Plumbing Leak Detection

Detecting a plumbing leak can set a homeowner back anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on such factors as the leak's location, the plumbing system's complexity, and the service provider's pricing. And what about the pay-to-play scenario if the service person can't locate the leak with basic equipment? There are two "advanced" options that totally could add to that price tag. One is to use infrared technology to find the leak. The other is to use a "listening device," which is a much more exact way of finding the leak. However, these two options could very well break the average homeowner in half.

To determine the origin of a leak, begin by ensuring all water appliances and fixtures are turned off. Observe the water meter for any movement that might suggest a leak. Inspect any exposed piping and plumbing connections for obvious signs of trouble, such as corroded metal, decayed wood, or unsightly mold. The best Detectives for these clandestine capers are your hands and ears. If you can't find the leak by braille or eavesdropping, you might consider some more professional tools—infrared cameras are the current hot tech for plumbing sleuths—and a plumbing pro might be your best bet for finding hidden leaks, whether in walls or underground.

Certainly! It is worth hiring a leak detection company because these firms possess specialized equipment and expertise. They locate leaks accurately. When you stop leaks, you keep further damage from occurring and save money on repairs. You also conserve water and avoid inflated water bills.

Investigating a plumbing leak can run the gamut in terms of cost, and for several good reasons. First, there's the simple factor of the leak's location and how much trouble it's causing. Then the service varied in appearance, difficulty, and necessity. And finally, there are plain old price differences from region to region that can affect the bottom line. If the local plumbers are to be trusted—and I think they should be—they recommend calling around to get a few estimates before making a decision.

While homeowners insurance policies differ from one another, numerous do not provide reimbursement for the cost associated with finding a leak. This is especially true if the leak has not caused any "sudden" or "accidental" damage that the insurance policy might otherwise cover. It is wise to go over the specific terms of your insurance policy with a fine-tooth comb and then consult with your provider to get a handle on what might be reimbursed.

Leak detection is not a specialty of all plumbers. Many can repair basic leaks, but the most accurate analysis of a plumbing system to locate a difficult-to-find leak usually requires a specialized skill set. This set of skills is held by the professionals who work both for the plumbing companies that provide leak detection as a service and by those who work directly in that field.

Insurance for homeowners usually protects against unexpected and unavoidable water damage from plumbing problems—like leaks that suddenly appear or pipes that suddenly burst. But it doesn't cover things that happen because of a plumbing system that's just plain worn out or that's not been kept in good working order. If you want to know what's what, read your policy and talk to your agent.

A house leak detection network is a set of sensors and devices installed all over the home that identifies plumbing leaks. The most basic sensor just watches what happens in the plumbing itself. If a leak develops, the flow will detect it. The system can also tell if the pressure in the system changes in a way that indicates a problem. Better system sensors are able to do more of these tasks and do them better and are also more able to communicate with the homeowner. And over time, these sensor networks have gotten better and cheaper.

To achieve a successful outcome in an insurance claim for water leaks, it is paramount first to record the evidence of damage in the forms of photography and videography. One must then, without delay, notify the insurer of the incident and review one's coverage with the policy document in hand. This assures one of the next critical steps: to stop the leaking water from causing more harm by addressing the source of the leak. After one has seen to all of these vital matters, one can then proceed with the filing of the claim, which mandates even more documentation, of the sort for which one has more than ample reason to be thankful for having secured the evidence in advance.

Home insurance from State Farm generally pays for water damage from plumbing leaks if the leaks were sudden or accidental. "That is our construction," said State Farm spokeswoman Angela Thorpe. "We cover that because it would be hard to determine whether that was maintenance-related." However, plumbing problems that result from maintenance issues are not covered, and the onus is on the policyholder to ensure that the home's plumbing is in good working order.