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Author: Eric Thomas

Your House is Flooding! Turn Off Your Water!

Written by Eric Thomas on . Posted in Education, Emergency, Plumbing, Tips. No Comments on Your House is Flooding! Turn Off Your Water!

Hopefully you are reading this to educate yourself before disaster strikes. Regardless, this post will be short and to the point. Here’s how to turn your home’s water off in case of an emergency.

FIND YOUR WATER SHUT OFF VALVE

Most (but not all) houses have a main shutoff valve next to the house. It can be in the front yard, side yard, or even inside the garage. There are 2 types of water valves you can encounter:

GATE VALVE

gate valve rotate

 

gate valve being turned clockwise

TO SHUT OFF: Turn the valve clockwise.

*These valves have a propensity for failing. The handle might just spin endlessly, or close but not fully stop your water.

After closing the valve, open your faucets inside and see if water eventually (within a minute or two) stops coming out.

BALL VALVE

ball valve

ball valve graphic

TO SHUT OFF: Turn the handle 90°, so it is perpendicular to the pipe.

This style does not often fail, but to make sure works and that it is the correct valve, open your faucets inside and confirm that water eventually (within a minute or two) stops coming out.

NOT THIS

gas meter, with red crossed circle over it

 

This is your gas meter. Don’t stress out trying to figure out how this relates to your water system. It’s not part of your water system. Keep looking for a valve like one listed to the left.

IF THAT DOESN’T WORK

As a last resort, you can try to turn the water off at the meter.

 

 

 

 

FINALLY

Get your leak fixed! Call a professional so you can put this trouble behind you.

A Plumber is Not a Leak Detector

Written by Eric Thomas on . Posted in Tips, Education, Plumbing. No Comments on A Plumber is Not a Leak Detector

Wait, don’t plumbers find leaks?

“Leak detectors are the plumbers that plumbers call when they can’t find the leak.”

Well, yes.

And no.

Traditional plumbers are skilled at fixing a problem when they know what that problem is. After all, that’s their profession.

But what if you can’t tell where the leak is?

It may surprise you to know that, when you have a leak with a mystery source, your plumber is likely scratching his head as much as you are on how to locate it. That’s where leak detectors come in. Leak detectors are the plumbers that plumbers call when they can’t find the leak.

What sets leak detectors apart from traditional plumbers?

Leak detection is a hard-learned craft unto itself. While leak detection specialists are licensed plumbers, there are three main ways in which they differ from traditional plumbers:

EQUIPMENT

"Seeing" the heat signature of an underground plumbing leak

Technology is the leak detector’s best friend. Our job would be much harder, if not impossible, without the array of high-tech equipment at our disposal. With it, we are able to listen for leaks deep underground, see inside walls without tearing them open, locate and track hidden pipes, and even visually interpret moisture signatures. Traditional plumbers do not have this array of technology at their fingertips. It is cost prohibitive for plumbers, but necessary to perform leak detection.

EDUCATION

Leak detection tools are not as simple as x-ray vision. They are only useful in the hands of a technician who has the education and expertise to read between the lines of where the tools’ capabilities end. A deep understanding of plumbing must go hand in hand with a thorough familiarity of the equipment in order to interpret the information gathered and accurately pinpoint a leak.

EXPERIENCE

For a leak detection specialist, finding hidden leaks is not an add-on skill, exercised every month or even every week. It is their full-time work, day-in and day-out, for years. And that’s exactly what it takes to be able to accurately locate any hidden leak. There are just too many variables and unique situations to simply dabble and come out on top.

 

leak detection specialist checking a floor

 

BEWARE THE PLUMBER WHO “ALSO DOES LEAK DETECTION”

Does your service plumber list LEAK DETECTION among a list of other services, such as water heater installation and drain line snaking? It’s an appealing skill to advertise and brings in business. But watch out for a plumber overstating his abilities, which could leave you holding the bag.

Warning Signs

Leak detection as a profession is too complex to simply be an add-on skill. An honest plumber will not overstate their abilities. When unsure of a leak’s location, they will recommend hiring a leak detection specialist. But be mindful of the following red flags that indicate your plumber is in over his head and it’s time to call a leak detection specialist.

THE “LEAK DETECTION” IS MANY HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

There are times that a leak detection could cost $600+. But these times are RARE. Exceedingly rare. More often than not, these prices reflect the excessive amount of time a traditional plumber must spend (at his accustomed rate) working outside of his area of expertise, and are an attempt to compensate for the expensive equipment that was purchased, but not often enough utilized.

