Leak Detection Services in Charlottesville, VA

Having trouble with high water bills and not sure why? There might be a pinhole water leak in your plumbing system that requires professional attention. The Otter Guys provides noninvasive water leak detection services throughout the Charlottesville, VA area. We have the technology and the experience to provide you with accurate leak detection and offer the best solution for your home.

Signs It’s Time to Contact Your Charlottesville, VA Leak Detection Professional

It can be difficult to notice pinhole leaks in your water supply lines since most of the plumbing is installed behind walls or the ceiling. Many homeowners only realize they have plumbing leaks when water begins to stain the walls or leak through the ceiling. Here are some warning signs of hidden leaks to be aware of:

If you suspect a water leak, don’t hesitate to contact our experts at The Otter Guys for fast and reliable leak detection in Charlottesville, VA.

What Causes Leaks?

As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what can lead to plumbing leaks. Knowing what can cause leaks can help you avoid them with proper maintenance as a homeowner. Here are some of the primary causes of plumbing leaks:

Broken Seals

In most modern homes, plumbing pipes aren’t necessarily made out of metal like in older homes. When a professional installs a new appliance, a contractor will place rubber sealant around any connections or areas like your dishwasher door to ensure water is kept inside. The older these appliances get, the more wear-and-tear the sealing will endure. As time goes on, the sealing can degrade and eventually break leading to plumbing leaks. If you have noticed pools of water surrounding your appliances, it’s often a sign that there is a broken seal somewhere. Our water leak detection methods will help identify the exact cause.

Clogged Lines

Clogs can be difficult to spot but, if left unchecked for too long, can lead to serious problems such as overflowing and even burst pipes. When there’s a clog in your pipes, pressure will build up behind the blockage, potentially leading to structural damage. If a clog is made up of corrosive substances like household cleaning chemicals, it can speed up the damage to your pipes. 

One of the best ways to prevent clogs, especially in your shower, is to install hair traps. Of course, you should always be mindful of what you let flow down the drain. Obstructions in air handler drain pans and in your gutters can also lead to clogs. Make sure you’re keeping your gutters and HVAC system clean from debris. 

Corrosion

The older your plumbing system gets, the more likely it is for rust and other forms of corrosion to eat away at the pipes in your home. This can eventually lead to an opening for water to escape through. If you live in an older home and are experiencing plumbing leaks, it might be time to replace your pipes altogether. 

Even though brass pipes can last as long as 70 years, galvanized steel can start to fail after 20 years. Corrosion can also affect the pH levels of your home’s water, making the water your family uses to drink, bathe, and wash dishes unhealthy. If you live in an older home, it might be time to get your pipes inspected. We are a locally owned and operated company that can come to you quickly before water damage from a plumbing issue starts!

Damaged Pipe Joints

The joints are perhaps the most vulnerable part of any pipe. These joints are made up of separate curved pieces attached to straight pipes on either side. They are responsible for redirecting water throughout your home. 

As time goes on, extreme temperatures and excess water pressure can be hard on pipe joints – causing them to deteriorate. If you notice there are ticking or banging noises when you’re running hot water, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing joint issues. Our water leak detection services will find which joint or joints are the problem and fix it quickly.

Underground Movements

Even incredibly small underground movements can lead to hidden leaks in your plumbing system. The growth of tree roots, flooding, and even small earthquakes can shift the placement of your pipes. If the ground moves, your pipes can twist, bend, crack, or separate altogether, leading to underground leaks. 

A telltale sign that there is an underground leak is that there is slow draining and issues with your water supply. If you want to avoid repairs, you should hire a professional to inspect and maintain your underground pipelines. Maintenance services will help ensure that there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. 

High Water Pressure

Low water pressure is often a sign that there is something wrong with your plumbing system. On the other hand, high water pressure can also be a sign that there’s something wrong with your plumbing system. While high water pressure can make for a great shower, it can wreak havoc on the inside of your pipes. 

