Tag Archives: water pipes

How Detect Roof Leak
05
Nov
2019

Do you have a leak in your roof but aren’t exactly sure where it is coming from? If you suspect your roof is leaking or can see discolouration on your ceiling, then continue reading to learn how to detect the source of the leak.

Roof leaks can be caused by a number of things including gaps in the metal flashing around vent pipes and chimneys, missing shingles, or even small holes in the roof. The source of a leak is usually not obvious on the actual roof and can be hard to isolate because the water may run down the rafters and roof decking before it drips onto the ceiling below.

Here are the general steps that a professional roof leak detector will follow when it comes to detecting roof leaks:

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The sight and sound of dripping water are usually the first signs of a roof leak. However, there are other signs to also check for, such as:

  • Warped or missing shingles
  • Bulging patches on the interior walls
  • Spots on the exterior walls
  • Water stains on the ceiling
  • Musty odours in some rooms

All these signs could be indicative of a potential leak somewhere in the roof. The first place that you notice the leak might not necessarily indicate the exact location of the leak. For that, some further investigation will be required. Sometimes a visual inspection isn’t complete without checking the attic. This means that the technician will need to climb up into the attic to check for the roof leak. Once in the attic, they will look for water stains, mould, or black marks along the roof sheathing and rafters.

If you don’t have an attic, then they will need to check the roof for any signs of damage as described in step 1 above and move straight to step 2 as described below.

Step 2: Water Test

If the technician is unable to isolate the source of the leak with a visual inspection, they will then perform a water test. To do this they will need someone else to assist them. Someone will need to stay inside the house close to the spot where you first noticed the leak.

The technician will need to go up the roof with a garden hose and wet the roof one section at a time. The person inside the house will shout out once they see any water dripping. This can be a lengthy process as they will need to spend several minutes in each area.

However, it is an important step as it helps to narrow down the area where the leak most likely originates from. If the person inside the house sees the water dripping, but cannot find the exact spot where it is coming from, then the shingles or roof tiles may need to be removed in the suspected area to try and narrow down the source of the leak.

Step 3: Repairs

Depending on the location of the leak, there are several potential fixes that can be used. This is where you will need to call in the experts as they will have all the necessary tools and knowledge to fix the problem.

Some of these repairs may include the following:

Replacing Damaged Shingles or Roof tiles: If damaged shingles or tiles are the source of the leak, they may need to be removed and replaced with new shingles or roof tiles.

Reapplying Caulk Along Window Edges, Vents, and Chimneys: If there is a leak around any of these areas, the caulk will need to be replaced around the flashing.

Fixing the Roof Penetration Flashing: Damaged roof vent flashing can let water in where it shouldn’t be. If the existing flashing is in good shape, it might just be a matter of simply replacing the screws with better ones. If not, new flashing will need to be installed.

Get your roof plumbing inspected

Identifying the source of a roof leak can be very difficult to do on your own. If you suspect that you have a leak in your roof, then it really is best to call in the professionals. They will identify the extent of the leak and recommend a suitable solution in the form of roof repair or replacement.

If you’re having difficulties finding the source of your roof leak, then call Austest Pipeline Solutions or send an online enquiry today. Our leak detection experts can detect any leak coming from your roof and advise you of the next steps to take in getting it fixed.

find water pipe leaks under concrete
05
Oct
2019

Is your home experiencing a slab leak? A slab leak is a term used to describe a water pipe leak under a concrete floor and can cause big issues if not attended to immediately. Let’s explore how to detect underground concrete leaks or also known as slab heave.

Slab leaks affect buildings and structures of all ages. A minor water leak under concrete can develop into a costly and inconvenient situation over time. The faster we detect a water leak underground, the lower your repair costs will be.

Finding a water pipe leak under concrete isn’t an easy task and will more than likely require the services of a professional leak detector or trusted plumber with the right equipment. However, you should be aware of the signs of a slab leak to detect it correctly.

Common Causes of Water Leaks Under Concrete

There are many common causes of a slab heave and how it occurs. When the faucet is turned off and you hear the sound of water, it’s one of the most obvious signs of a water pipe leak occurring under concrete.

If you find hot spots on the floor, it may indicate a hot water line leak. Another sign of a slab leak is mould or excessive moisture under your carpets. A damp carpet with signs of mildew or mould indicates a water pipe leak under concrete. This may also produce a peculiar odour at times.

Wet baseboards are another common sign of water leaks in concrete slabs happening at your property. We explore information on how we can look at this further:

  • Locate the pipes in your house
  • Check the water meter
  • Perform the initial pressure test of your home
  • Complete electronic leak detection steps

Locate The Pipes In Your House

You should know the location of the main water supply to your house to find water pipe leaks under concrete. There should be a main water shut-off valve installed inside your property.

This should be used in the case of an emergency or for repairs. It’s important that you take a tour inside the house and locate the plumbing system and know how it’s structured. This is the first step you need to take when locating water pipe leaks under concrete.

Check The Water Meter

Both minor and severe pipe leaks can be detected by performing a simple test by yourself. First, you need to turn off all water supply sources in your home and record the reading on the water meter.

Wait for 10 minutes and check the reading once again. If there is a difference in the reading, a water leak is likely. This is the best way to detect whether there is a leak in your home.

Perform The Initial Pressure Test Of Your Home

Testing the water pressure of your home isn’t a difficult task. It can easily be completed using an inexpensive pressure gauge. You should adjust the water pressure so that it doesn’t place excess stress on your plumbing system. This will help prevent water pipe leaks in the first place.

You should keep on testing the water pressure regularly to prevent the problem from damaging the plumbing system in your home.

Perform Complete Electronic Leak Detection Steps

There is non-invasive equipment to detect water leaks in your home including acoustic leak detection and thermal imaging procedures. That’s where you need the help of a professional leak detection company that can come out and assess the potential severity of the leak. This will prevent further damage to your property and save costs in the long term.

Call the leak experts

With hundreds of leak detection providers in the state, it’s not easy to find the right company that has the extensive knowledge, experience, and equipment to assess your leak problem. This is why Austest Pipeline Solutions are here to look at all underground water leak situations and can submit a fully detailed report of what’s happening to your slab heave.

For more information or to retrieve a free quote get in touch with our friendly staff today.