YOU’RE ADVISED TO REPIPE YOUR WHOLE HOUSE.

Some houses need all new plumbing. However, that number is much smaller than many plumbers would have you believe. If you keep having leaks, maybe it’s worth the $10,000+ investment to know you’ll never have another. But repiping is easy advice for a plumber to give. Not only is he off the hook for finding your leak, he gets an incredibly high-priced repair out of it, too! A good leak detector or plumber will give you several repair options and let you choose the direction in which you are most comfortable proceeding.

jackhammers going into a floor

 

WALLS AND FLOORS MUST BE TORN APART TO FIND THE LEAK.

Your house shouldn’t be left in shambles in the wake of your plumber chasing an elusive leak. Replacing flooring, walls, or cabinetry is not cheap! A leak detector will determine the least invasive approach to get your plumbing back in working order, keeping damage to a minimum.

Is There a Leak in My Swimming Pool?

Written by Eric Thomas on . Posted in Education, Pools and Spas, Tips. No Comments on Is There a Leak in My Swimming Pool?

It’s a common question, and one you might not be able to confidently answer.

In the winter, maybe you got by with adding water every couple weeks. Now the days are getting longer and warmer, and you’re adding water much more frequently. Is it just the weather? Or do you have a leak?

How Much Water Should My Swimming Pool Be Losing?

There are many variables that help contribute to your pool’s rate of evaporation. Sunlight, water temperature, atmospheric humidity, and wind all play a factor. It’s not uncommon in the colder winder months to lose almost nothing to evaporation-maybe 1/16th-1/8th of an inch per day. At that rate, you shouldn’t need to add water to your pool more than every couple weeks or so.

In the middle of summer, with the right conditions, a pool can lose upward of 1/2 an inch a day.

A foolproof method of judging your evaporation rate is the bucket test. In one day’s time, this simple test will leave you with a confident understanding of whether your water loss is simply evaporation or if you have a leak on your hands.

Other Causes of Water Loss

It’s not just the environment that dictates your pool’s water loss. Does your pool get a lot of use? Splashing and climbing in and out of the pool every day will certainly lower that water level faster.

 

kids with floaties swimming in a pool

 

Overfilling a pool can also make it look like there’s a leak. The proper fill-level for a pool is the mid-line of the tile. Filling a pool to the very top will almost always result in rapid water loss, if just for an inch or two. The very top of a pool often has cracks, gaps, or cold joints that were never designed to be waterproof. Filling above the mid-line of the tile is unnecessary and often counterproductive.

Infinity edges, spa spillways, and fountains that run for hours a day can also significantly increase evaporation, as the water that splashes gets atomized and evaporates much more easily. If you’re concerned about your evaporation, try cutting back the amount of time your fountain runs each day.

How to Help Curb Pool Evaporation

Evaporation is a unavoidable element of owning a swimming pool. That being said,  there are a few things that can be done to help reduce its impact.

  1. Avoid excessively heating your pool. A warm pool is an evaporating pool. If you can enjoy your pool at 75°, don’t heat it up to 90°.
  2. Add a pool cover or solar blanket. Ironically, this contradicts the first tip above, as either a pool cover or solar blanket will help naturally increase the temperature of your pool. But, with a cover over your pool, the water that would normally evaporate is trapped under the cover, and kept in the pool. This is the best way to keep your evaporation level down.
  3. Turn off fountains and other water features. This was mentioned earlier in the post, but it’s worth reiterating. Water features can noticeably impact evaporation by increasing the surface area exposed to the atmosphere and by aerating and atomizing water through splashing.

With these tips in mind, bask in the confidence you are doing what you can to properly look after your pool, saving both water and money.

Leak Detection

The Silent Menace: How Leak Detection Services Safeguard Your Home

Written by Eric Thomas on . Posted in Uncategorized. No Comments on The Silent Menace: How Leak Detection Services Safeguard Your Home

A silent threat that many homeowners often face is a water leak. While it seems minimal in importance, a small leak can ultimately do a lot of damage to your home. Whether it be a pool leak, a plumbing leak, or a roof leak, minor leaks can create a major inconvenience for homeowners. 

This is where Leak Hounds steps in. Leak Hounds is here to make this inconvenience a little bit more bearable. Our team of well-trained technicians is ready to pinpoint leaks and provide excellent repair services. 

