test appointments as far in advance as possible.

How to prevent water backflow?

Checking your backflow preventer allows you to first discover whether or not you have such a backflow issue and afterward figure out what the core of the issue is. In most cases, you will need to momentarily suspend the water service in order to do appropriate testing.

Certified businesses and service providers are the only ones allowed to conduct backflow testing, which is why they will also handle the disconnection for you. It is essential that you are aware that if you do not carry out the backflow test, you run the possibility of getting your water supply cut off forever.

On the day of your backflow test, the backflow testing specialist will momentarily turn off your water. Your professional plumber will then open and close the backflow prevention levers. The plumber observes pressure fluctuations while obtaining pressure readings.

Inside the final step, the tester would verify that the activation process goes well. When they are done, the plumber would reactivate your water supply, fill out the relevant documentation, and promptly send your results to the appropriate authorities.

Different Kinds of Backflow Preventers

Backflow Prevention Devices

Backflow prevention devices are able to restrict the stream of water in a plumbing system from moving in the opposite direction.

However, after they have been fitted, it is not viable to test them since they do not have intake valve shutoffs, exit valve shutoffs, or test valves.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers

The term atmospheric vacuum breaker refers to a specific kind of backflow prevention device. Vacuum breakers for hose connectors and freeze-thaw wall hydrant valves are two typical examples. Backflow prevention assembly is more dependable and efficient than atmospheric vacuum breakers, which are less trustworthy as well as efficient backflow preventers.

A device that breaks the vacuum of space using air pressure instead of water pressure is called an atmospheric vacuum breaker. If water is flowing in the right channel, the valve that allows air in will stay closed. The air intake valves will activate if the water flow is reversed to avoid back-siphonage.

Because of their inability to prevent backpressure or perform adequately in high-hazard conditions, assemblies like PVBs offer increasingly restricted applications.

Nevertheless, in homes, the same level of robust functioning that might be required in, say, a clinic or factory might not be as important. Choosing the ideal backflow prevention assembly would depend on how much safety you feel you need in your home.

Why Backflow Testing Is Important

The backflow of water is a dangerous health concern as your drinking water supply may be contaminated, so consistent testing of your plumbing system is crucial. It’s advised to have your plumbing system annually tested so you’re constantly having a healthy flow of water.

I hope we have provided enough details related to the backflow testing and prevention process. Just keep in mind that this sort of testing is done to check the backflow cause and to find the initial problem. This sort of procedure requires the water supply to be switched off for a while so it’s best to inform residents before the testing gets underway.

For all backflow prevention and detecting water leaks, give Austest Pipeline Solutions a call today. Our team of experts is here to assist you right away. Feel free to send an online enquiry for a quick call back from one of our friendly staff.

20
Aug
2022

Water damage in any household or building is a big problem because it will soak everything around it. If it manages to seep into your electrical functions, it can then become a fire hazard.

There are (2) classifications of water damage. One is accidental and the other one is gradual. Accidental water damage can be caused by sudden incidents like storm/flood, bursting pipes and the like. These tend to inflict wider and larger damage and can be covered by insurance.

Gradual water damage on the other hand are small plumbing leaks that can later evolve into a bigger issue when left unsolved. And not most insurance providers cover this aspect.

Trying to do water leak detection yourself isn’t easy and it could turn out to be more expensive. This is why homeowners should check with their home and contents policy to see if water leakages are covered.

Is my water leak covered by insurance?

Depending on your provider, you can check what is covered by the policy. Typically, this general overview will discuss the different plumbing problems and insurance policy approach.

Leaking pipes

Leaking pipes are typically due to rust and old age. The buildup causes the pipe walls to weaken and break. Some insurance policies may cover the task of locating and repairing the leak damage. It is also possible that they may have a limit on how much will only be covered (ex. $600). That way, it’s clear from both sides what can be included and excluded.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance may be applied proactively to avoid water leaks. It is also easier to spot undetected problems early on. However, if the water leak damage had been prevented by regular maintenance, then it is unlikely that the insurance will cover it. So, make sure that you conduct reasonable checkups on your water sources and water pipes every now and then.

Gradual damage

Previously, we discussed accidental and gradual water leaks. And most insurance policies will not cover gradual water damage especially when this could have been addressed with maintenance as well. Some examples could be a tricking water pipe, faulty shower, areas that should have waterproof seals. But if you can prove that the leak was something that you really could not have known, such as behind a wall or under the house – some insurance policies may be able to cover you.

Damage to structural properties

Roof damage and wall repairs caused by gradual water leaks are likely not covered by insurance. Among these are also tree rooting damage that can affect your plumbing. Things that could have been prevented by consistent maintenance will not be covered which is why it is important to check things every now and then like your roof gutters, downpipes and roof sheets.

Why should I have water leak insurance?

When this is called to action, having a water leak insurance policy can save you a lot of money and stress. A typical home insurance will not likely cover everything so having one dedicated to water leaks will cover a wider span of protection. As we get very busy with daily activities, we tend to forget other aspects like this. And that’s why there is insurance. In the event of accidental damages, which is usually unforeseen, we will have a way to react properly.

If you have now decided to avail yourself of one or already have an existing, it is also good to evaluate and review the clauses of your policy. That way, you are aware of what will exactly be covered. And depending on your provider, you may be able to expand the coverage as well to other incidents.