In extreme cases, high water pressure can lead to your pipe bursting. Most pipes and faucets can only withstand a certain amount of water pressure. If there have been issues with your water pressure or you have noticed any leaking, it’s time to give professionals a call as quickly as possible. 

Intruding Tree Roots

There are several different reasons why water leaks happen. In extreme cases, leaks can be caused by invading tree roots. It’s not uncommon for tree roots to interfere with water lines, causing moisture to seep out into your yard. This may sound strange, but one of the easiest ways to detect leaks caused by invading tree roots is by inspecting your yard.

If certain areas in your yard look better than others, there’s more than likely an underground leak. While it may seem great that the grass is greener and plants are growing faster, it’s caused by moisture under the ground. If you notice areas in your yard are looking different than usual, give a professional a call. 

Loose Water Connectors

As time goes on, it’s not uncommon for hoses and pipes to become loose. This can occur due to the shifting or movement of pipes, ultimately leading to a water leak. For example, your washing machine hose can spring a leak due to extreme shaking during a spin cycle. 

If you notice there is water running directly from the supply line or forming puddles around your appliances, you should check your water connector. Water pooling around appliances in your home should always lead to a call to your professionals. 

Fixture Cracks

Leaks can also be caused by cracks in the faucet or the pipes connected to the faucet. This often occurs after a physical impact. such as someone tripping and catching themselves on the faucet. It can also occur out of sight. One of the biggest reasons this happens, for example, is people shoving too many things into the cupboard under a sink, ultimately leading to damage to the faucet. A leaky faucet can cost you hundreds of dollars in the long run, as they use an absurd amount of water, especially if left unchecked. 

Why Should You Choose The Otter Guys For Water Leak Detection Services and Pipe Repairs?

When it comes to the plumbing system of your home, it’s important that you work with a company that you can trust. Our team at The Otter Guys has years of experience working with homeowners in the Charlottesville, VA, area. We know the issues that commonly plague homeowners in the area, and we know the problems that can often lead to plumbing leaks. 

When you give us a call, we will send a professional to your home as quickly as possible from our locally owned company. They will complete a thorough check of your pipes to ensure that there are no hidden leaks using our water leak detection methods. If we do find one, we will walk you through the next steps in the process so you know what’s best for your home. We want to leave you in “otter” disbelief of our impeccable customer service!

Why is Early Water Leak Detection Important for Charlottesville, VA Homeowners?

Older constructions often harbor plumbing leaks. If you live in an older home with galvanized steel, polybutylene, or lead pipes, it is a good idea to have the lines repiped as soon as possible. These older pipe materials were once industry standards, but if they are still being used in your home, they are likely in decay and can lead to unexpected plumbing emergencies such as burst pipes or even structural damage. Our experts are happy to help you replace older supply lines and discuss your options for repiping.

Frequently Asked Leak Detection Questions

Part of providing great customer service is to be there when our customers have questions. Here are some questions we get about our water leak detection services:

When Should I Call A Professional?

As a general rule of thumb, you should call a professional the moment you realize there is something wrong with the plumbing inside of your home. Putting off plumbing repairs can lead to water damage, which can be devastating to the structural integrity of your home. 

When Should I Get My Pipes Replaced?

Most pipes were designed to last decades, even up to 70 years. However, if you live in an older home, it might be time to consider repiping. Older pipes and copper pipes can lead to hidden leaks and blockages that will harm the rest of your home’s plumbing system. If you’re dealing with constant leaks, it might be time to call a professional for repiping services. 

How Important are Maintenance Services?

Maintenance services are incredibly important for every system of your home. This is especially true for a system like your plumbing system, which goes through extraordinary wear and tear over the course of a year. Our professionals can perform regular maintenance services to ensure everything is functioning properly. 

Call Now For Water Leak Detection Services

If you want to be sure there are no leaks in your home, or you suspect there may be a leak somewhere in your plumbing system, give our team, The Otter Guys, a call. We work with homeowners in the Charlottesville, VA, area to ensure their plumbing needs are always met. We can’t wait to work with you!