Explore the various types of leaks that commonly occur in households across Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas. It’s essential to uncover the many benefits that early leak detection can have on safeguarding your home, your family, and yourself.  

Types of Leaks 

Across Los Angeles, CA, and surrounding areas, there are various types of leaks that homeowners may encounter.  As a homeowner, it is important to understand the reason behind leaks to avoid potential damages and costly repairs. 

  • Plumbing Leaks: Plumbing leaks are among the most commonly seen leaks today.  They often occur due to pipe corrosion, high water pressure, clogged water lines, damaged pipes, and seal damage.  
  • Roof Leaks: Cracked flashing, damaged shingles, or ice damming are three possible explanations for a leaking roof. 
  • Pool & Spa Leaks: Structural damage, broken pipes, mechanical issues, algae growth, and aging pool equipment can all cause your pool and spa to leak.  
  • Slab/Concealed Leaks: Abrasion, mold, high water pressure, and soil shifting may result in a slab/concealed leak in your home. 

Several signs might indicate there is a leakage within your home. We encourage homeowners to watch for these cues, as they could serve as early warning signs of leaks.

Here are a few to keep in mind: 

  • High Water Bills
  • Wet Spots On Ceilings
  • Running Water
  • Reduced Water Pressure
  • Mold and Mildew
  • Sagging Ceilings 
  • Rusty Pipes 

If you notice any of these signs in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today.  Our team at Leak Hounds is ready to locate leaks and provide great repair services. 

Importance Of Early Detection 

We cannot stress enough the importance of early leak detection. This proactive measure not only mitigates potential damage but also translates into substantial long-term cost savings. Let’s delve into the various benefits that early leak detection offers to homeowners in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas.

  • Lower Water Bills 
  • Cost Savings
  • Avoid Property Damage 
  • Protect Your Health 
  • Property Value 
  • Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 
  • Protect Your Possessions 
  • Peace Of Mind 

Lower Water Bills 

If you notice a high water bill, this may be a sign of a water leak within your plumbing system.  Even a small leak can make a huge difference. This difference could be up to 50 to 100 gallons of water wasted a day. Several studies have shown that something as simple as a leaking faucet can increase your water bill by 10%. Early leak detection will help homeowners avoid high water bills and save money. 

Cost Savings 

Early leak detection not only contributes to lower water bills but also yields savings in other facets. A leak-free environment ensures the sustained well-being of your home, reducing the likelihood of expenditures on repairs and replacements arising from water damage caused by leaks.

Avoid Property Damage 

Without proper care, unnoticed leaks can inflict significant damage across your home.  It may lead to unwanted mold growth, rotting wood, and severe damage to the structures of your home.  It is important to address leaks early to prevent such damage and keep your home healthy. 

Protect Your Health 

Early leak detection is vital to protecting your and your family’s health. When leaks go unnoticed, mold and mildew often grow throughout the home. Inhaling or touching mold can have many adverse effects on the human body. Mold produces allergens, which cause allergies. In some cases, they may lead to infections and illness. To avoid unwanted mold growth, it is best to pay attention to the early signs of leakage. Beyond mold growth, leaks can affect your drinking water. Leaks allow contaminants to come in contact with your drinking water, severely affecting your health.  

Property Value 

When it comes time to sell your home, it may be more difficult to find a buyer if your home has a bad history of water leaks. Early leak detection can help maintain the value of your home and make it more valuable in today’s housing market. 

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 

As we discussed earlier, leaks can cause up to 100 gallons of wasted water a day.  Not only does this waste water, but it also wastes energy. This will contribute to your overall carbon footprint.  It is best to lower your carbon footprint with early leak detection.  

Protect Your Possessions

When water leaks go undetected, there is a chance that it will bring damage to your personal belongings. Water leaks can harm anything, from your furniture to your electronics to your passport! Early leak detection will keep these possessions safe and unharmed.  

Peace Of Mind 

With regular leak inspections, homeowners can stay at peace, knowing they are free from the many risks that may arise from an unnoticed leak. We encourage early leak detection to protect the health of your home and give you peace of mind. 

Professional Leak Detection 

The presence of leaks in your plumbing system can pose significant challenges and jeopardize the overall well-being of your home. Early detection becomes imperative to not only minimize risks but also to ensure cost savings. 

At Leak Hounds, we stand ready to address these concerns. Our skilled team is equipped to pinpoint the exact location of the leak and deliver exceptional repairs without causing unnecessary damage to your residence. If you suspect a leak in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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