What if my insurance does not cover the damage?

If you don’t have insurance at all or if the incident itself is not covered, don’t worry – it is not the end of the world. Of course, the already-damaged things will be costly to repair, and you will need to shoulder them directly. However, what we are looking forward to is in the long haul. Future damage can be prevented by doing certain routine checks and repairs. That way, it can lessen the chances of bigger repairs because it is addressed early.

Water leak damage, especially gradual water leaks, commonly stems from one’s negligence and failure to do regular repairs. So, if you can instill good maintenance practices, this can already eliminate a lot of problems. You can do checkups on your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garden, and the rest of the house for signs and symptoms like:

Water pools under appliances
Cracking, warping or discolouration on the walls & cabinets
Leaking or dripping water fixtures, pipes, hoses
Unusual holes and puddles
Molds, musty smell, damp areas that are expected to be dry

Conclusion

Having water leak insurance may sound a lot but it can provide value in the long run. It helps us prepare for accidents. But there are cases when one will not be covered by insurance and don’t let this discourage you. There are still preventive measures that you can take until you decide to get full insurance.

Austest Pipeline Solutions can find your water leak using high tech equipment such as acoustic leak detection, thermal imaging, camera inspections, smoke testing, plus more. Having a water leak on your property should be checked immediately to prevent further damages and costs.

If you think you may have a water leak at your home or business, give our water leak detection services a call on 1800 532 533 or send an online enquiry through our website.

27
Jul
2022

When it comes down to it, water leaks are a very common, and recurring problem faced by homeowners and commercial property owners, already struggling to make ends meet. Considering so many areas of our homes require the use of water, there are many pipes running throughout the inside structure, and outside underground, to provide us with the everyday luxuries we’ve all grown used to.

Bathrooms, ensuites, showers, toilets, dishwashers, basins and washing machines; all of them need water flowing in, and back out through a series of pipe systems that can burst at any moment.

Check Your Water Leak To Prevent Further Damage

In a case of ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ though, water pipes are left unchecked for years, (even when buildings were constructed in the 1900’s) often leading to small cracks forming, leaks developing, and eventually partial flooding of your house or yard. These leaks can lead to serious structural damage and, can also be the cause for medical illnesses due to the growth of toxic mould and mildew. The sooner your burst pipe or leak is found, the sooner it can be repaired and cease destroying your home and the health of you, and your family.

If you have any doubts about your burst water pipe detecting skills, the best course of action is to contact an experienced leak detection company who will find the leak for you, using the safest and quickest methods possible. The question is though, how do you know if you have a burst water pipe, and how good are your home water leak detection skills?

Today we’re going to discuss the ways in which you can find a burst water pipe on your property, using the (sometimes-subtle) signs of a leak.

Water Meter Reading Test

To test if you do have a leak hidden on your property you can conduct a water meter reading test and see its benefits and importance. Locate the water meter on your property and shut it off completely, noting down the figure as you do. Leave the water off for 1-2 hours before checking on the meter once more. If the numbers have increased while the water was off, you have a water leak.

Check Your Water Bill

Your water bill can be the first sign of a troubling water leak so keep an eye on any changes over the billing period. Any increases that can’t be accounted for, are usually an indication of a burst water pipe on your property.

Damp Patches Outside Or Inside

If there is a particularly damp patch in your grass or garden bed that simply won’t dry up, it could be a sign of an external underground leak and should be tended to as soon as possible. Inside you may notice an area on your carpet, or behind your furniture that is slightly damp or becoming discoloured. Odd stains on your plaster can also be an indication that there is a burst pipe behind your walls.

Mould And Mildew

Mould can be a dangerous guest to pop up in your home as it releases toxic spores into the atmosphere causing various health problems. Check along your skirting boards, on your walls, and your ceilings for any signs of mould growth. Mould will first appear as small dark or discoloured spots which will grow rapidly when not dealt with. Another sign that mould has formed can be the faint smell of mildew in the air. Make sure to check underneath and behind your furniture as these can be thriving points for mould growth.

Obvious Signs Of A Burst Pipe

There are some obvious indicators that you have a water leak or burst pipe on your property, that may seem small and insignificant, but can be a sign of a much bigger problem. If there is a tap in your house that won’t stop dripping, if your toilet continually runs after flushing, if you notice a significant decrease in your water pressure or water pooling on your floor, then you have a burst pipe or water leak. Contact a leak detection service who have the equipment, experience, and the knowledge to detect water pipes anywhere on your property.

Better To Be Safe

Obviously, we can’t accurately detect water pipes that aren’t visible, so the ideal thing to do if you suspect there is a burst pipe on your property, is to contact a leak detection specialist who know what to do with a burst water pipe at your property.

Water can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so for the safety of you, your family and your home, water leaks should be taken seriously and fixed as soon as possible. By finding the burst pipe quickly and having it repaired, you are not only saving water, but also could be saving yourself thousands in repair work on structural damage, whilst ensuring the good health of your family.

Call the leakage experts

Austest Pipeline Solutions have been serving Melbourne and surrounding suburbs since 1997.

If you need any water pipe detection at your property send us an online enquiry and we’ll be in touch to organise an inspection.