Archive for the ‘tips’ Category

ePIPE® technology named winner in ‘Best Innovation Adopted’ Category at UK Energy Innovation Awards

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

Pipe Restoration Services (PRS), a joint venture between Morrison Utility Services and US-based Pipe Restoration Technologies LLC, has been named winner in the category of ‘Best Innovation Implemented or Adopted by a Contractor’ at the 2013 UK Energy Innovation Awards.

The award was presented to PRS for adapting ePIPE®, a technology initially introduced to the UK to eliminate lead contamination and leaks in water services and now being developed to extend asset life for gas riser systems.

Organized by the Energy Innovation Centre to celebrate technologies working to deliver a low carbon, sustainable and energy efficient future, this year’s awards received a record number of entries from across the UK and overseas.

“We are so pleased to offer ‘ePIPE®’ technology to our customers,” says John Seaver, owner of New Mexico’s American Leak Detection franchise. “So often re-piping a home or business requires significant structural damage that then has to be repaired.  With this technology, the pipes are treated without tearing into drywall, it is just as effective, and much less expensive.”

Pipes are first cleaned and then dried with special equipment from ALD, then a special polymer epoxy seal is applied to the interior of the pipes. This seals the pipes, so they can no longer seep lead or copper contaminants into drinking water. The process also serves to seal the pipes completely, eliminating existing leaks, and preventing future leaks.  It can be applied to both copper and galvanized pipes in both residential and commercial buildings. The color, taste and smell of the drinking water is completely protected from the original piping.

The technology is applied through the pipes at existing openings and prevents costly demolition and construction required with traditional re-piping methods. The ePIPE® system takes less time, and provides a superior and non-invasive pipe restoration.

This service is available through ALD, which also offers ePIPE® services to area plumbers on a sub-contracting basis. Before you re-pipe, contact your plumber and make sure he or she knows about ALD’s ePIPE® restoration technology. For ePIPE® professionals near you call 505-216-2488.

http://www.americanleakdetection.com/epoxy-pipe-lining.php

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Insurance Adjusters can now save time and expedite claims with new mobile site

Friday, April 12th, 2013

When homeowners are facing a high water bill, see visible wet spots on the floor, or notice water damage, many choose to contact their insurance adjuster and pass along the headache to them. That’s what insurance is for, right?

These local and national adjusters are then faced with hiring the right leak detection company, scheduling the job and paying the claim. But accomplishing each of these tasks over the phone can be time consuming and is not the most productive use of their day.

To solve this problem and streamline the entire claims process, American Leak Detection’s Corporate Office has now launched the insurance adjuster mobile site. This new feature allows adjusters to process claims faster and easier while they’re in the field by using any mobile phone or tablet.  You can submit a job without registering on the site, but doing so allows you to come back and log in to track claims in real time, and more importantly, in one place. You are able to add multiple insurance carriers and live job updates are also available.

Watch for our quick access tools for pool professionals and property managers coming soon! To try the new mobile site, visit Insurance.AmericanLeakDetection.com

Instructional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syD-eYrrtcs

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American Leak Detection Steps in for National Fix a Leak Week

Monday, March 18th, 2013

The Environmental Protection Agency will help businesses and families across the nation save millions of gallons during its fifth annual Fix a Leak Week, from March 18 -24. This awareness week is aimed at eliminating water waste caused by household leaks, many of which are unseen. American Leak Detection is committed to finding and eliminating wasteful leaks, and giving communities important information on saving water.

“It is important to share leak identification and prevention information with our community,” said Jimmy Carter, senior director of corporate field services. “Finding and stopping leaks not only saves money, but also protects a valuable resource. We hope that valley businesses and residents take Fix a Week Leak as an opportunity to cut back on water wasted by leaks.”

While saving water is always important, this year conservation is essential due to a dry winter. Stopping leaks is an easy way to help locals save precious water, which is good news since Coachella Valley residents use about twice as much water the average American household. On top of that, everyday each area golf course also consumes as much water as an average family uses in four years.

Most households waste about 11,000 gallons per month due to running toilets, dripping faucets and other household leaks. American Leak Detection experts point to a number of ways to identify leaks:

  • Check for drips by leaving a glass underneath faucet. Stopping these drips can easy save enough water for over 30 showers, and usually only requires an inexpensive washer or valve seat.
  • Keep track of the amount of chemicals used in your pool or spa. If you need to use more over time, it is a good sign that you have a leak.
  • Another sign of a pool or spa leak is regularly having to refill the water.
  • Leaky toilets can be spotted by adding a teaspoon food coloring to the tank; if you see the color in the toilet bowl, then the flapper valve needs to be replaced.

