If you’re the manager or owner of commercial property, you may experience your fair share of building problems. This can be detrimental to your business, leading you to close for a few days, needing to pay for costly damages or causing risk to employees working in the building. Leaks can be a big problem for commercial buildings and shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’ve noticed warped floors, damp floors or high energy bills, you may be in need of leak detection services. This will help you identify the source of the leak and make any relevant repairs to ensure the building is safe, economic and compliant.
Here we’ll explain why commercial leak detection is so important.
Signs you need leak inspection
It’s important to be aware of the signs of a leak in your commercial building as they may not be as obvious as they would be in your home. Even a small leak can cause extensive damage to your property that will require time and money to repair.
Here are a few signs you can keep your eye out for to reduce the risk of experiencing damage due to a leak. If you notice any of these, you may need to invest in water leak inspection services.
A sudden increase in your water bill
If there is a leak in your building, it will cause your water bill to be much higher than usual and can even cause you to lose thousands of gallons of water each day which will add up to be very expensive. Keep an eye on your water bill every month and if you see anything out of the ordinary, it may be something you need to flag up.
Inconsistent water pressure
If some of your water outlets have a lower water pressure than they used to or have different water pressure to other outlets in your building, it’s likely the water is going elsewhere, perhaps through a leak. If this is the case, it’s with getting it checked out just in case as there may be cracks or holes in your piping meaning you’re flushing money down the drain.
Damp locations
Areas of damp are a cause of concern whether they are caused by a leak or not. If water is pooling, mould forming or damage appears in your walls or paint, it could be a sign of a leak. You should look out for any areas of discolouration or dampness in your ceiling or drywall.
Newly developed cracks
Cracks in your building could mean that water is pushing into the concrete in the foundation of your property or water is causing the ground beneath the foundation to move causing newly developed cracks. Either way, you need to get a professional to investigate to establish the cause as it could make the building unsafe for people to be working in.
Depressions or holes
Holes in grass or concrete should be addressed immediately as it could mean a leak in a pipe surrounding your property. Make sure not to ignore these as they could cause a safety hazard and cost you a lot more in the long run.
Warped flooring
If you notice that any section of flooring or floorboards is warped, raised or sunken, this could be caused by a leak in your piping. Many pipes go underneath your flooring and can result in floor damages if not properly taken care of.
How does a leak finding company detect a leak?
If you think you may have a leak in your commercial building then it’s probably time to call professional water leak detectors. They will be able to identify any leaks, where the source is and recommend repairs. Here’s how they will detect a leak in your property:
Finding the source of a leak
The plumber will take a look at your property or site to look for any signs of a leak. They will take a look at any water sources and check irrigation and pool systems. They will likely also check your water meter to see how much is being used.
Video inspection equipment
Plumbers have plenty of equipment to help them find any leaks in buildings. They use video pipe inspection equipment which are small cameras mounted on long flexible fibre optic cables. These cables get inserted into faucets and other plumbing outlets to detect leaks.
The camera provides an image to a monitor allowing you to see the condition of the inside of the pipe. They are then able to locate the source of the leak that they may not have been able to see from the outside. This also gives them any additional information about the pipes that they may need.
Listening discs
Listening discs and ground microphones are basic tools that plumbers use to detect and pinpoint water leaks. Listening discs can help leaks be detected through drywall, cabinets and other furnishings. They use sound technology to amplify the sounds of leaking water back through headphones. The experienced technician can listen to the sound of running water underground as it travels through the pipes. It can sometimes be a challenge to establish where the leak is before the plumber is able to try and access it. Listening discs give a greater idea of the whereabouts of the leak. Deck plates can also be used to listen through stronger surfaces such as concrete, brick or stone.
Soil probe
Some of the most problematic leaks occur in the sewer line and waste main. By using a soil probe, plumbers can listen for a standard pressure or pressured leaks through grass and rocks. The sounds get louder as the equipment gets closer to the leak, making it easier to determine where it is coming from. Expert water leak detectors will be capable of differentiating between the types of sounds they will hear allowing them to identify the leak and recommend repairs.
Thermal imaging
Thermal imaging cameras can be used to find hidden leaks in hot water pipes under floorboards, concrete and behind walls. These cameras have the technology to detect problems that you wouldn’t be able to see otherwise.
Why is leak detection so important?
While you may feel you can just ignore signs of leaking and hope it’s nothing major, this could end up with you having to pay even more on costly repairs. Here’s why you should invest in leak detection services for your commercial building.
Spend less on maintenance
When leaks are left for a long period of time, they tend to cause much larger problems. Pipes tend to deteriorate over time anyway but having a leak detection system in place will make you aware of plumbing issues in your building quickly. This early detection will allow you to make necessary fixes to avoid further damage.
Avoid interruptions in your business operations
Plumbing issues in your commercial building can be a massive hindrance and completely halt operations. If there is water damage in your workplace you may have to restrict employees and customers from coming into the building. You can avoid this problem by getting leak detection that catches any plumbing issues before they become a bigger problem.
Prevent structural damage
If water begins to accumulate beneath the building it can degrade the foundation if left unaddressed for a long period of time. Detecting a leak early can prevent burst pipes that can lead to water damage.
Ensure your work environment is clean and safe
Leaking pipes can cause the formation of mould and mildew, cracks and watermarks on walls. Not only does this ruin how good your workplace looks, but it can also drive away customers and affect employees’ health and, as a result, their performance.
Conserve water
Detecting leaks, no matter how minor, will help you conserve water and, as a result, save money on your water bills. Many regions of the world are experiencing water scarcity and drought so it’s vital we all play our part in preserving our water.
Prevent damage to your property with Leak Tracers Direct
If you’re concerned about potential leaks in your commercial property, get in touch with Leak Tracers Direct. If you’re experiencing high water bills, damp walls and ceilings, warped floors or hot water not working properly, you may have a leak in your building. It’s vital not to ignore these signs and seek a professional leak detecting company to establish any issues in your piping. You will then be able to prevent any bigger problems from occurring, save money on your water bills and ensure the longevity and safety of your commercial building.
To avoid any financial loss through water damage, plumbing repairs, water bills or closure of your business, contact Leak Tracers Direct. Our team has the experience and equipment to accurately diagnose any leaks in your building. Visit our website to learn more.