As an adult, Rennick became a police officer and supplemented his income with plumbing jobs on the side.  During this time, he grew more convinced of the need for a less invasive procedure to locate leaks.  Rennick worked with an electronics engineer, who helped him develop electronic equipment which would locate concealed leaks.  Current day sensitive electronic tools, equipped with minute microprocessors, are a direct result of their work.  From those tenacious beginnings, the electronic leak detection industry was created.

Although Rennick now focuses his time and efforts on other business ventures, he’s still very much a part of the American Leak Detection family. He is featured in the latest issue of  Franchise Times magazine where he discusses how he enlisted a team of franchisees to serve as first-responders, finding and repairing water, gas and sewer leaks in the early 1990s.

You can take a trip down memory lane and read the full article here:

http://www.franchisetimes.com/content/story.php?article=02301

Don’t miss this opportunity to tune in and learn more about whether owning a franchise is right for you!

“Many homeowners are quick to react to the usual source of water leaks, like faulty toilets and drippy faucets,” says Bill Palmer, CEO and president of American Leak Detection. “But other, less obvious leaks can also send substantial amounts of water, and cash, down the drain. Spring is a great time to check for these hidden sources of leaks, to help conserve both a precious resource and your hard-earned cash in this difficult economy.”

For example, if the indicator on your water is moving, when you know there has been no water usage inside the house, American Leak Detection suggests checking the hose bibs around your yard to make certain that the flow of water to the hose is shutting off completely when the hose is not in use. If these connections are tight, and the meter’s indicator is still moving, you may have a pressurized leak underground between the meter and your home. Or, you could have a slab leak or a leak in your irrigation system. Check your home’s foundation for cracks, uneven growth of vegetation or earth shifts, and walk your yard looking for spongy or even wet areas. If your inspection doesn’t turn up an obvious leak source, you’ll need to call in a leak specialist who can employ electronic leak detection technology to locate, and fix, the leak at its source.

“Some water leaks show up when another utility bill shows a sudden increase,” says Palmer. “For example, an extraordinarily high gas bill, when there is no smell of gas in the home, could indicate a problem with your water heater! You may have a faulty thermostat, or, if your water heater seems to be running constantly, you may have a water leak in the hot water line from the heater. Warm spots on your floor (your dog or cat may have taken to sleeping there) can also be an indication of a pressurized leak under your home.”

Homeowners with swimming s face additional possible sources of water leaks that can be very costly over the course of a swimming season. Pool owners should use the spring season to prep their pool for summer fun by clearing the pool of leaves and other debris and checking the filtration system. Then, once the pool owner has filled the pool up to the middle of the skimmer opening and tested the water for safety, he or she should be alert for signs of water leakage. If the water level in the pool drops by one-eighth inch or more in a 24-hour period, if algae growth begins soon after a chemical treatment or if the pool’s automatic filler is running continuously, chances are the pool is leaking. Check for loose or missing tiles, cracks in the pool deck, cracks and gaps in the pool shell, and standing water, soggy spots or uneven grass growth around the pool.

“Staying on top of water leaks in your home, pool or spa can help you stay inside your budget,” said Palmer. “And, you’ll be helping to conserve a precious, and finite, natural resource.”

The specially-trained experts from American Leak Detection employ quality equipment to detect hidden pipe leaks behind walls and underground before they require major home repairs. These professionals provide the most non-invasive leak detection available, using proprietary methods and technology. Since 1974, American Leak Detection has found more than five million leaks in residential and commercial buildings, saving customers millions of dollars, and supporting the company’s ongoing commitment to resource protection.

For more information about American Leak Detection, The Original Leak Specialists, please visit http://www.americanleakdetection.com.

About American Leak Detection
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, California, ALD is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of hidden water, sewer and other types of leaks. For the past nine years, ALD has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. In February 2008, The Wall Street Journal named ALD to its list of the top 25 high-performing franchises. ALD is dedicated to water conservation, resource protection and the providing of eco-friendly services.

The holiday season can be one of the most joyful times of the year with family, friends and loved ones visiting for the festivities. However, the American Leak Detection business wants local residents to know that leaks in the home could dampen the fun.

“With extra guests visiting during this time of year, leaks tend to make things even more hectic. The best thing homeowners can do is to be prepared by knowing the signs and symptoms of a leak ahead of time,” said Jimmy Carter, American Leak Detection’s Sr. Director of Field Services. “Whatever the source, water leaks are a serious matter because of the structural damage they can do to your home, which is the last thing you want to deal with during the holidays. At American Leak Detection, we want to help local residents be as proactive as possible when it comes to leaks — before a leak makes a mess of their holiday plans or home.”

According to Carter, you may have a plumbing leak if:

• You can hear the continuous sound of water (like a toilet running) when nothing is turned on.
• Your water bill escalates over a period of weeks or months. (Compare your bills month to month.)
• Your walls or floors have wet, spongy, moist or discolored areas when nothing has been spilled.
• You can smell foul odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers.
• Your building foundation cracks, vegetation grows unevenly, or earth shifts for no apparent reason.
• You find warm spots on your floor, particularly on concrete slab floors.

In addition to these, Carter encourages local homeowners to check for hidden leaks by turning off faucets, all water-using appliances, and not flushing toilets for one hour.

“Record the water meter reading. If the flow indicator (triangular or diamond-shaped rotating button) is spinning or the meter reading has changed while no water is being used, a leaking pipe may exist. Also, it’s important to know where the main water shut-off valve is located in your home and check it frequently to make sure it is operational,” Carter said.

