Archive for the ‘water conservation’ Category

Local business owner joins That Others May Live Foundation to support families of fallen heroes

Thursday, May 9th, 2013

For the third consecutive year, American Leak Detection of Columbus owner Steven West is contributing a percentage of his monthly sales to an organization that provides tragedy assistance for fallen USAF rescue members.

This cause is especially important to West, who served as a United States Air Force Pararescue Staff Sergeant from 1985 to 1994. This elite force is tasked with the rescue and recovery of personnel in combat and humanitarian operations. Since 1985, 29 pararescuemen and dozens of additional rescue crew-members have been killed in the line of duty.

West is contributing $10 for every invoice in the month of May to the Las Vegas-based That Others May Live Foundation. West’s leak technicians will also be encouraging customers to match their $10 donation while they’re in the field each day.

“This cause is extremely close to my heart,” says West. “These guys are out there putting themselves in harm’s way and tragically, many perish in the line of duty doing what I once did. This foundation provides critical support to the surviving family members and ensures educational opportunities for every child that has lost a parent during a mission.”

This year’s Pararescue Challenge, an annual event, is dedicated to the memory of Chief Master Sergeant Nick McCaskill who was killed while fighting off an ambush in Afghanistan while supporting the U.S. State Department April 6, 2013. The Chief is survived by his wife of 20 years, Nikki, and their two teenage daughters, Kenna & Tyler.

The fundraiser, consisting of physical fitness and endurance aspects, is open to both individuals and teams of three. It will begin at 7 a.m., May 18 at Hilliard Municipal Park, 3850 Veteran’s Memorial Drive. Visit www.ParaRescueChallenge.com to register for $75 or $210 to race as a team.

Steven and Lisa West purchased their Columbus territory in August 1998. They operate four trucks and employ a staff of seven. They serve Columbus and Central Ohio, including Delaware, Knox, Madison, Perry and Ross counties. For information, call 614-876-7146.

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Gathany Takes Over Leak Detection Franchise in Daytona Beach

Monday, April 29th, 2013

Starting his own business is a dream for this U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Chad Gathany recently purchased the American Leak Detection franchise that he was working for in Daytona Beach, Florida. Like all American Leak Detection franchisees, Gathany will offer his customers “leak detection without destruction.”

“I knew I wanted to do something different with my life,” says Gathany, a plumber with decades of experience. “I’ve been looking to own my own business and American Leak Detection is a great way for me to get out in my community and provide a service that saves people money and helps conserve water. I think it’s a win-win.”

Gathany just completed several weeks of training which will help prepare him to become the franchise owner. He is already a certified “Original Leak Specialist” and for several years has provided a variety of leak detection services including pool and slab leak detection, electromagnetic pipeline location and infrared leak detection. Gathany and his team use a variety of exclusive equipment and utilize cutting-edge technology to find leaks without causing damage to a customer’s property. Under Gathany’s ownership, the franchise will continue to provide leak detection services to homes, businesses and municipalities from Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, Edgewater, and inland as far as DeLand.

Gathany and his staff serve an area of more than 600,000 people in Volusia and Flagler Counties with two trucks which deploy from their Port Orange office.

“I am proud to offer American Leak Detection’s tried and true services,” says Gathany. “Being a part of an internationally known company is priceless and so is being my own boss.”

When Gathany is not busy pinpointing leaks, he enjoys motorcycle rides along the Florida coastline.

“We are pleased to welcome Chad Gathany to our family of franchisees,” says Patrick DeSouza, executive chairman of American Leak Detection. “The transition from working in a franchise to owning one is a great step; Chad is committed to creating his own success. Our franchisees save customers money, minimize property damage, and help conserve our most precious resource – water.”

American Leak Detection has been operating in Daytona Beach for the past 20 years.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a leak detection specialist, call 386-756-4113. For more information about American Leak Detection, visit www.americanleakdetection.com.

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Posted in Franchise, florida, new owner, pipe health, water conservation | No Comments »

The high cost of clean, fresh water

Friday, April 26th, 2013

What is the most expensive commodity in the world? One may assume its land, oil or maybe natural gasses. But in fact, it’s more simple than all of those- drinking water. Treated water used for drinking and agriculture purposes continue to skyrocket no matter where you live or how much precipitation your climate provides.

According to the United Nations, more than two billion people in 48 countries will lack sufficient water by 2050. Approximately 98 percent of water on the planet is saltwater, while lakes, rivers and groundwater account for about one percent of the world’s potentially usable freshwater.

