Detecting a leak is never easy – especially if it is located under or behind concrete slab. There is no uniform design for how piping runs through a home. The position of your rooms and any utilities such as toilets, baths, wash basins and laundry rooms will dictate where you pipes are.
Under floor heating will also play a part in where pipes are located. Tearing up your floor to find a leak is not a suitable option, so if you suspect there is a leak in your piping you will need to use specialist tools to get to the root of the problem.
Identifying a Leak
There are a few ways that you can identify a leak before you begin searching for the source. The two most obvious signs are a tap dripping or low water pressure. Strange noises coming from your piping is also a good indication that there is an issue with your plumbing. If you are experiencing any of these problems in your home, it’s time to carry out some basic checks.
Turn off all appliances that rely on a hot water source, such as heaters or certain air conditioning units. Next, check your water meter to see if the dial is moving. Take a record of the number on your meter and ensure that it doesn’t change within ten minutes when the water supply is not in use. If any of these tests fail, there is most likely a leak somewhere in your plumbing.
Locating Pipes
Once you are sure there is a leak, it’s time to locate the source. When it comes to slab you will need to employ the help of specialist tools. A pipe locator is a tool that uses various methods andlocates metal pipes using a signal measured in kHz or Hz.This type of device is ideal for locating pipes under slab and more advanced models can even differentiate between different types of piping.
Acoustic pipe locators are employed when plastic piping is the more likely material that was used for your water lines. If you intend to carryout the investigation on your own it is important to understand how pipe detectors work. Investing in an expensive tool that doesn’t do the job is not a very wise investment. Knowing the type of piping that was used in the construction of your home will save you a lot of time, hassle and money.
Leak Correlators
Correlators are another type of tool that you can use to identify a leak. You can analyze the piping under slab to determine the approximate location of a leak. This tool requires the use of microphones that will return a noise signal when there is a leak within the test area.
If you are uncomfortable with using unfamiliar technology you can always draft in the experts. At Show Plumbing we know how to find any leak. Whether you are having problems with plumbing under slab work or simply need a consultation, our team is here to help. Call today to find out more!