Unexplained water spots on the floor, walls, or ceiling, a higher-than-normal water bill, or hearing running water even when all faucets are turned off are sure signs that your plumbing pipes need inspection.

Plumbers use a variety of leak detection equipment to find hidden leaks. They often begin by walking around your home and inspecting fixtures, checking under sinks, and looking at the water meter.

Moisture Meters

Moisture meters are among the most valuable tools plumbers use to locate leaks. These reliable devices measure the moisture content of a material by assessing its electrical resistance between two electrodes. The higher the resistance, the more moisture is present.

Most professional-grade moisture meters are calibrated for wood, giving them a relative reading on a scale that indicates dry, moderate, saturated or wet based on its wood moisture content (WMC). However, these instruments can also be used to test the WMC of non-wood materials such as gypsum and concrete.

Pin-type moisture meters have uninsulated contact pins that you drive into a wall, floor or other surface to get a reading. You can compare the reading to one taken on a dry sample to identify areas of elevated moisture and pinpoint their location. They are also useful for locating hidden water damage behind walls and under floors. Other leak detection tools include listening discs and ground microphones, which let you hear the sound of a leak through drywall or cabinets.

Infrared Cameras

Detecting plumbing leaks can be difficult and requires the trained eyes of a plumber. But they have a range of tools and techniques at their disposal that can help them pinpoint leaks even in the most hard-to-reach locations. This includes visual inspection for stains, damp spots and warped materials as well as specialized electronic equipment like leak detection devices and acoustic listening devices.

One of the most effective tools for plumbers to use in finding leaks is a thermal camera. These cameras detect differences in thermal energy and translate them into visible images on a screen. This allows plumbers to find areas of the building that are warmer or cooler than others, which can indicate a leaky pipe. IR cameras are also insensitive to lighting conditions, which makes them useful for inspecting indoor spaces that are often dark or poorly lit. They can also be used in a range of other applications including firefighting, wildlife monitoring and HVAC and energy efficiency diagnostics.

Leak Noise Correlators

Using a tool called a leak noise correlator, plumbers listen for the sound of leaking water and then use it to find the location. These devices help locate water and sewer line leaks in both residential and commercial properties.

The way this device works is by comparing the time delays of sounds that are received from two different sensors. It cuts through the daily chatter of cars moving and people using water to pinpoint whispers that may be signs of a leak in pressurized pipes.

Knowing the type of pipe is important too, as some materials conduct the sound of a leak much farther than others. For example, metal mains transmit the sound of a leak a lot farther than copper services or PVC pipe. Soil also plays a role in how far the sound of a leak travels, with sandy or loose soils not transmitting sound as well. This is especially true if the soil has been recently compacted.

Slab Penetration

Slab leaks are a serious problem that can lead to extensive damage, water wastage and high utility bills. The good news is that a professional plumber can use a variety of tools for any leak detection or blocked drains in Melbourne. Along with many other plumbing services, they can get to these hidden leaks quickly and accurately with minimal disruption to your home.

The first step is a visual inspection of your property, paying particular attention to the foundation and any signs of dampness, mold or mildew. It is also important to note any changes in your water usage or water pressure as these can indicate a slab leak.

Once the plumber has determined that you have a slab leak, they will isolate the problem area by shutting off all water-consuming appliances and fixtures. They may then use a system to pressurize different sections of the plumbing and observe the resulting change in water pressure to pinpoint the exact location of the leak. This will enable them to access and repair the affected pipe without requiring major excavation or disruption of your home.