American Leak Detection, which has its world headquarters in Palm Springs, has more easy leak identification tips on their website. With little time and effort you can determine if your pool is leaking, and even if your household has any hidden plumbing leaks. Some home insurance providers even give lower rates for homeowners that take action on a professional leak audit.

Since opening its doors in 1974 they have found over 6.5 million leaks in homes and businesses in seven countries. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a leak detection specialist, call 760-320-8273, or toll-free 866-955-3257. For more information about American Leak Detection, visit www.americanleakdetection.com.

Posted in Community involvement, pipe health, tips, water conservation | No Comments »

How often does a swimming pool really leak?

Tuesday, February 19th, 2013

It’s part of the “American Dream.” Saving to buy a nice home in the suburbs with enough room for your growing family and a backyard large enough to fit a pool and swing set. You don’t have the pool installed just yet, but you’re already daydreaming about cooling off on hot summer afternoons and hosting barbeques by the deck.

Sure, you know there are costs associated with owning and maintaining an in-ground pool, but potential leaks and “mystery” problems have never crossed your mind before. How often do pools really leak?

As of 2011, there are 10.5 million residential swimming pools in the United States, according to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP). The majority of these pools can be expected to have leak problems at least once during their service life. On average, a swimming pool constructed over 10 years ago will leak once every six years. If constructed more than 20 years ago, this rate drops to every four years.

There are few statistics available for hot tubs, although there are more of these in the United States than either above or in-ground pools. In fact, there are more than 1.2 million swimming pools in California alone, according to the APSP.

The states containing the most in-ground, residential pools may surprise you. As of 2011, they include:

1-      California

2-      Florida

3-      Texas

4-      Arizona

5-      New York

6-      Pennsylvania

7-      Ohio

8-      New Jersey

9-      Virginia

10-    North Carolina

Posted in california, florida, property managers, texas, tips | No Comments »

We Can Now Make the Invisible- Visible

Monday, February 4th, 2013

American Leak Detection announces our latest detection method- The Odor Control System.

Finding sewer odors can be time consuming. This patented smoke technology specializes in locating hidden leaks in concealed plumbing and drain lines, whether it’s in your home, business, multi-commercial building, restaurant, school or shopping mall.

American Leak Detection's Jimmy Carter operates the new Odor Control System

It offers an alternative to the old method which used smelly smoke bombs and disrupted activity. Don’t “bomb” your home with additional sulfuric smoke. This offers a pleasant and non-toxic citrus smell, so leaks can be located even during business hours.

Our proprietary smoke technology and expertise help us efficiently locate the problem area quickly, safely and easily.  Call us first if you smell a foul odor in common spaces when running drainage lines, or if you suspect a leak in the sewage system.

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Water loss rebates add an extra incentive for homeowners

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Your toilet runs unless you jiggle the handle and you feel warm spots while walking across the kitchen tile. Sure, your water bill seemed a little higher than normal last month, but it was nothing drastic. You keep putting it off time and time again. Unsure who to call, addressing a potential leak is on your master to-do list.

But what if fixing that annoying household leak paid for itself? Not just the money you will save in water costs, but actually PAY FOR ITSELF?

Multiple water agencies across the United States offer water loss credits or rebates that are easier to get than you may think. Other cities and municipalities are taking a second look and revising their ordinances to offer such credits, showing they are serious about water conservation.

This welcome relief from high water bills is passed on to the customer when they have water leaks located and repaired. It’s helpful to know if your water district has such a program. Finding out is as simple as calling your water agency to ask.

Once your leak is discovered and repaired, your account will likely be credited, sometimes up to two-thirds of the estimated water loss. Just remember to save these items if your water agency has such a program:

-Your name, address, account number and daytime telephone number

-A description of the type and exact location of the leak(s)

-Proof of repair, such as a copy of your American Leak Detection invoice

-The date the repair was made

Posted in Community involvement, pipe health, tips, water conservation | No Comments »

Failed cast iron drain lines can cause havoc if ignored

Friday, January 4th, 2013

Many homes across the country that are more than 30 years old contain cast iron plumbing. Although this type of infrastructure may have been designed to last for many years, it doesn’t mean the iron cannot become damaged and start to leak over time.

