Plumbing leaks are one of the most common issues property owners experience. Unfortunately, small leaks or those in hard-to-reach areas often go undetected—until it’s too late. Luckily, professional plumbers are equipped with the skills and tools to detect unexpected leaks during routine maintenance. Here’s a closer look at exactly how they work their magic.

How Plumbers Detect Water Leaks

Soil Probing

Your home’s plumbing is connected to a series of underground pipes, which either link you to the municipal sewer and water system or to a private septic tank. Over time, these pipes can wear down or even be struck accidentally during contractor digging, leading to leaks. To check for problems with your underground plumbing, a plumber will run a device called a soil probe under your lawn. These tools are used to detect changes in pressure through rocks and grass, which usually point to a leaking pipe.

Listening Disc

Leaks can also occur in hard-to-see areas inside your home, including behind drywall and cabinetry. To check for leaks in these spots, plumbing pros utilize an audio tool called a listening disc. The disc can be held against a flat surface, where it will amplify any sounds of leaking water into a pair of headphones. As the disc is moved closer to the noise, the sound will get louder, thus helping them pinpoint exactly where a leak is to avoid unnecessary damage to walls and cabinetry.

Video Inspections

Plumbers also utilize video equipment to catch leaks from within pipes. Mounted securely on a flexible cable, a tiny video camera allows them to view the inside of your pipes, detecting problems that can’t be seen from the outside. The camera can be shifted and moved around until the source of the leak is detected, providing a precise location of where necessary repairs need to be made.

To catch hidden leaks before they escalate into serious problems, you’ll need a plumber you can trust. For over two decades, Master Technicians & Mechanicals LLC has been providing commercial and residential customers in Ashley County, AR—as well as parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma—with proactive leak detection. In addition to 24/7 plumbing repair, the construction company also specializes in all things home improvement, including HVAC and electrical work. To learn how these top-rated plumbing experts can help reduce your utility costs, give them a call today at (870) 364-3388 or learn more about the team online.