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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December 17th, 2012
American Leak Detection Marketing Director Adam Gray with Angie Hicks in 2011
Multiple American Leak Detection territories have earned the service industry-coveted 2012 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor awarded annually to approximately 5 percent of all the companies rated on Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. This year’s winning offices include Indianapolis, Seattle, Portland, Orange County CA, Tampa, Las Vegas, Little Rock, Miami, East Bay CA, Palm Beach and Jacksonville.
“Our employees really strive to provide the best customer service available and we are very proud to see them recognized for their outstanding efforts,” said Patrick Desouza, Executive Chairman of American Leak Detection.
“It’s a select group of companies rated on Angie’s List that can claim the exemplary customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “Our standards for the Super Service Award are quite high. The fact that American Leak Detection earned this recognition speaks volumes about its dedication providing great service to its customers.”
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2012 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, including earning a minimum number of reports, an excellent rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2012 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.
Angie’s List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 550 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. More than 1.5 million paid households use Angie’s List to gain unlimited access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine, and the Angie’s List complaint resolution service.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
