Archive for the ‘winter’ 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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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 »

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 »

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.

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

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.

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The do-it-yourself way to check for gas leaks

Thursday, August 23rd, 2012

Many times, you don’t need to be a professional to locate gas leaks. One tried-and-true home remedy is available using items already in your kitchen cabinet.

Of course, if you smell gas in your home, immediately call your gas company or 911 and turn the gas off at the meter.

But what if you detect a very faint rotten egg smell you think may be gas? First, you need to find or purchase a spray bottle and grab soapy water from the kitchen. You can use a few ounces of Dawn in warm water for a large spray bottle. At each gas joint, valve and fitting, spray all areas where you smell gas.

The soapy water will start to bubble at the source of the leak. If the leak is at a flex line, you can tighten the nut on the flex connector. If your leak is on a valve in your home, it’s best to replace the service valve. If you find you have a loose connection in one area, then be sure to tighten it and use the soap and water solution spraying method again to check if your leak is gone.

Posted in pipe health, tips | No Comments »

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