Plumbing maintenance helps in the easy diagnosis and solution of problems before they get to a worse stage, where complicated and expensive solutions are needed. It also helps in the prevention of water wastage, which leads to low utility bills and water conservation, notes a leading Detroit property management team,BRS Property Management. Troubleshooting also eliminates mold growth, structural deterioration, and the dissemination of waterborne pathogens. Here’s how a plumbing company troubleshoots major plumbing problems:
- Visual Inspection
Plumbing companies start with a complete, close-up inspection of the plumbing system when dealing with significant problems. They are cautious with anything that is visible concerning plumbing, including pipes, fixtures, joints, or surrounding areas. They look for visible evidence where rust, discoloration, watermarks, or any signs of leakage might be observed. This process includes checking areas like sink corners, behind toilets, basements, and even around water heaters. The plumbers also look for damp ground around the premises or any signs that may suggest shifting foundations indicative of water leaks underground.
- Camera Inspection
Camera inspections allow plumbers to assess issues with pipes without having to access the pipes physically. In this technique, a long, slender, and flexible tube equipped with a high-definition camera is inserted into the plumbing system through holes in cleanouts or fixtures. When the camera moves through the pipes, the feed is directly shown on the monitor. Through this method, it is possible to identify defects, such as tree root penetration and pipe shifts. Plumbers can also see blockages or joint misalignments that cannot be noticed from the surface. Camera inspections are useful when there is a large blockage. They can also help when something has been accidentally dropped into the system.
- Pressure Testing
Pressure testing involves closing off a part of the plumbing system and filling it with either water or air, after which it is pressurized to a certain degree. Plumbers then observe the needle on the pressure gauge to check if it drops, suggesting a leak. This method can detect even small leaks that are not visible. Pressure testing is most effective when used to examine new installations, confirm repairs, or investigate suspected leakage in walls or underground pipes. This method is typically used in conjunction with other techniques like visual examinations or electronic leak detection.
- Smoke Testing
Smoke testing is a way to find leaks, incorrect connections, or breaches in the plumbing system. It involves using non-hazardous, artificially generated smoke to fill the plumbing system with the help of a smoke generator. Under slight pressure, the smoke travels along the plumbing system and comes out through any gaps or misconnections. Plumbers check for smoke coming out of places like yard drains, roof vents, or even gaps in the floor. The advantage of this method is that it can identify problems that might not be easily noticeable. Commonly identified problems include sewer gas leaks or unauthorized connections to the sewerage system. This method is ideal when you want to cover large areas or multiple properties at the same time.
- Dye Testing
Dye testing entails using a non-toxic, brightly colored dye on particular areas of the plumbing system. Plumbers then watch various outlets and suspected areas to determine where the stained water emerges. This method is effective for identifying leaking toilets. It is also helpful in detecting interconnections between potable and non-potable water systems, which is a major health risk. For larger systems, professionals may use different colors of dye at the same time to track different water paths. Dye testing is non-invasive and inexpensive, and it can give plumbers and owners an insight into the problem within a short period.
- Electronic Leak Detection
Electronic leak detections often employ either acoustic or thermal imaging devices. These acoustic detectors make the sound of water escaping from a pipe louder so that plumbers can find the source of the sound. Infrared cameras identify temperature variations resulting from water leakage. Some systems use both forms of technology for higher levels of accuracy. It is helpful in slab foundation leak detection and wall or floor void detection.
Work With a Plumbing Company Today
Systematic troubleshooting allows for more precise identification of issues. This gives property owners a full picture of the state of their plumbing system and equips them to make the right choices about its maintenance, repair, or upgrade. Work with a reputable plumbing company to detect plumbing problems promptly.