Who pays for the most expensive tap water in the world? This necessary resource is available, but it comes at a high price for many.

The product manufacturers of Shower and Save completed a study showcasing worldwide water prices. Their comparison of the highest water tariffs examined 2010 water prices and include surcharges, rebates, taxes and sewer rates.  Foreign currencies have also been converted into US cents so that we can see who is the most expensive.

The list represent the most expensive country/state/province or territory for 100 litres of water (26.4 US Gallons):

Top 20:

Denmark 76.09

Germany 62.46

Newfoundland & Labrador 55.79

Prince Edward Island 52.31

West Virginia 48.86

Netherlands 48.72

Wales 48.40

Queensland 47.07

New Brunswick 47.06

New South Wales 46.50

Luxembourg 45.08

Western Australia 43.22

Washington 42.93

Lithuania 42.83

Oregon 42.30

Belgium 41.11

Capital Territory 38.62

New Zealand 38.51

Tasmania 38.42

Wisconsin 37.82

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East Tennessee team locates mountain resort’s mystery leak causing massive water bills

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

Leak “detection” may be a part of our name, but most jobs don’t require as much detective work and mystery solving as the one owner Jeff Deel recently faced in Gatlinburg, TN.

A property management firm had been informed by their local water utility they were consuming 2 million gallons of water each month and their water was going to be shut off if the problem could not be located and corrected.

Extreme winter conditions of pouring rain, snow and freezing temperatures over the three-day job did not help matters any. The property itself was a daunting one- there were more than 100 cabins and 7 miles of buried water lines dating back to 1965. The property’s ownership had changed hands, so current owners were unaware exactly where the lines were buried. With no maps to use as resources, Deel said the team had to start from the beginning.

“Management arranged to have a crew with us so we could enter cabins and close valves when necessary to try and isolate different areas,” Deel said. “We found that about 20 gallons per minute was flowing upstream due to a shower valve being open in one of the cabins.”

Now they had a starting point. After using a correlator and pressure testing lines, they were able to learn three additional cabins were tied into the main pipe. An in-ground valve was turned off each evening in order to monitor water flow through the main water meter. Very little water was flowing through the meter to the cabins above, so they tried opening the in-ground valve to find that 100 gallons was metering every 2:45, or causing about 36 gallons per minute to leak. They had found the source.

After excavating near the creek, Deel was able to distinguish an acoustic leak signal measuring 6 feet deep. The culprit was a 3-inch PVC pipe with a crack in the cap.

“Their men had been chasing it for 6 weeks and they were getting desperate,” Deel said. “This one felt like a wild goose chase. We used every tool we had and I was tickled to death when we finally found it. We were all high-fiving.”

Jeff Deel has owned and operated American Leak Detection of East Tennessee’s team of four trucks since 2004. For more information, visit http://www.americanleakdetection.com/tn-knoxville/residential-service

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Posted in Interesting jobs, water conservation | No Comments »

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.

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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

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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.

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

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.

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Toilet flappers are common culprit of household leaks and water waste

Tuesday, July 31st, 2012

Drip. Drip. Drip.

You have just laid down in bed after a long day and then you hear it. The toilet is running again and you’re forced to get up and jiggle the handle to silence it. One of the most common household leaks our technicians see every day is the leaky toilet.

Ignoring it for any length of time can cause your water bill to skyrocket. A leaking toilet can use up to 90,000 gallons of water in 30 days and a typical toilet leak can add as much as $500 to your monthly water bill. If your toilet is constantly running, or even intermittently running, without you flushing it, then you have a leak somewhere.

But don’t worry, replacing the toilet flapper is an easy, quick and cheap do-it-yourself project you can tackle. How do you know if the toilet flapper (the small rubber gasket at the bottom of the tank) is causing the leak? Look for any telltale signs of wear on the rubber. When was the last time you replaced it? If the rubber shows any discoloration or black residue covers your hands after touching it, your flapper is the culprit.

Another way to test if your flapper is causing a leak entails putting a few drops of household food coloring in the back of the tank. If the chosen color runs into the bowl without flushing, then you have a flapper leak.

It’s a good rule of thumb to inspect each toilet flapper in your home once a year to make sure it’s not causing a leak and higher water bills. They range in price from $2 to $12. As with other plumbing materials, the higher quality product you purchase, the longer it will last. Comprised of rubber or soft plastic, they will wear down and degrade as time passes.

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