Cast iron pipes, commonly used in a building’s drainage, waste and vent system, can corrode and crack from within. This corrosive process causes bigger problems such as drainage issues and shifting foundation that usually starts in places you can’t see. A simple hairline crack can easily spread along the entire length of a pipe, especially if it’s near the end of its life. Cast iron pipes often rust along the bottom of the horizontal sections where water accumulates and pools. Also, look for any cracks along the top of the pipe or at its seam.

Sometimes, homeowners try patching a pipe that has cracked or developed a pinhole leak, but this is only a temporary fix. A professional should remove any section of pipe showing signs of failure.

Your local American Leak Detection office now offers residential plumbing inspections. If you suspect your cast iron pipes are failing, take action now before major damage occurs. Our licensed plumbing technicians can remove and replace impaired sections using another cast iron or PVC pipe.

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Water Heater Maintenance will Extend the Unit’s Life

Friday, November 2nd, 2012

The alarm clocks buzzes and a new day has already begun. It’s time to jump out of bed and hit the shower. After turning the nozzle all the way to the left and waiting for the water to heat up, you realize something must be wrong. It’s ice cold.

Your hot water heater plays an important role in both the function of your home’s plumbing system and your daily routine. But often, this device never crosses a homeowner’s mind until an issue arises…and you’re forced out of slumber by a cold shower.

Water heaters are one appliance many people assume are maintenance free. But, to the contrary, these must be kept in working order throughout the year just like other appliances in your home. If you hear a gurgling sound coming from your water heater, it’s time to hire a professional to inspect the unit.

The most common cause of gurgling noises is sediment that has built up over time in the bottom of the tank. As water is heated, minerals are released and left behind in the tank. If you don’t periodically remove the accumulation, it can build up and eventually clog the drain valve. In order to stop this sediment buildup in its tracks, experts recommend hiring a professional to drain your water heater once a year. If you have water with a high mineral content, or “hard water,” then you may need to flush the sediment more often.

Draining the unit will clean out the sediment which has settled, help your water heater run more efficiently and last longer. It is not a job you want to tackle on your own- there is not only a chance of scalding oneself, but there will be a huge mess to clean if you don’t run the hoses correctly. If you have an electric water heater, it’s also important to shut off the power before emptying the tank- if you don’t, it will destroy the heating elements.

How long does a water heater last? This depends on how well it is maintained, the water quality in your community, proper installation and how often it’s used.

For more information about maintaining your hot water heater, call your local American Leak Detection office.

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Winterize your pool now before the temperature drops too low

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

As temperatures begin to drop and summer is officially behind us, it’s time to winterize your pool for the upcoming chilly season.

Set aside some time to thoroughly clean the pool one last time- you will appreciate it when you re-open your pool again in the spring. Be sure to remove any leaves, sticks or other debris from the skimmer basket and other filtration devices. Use your pool vacuum to go across the entire floor to clean any debris which may have sunk to the bottom. Wipe down the sides of the pool if you see any algae growth.

Check your pool filter. It’s best to place it on the “winterize” setting and remove the drainage cap or plug so any winter moisture build-up can escape from the filter. If it is not allowed to escape, the water can freeze in the base of your filter and cause a crack.

To be certain your pool is running smoothly and efficiently, ensure there are no leaks in the pool or attached plumbing. The process of winterizing your pool for the season is the perfect time to check for leaks.

When a pool is closed for the winter, it is very important to make sure all the water has been drained completely. If water is left standing, it can freeze throughout the winter months and lead to costly cracked pipes which must be replaced. If ignored, those cracked pipes can lead to costly leaks which are often found only after the pool is reopened in the spring.

If you suspect a swimming pool leak, take action now. Don’t continue to refill your pool, wasting water and money. The problem will only worsen until you re-open the pool next season.

Posted in pipe health, tips, water conservation, winter | No Comments »

American Leak Detection partners with Esurance to mitigate renter’s insurance claims

Wednesday, September 5th, 2012

The American Leak Detection system has been named a preferred vendor with Esurance, an Allstate Company who is now offering renters insurance and will provide homeowners insurance in the near future.

“We’re excited to begin providing services to Esurance,” said Michelle Hoglund, director of administration at American Leak Detection. “Esurance adjustors are utilizing our services when they must provide a report on the cause and origin of water loss. Also, for those American Leak Detection locations that offer plumbing related repairs, the property owner may select us to have the damaged source repaired or replaced.”

This new relationship will allow American Leak Detection offices to expand their mission even further- to save renters and homeowners’ water, time and money.

Posted in pipe health, property managers, tips, water conservation | No Comments »

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