Besides this helpful advice, Carter said that area residents can visit the company’s Web site to use its online water meter test as a preventative measure. By following the list of easy steps, which takes only 30 minutes, people can detect whether they have a leak in their pressurized water system, or if they have a running toilet that should be serviced. The test can be found by visiting www.AmericanLeakDetection.com.

Palm Springs, CA – You never know when it might happen and you probably will need to think fast. Earthquakes can cause underground pipes to shift — or structural fractures in pools to occur. Both scenarios bring hidden water as well as gas leaks, and costly repair bills if the condition is left undetected. A water leak the size of a pinhead, or approximately 1/8th inch in diameter, under a standard 60 pounds of pressure will discharge 970 gallons of water every 24 hours. That’s 360,000 gallons a year.

“It’s not only expensive, it may threaten the surrounding environment, and cause serious damage to foundations and footings,” says Jimmy Carter, Sr. Director of Field Services of American Leak Detection. “It’s important to check for leaks after an earthquake, or aftershock.”

As earthquakes occur, the following warning signs about leaks could be helpful for local residents.

Warning Signs of Hidden Pipe Leaks

• A water meter that registers when all water is turned off
• Running toilets and dripping faucets
• Musty odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers
• Spongy, soft or discolored walls
• The sound of running water when nothing is turned on
• A cracked or unusually damp foundation or slab
• Warm spots on concrete slab floors, or mildew or excessive moisture under carpets
• Wet or moist areas in the yard, often with very healthy or unusual plant or grass growth

Warning Signs of Hidden Leaks in Pools and Spas

• A loss of 1/8” of water or more in 24 hours might indicate evaporation, but consistent losses of this magnitude should be investigated by a professional
• Algae formation too soon after a chemical treatment
• An automatic filler that is constantly releasing water
• Cracks and gaps in the pool shell or concrete deck, or a settling of the whole pool or spa structure into the ground
• Loose or falling tiles.

“If leaks are left untreated, it could lead to hazardous health to loved ones and hazardous damage to your property,” Carter said. “Therefore, it is critical that homeowners check their homes for water and gas leaks after any type of natural disaster.”

Carter adds, when you smell gas, don’t mess around. American Leak Detection is certified, endorsed, and recommended for all types of gas piping system leak locations and repairs. They also install seismic gas shut- offs as a proactive way to avoid a post-earthquake catastrophe.

According to Carter, American Leak Detection uses the most advanced, electronic leak detection equipment without bashing holes in the walls or digging up the deck and yard. The company performs non-invasive leak detection with proprietary methods and state-of-the-art technology. Its highly-trained specialists have extensive training, methodology and unparalleled continuing education.

For information about American Leak Detection, or for more advice and tips during catastrophic events, contact Jimmy Carter at 760-320-8273 (Palm Springs) and 909-820-6555 (San Bernardino County).

About American Leak Detection

Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, California, American Leak Detection is dedicated to resource protection and eco-friendly services. American Leak Detection is the world leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks including hidden water and sewer leaks. From swimming pool cracks to concealed plumbing systems, the smallest leak is located with the most advanced, sophisticated electronic devices – without bashing holes in walls or digging up the deck or yard. For the last nine years, American Leak Detection has been ranked #1 in Entrepreneur® magazine’s “Maintenance Products and Services” franchise sector. In February 2008, The Wall Street Journal included American Leak Detection on its list of the 25 top high-performing franchises. For more information on American Leak Detection, call 800.755.6697 or visit www.americanleakdetection.com

We thank everyone for coming by our booth at “The Western Pool and Spa Show” in Long Beach, California. From San Luis Obispo to San Diego, American Leak Detection appreciates all the time you spent coming by our booth and inquiring about our services. We hope we answered all your questions, and received some helpful information about our detections and repairs. We know that you will be more than satisfied with our professional, clean and honest service.
As a reminder, many pool professionals asked about our services. Here is what talked about at the WPSS tradeshow booth:

• American leak detection offers guarantees on all residential detection and repair.
• The ALD difference is that we retest all repairs once the repair is completed to ensure the highest quality of service for our customers.
• American Leak Detection performs all repairs. We do not sub-contract any repair work. Repairs are completed by our own technician.
• Whether you are a pool tech or represent a pool construction company, we always respect you and your customers. We also will call you from the site with results if you are not on site at the time of the detection.

American Leak Detection is proud to partner with the good people in the pool industry. Please let us know how we could better serve you in the future.
Call toll free in the US at 866-570-5325. Be ready with your customer’s five digit zip code the reach the nearest office.

• Phoenix, AZ
• Tucson, AZ
• Bakersfield, CA
• Canyon Country, CA
• Central Los Angeles, CA
• High Desert, CA
• North Central LA, CA
• West Los Angeles, CA
• Orange County, CA
• Palm Springs, CA
• Riverside, CA
• San Bernardino, CA
• San Diego, CA
• San Gabriel Valley, CA
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara Ventura, CA
• South Bay, CA
• San Diego Pools, CA
• West Los Angeles, CA
• Hawaii, HI
• Las Vegas, NV

American Leak Detection offered information on water conservation and leak prevention.

The Greenzone in Palm Desert, California has been refurbished and retrofit with skylights and solar panels.

From Coachellavalleygreen.com:

The GreenZone is the first multi-tenant commercial property in the Coachella Valley to be renovated and leased exclusively to businesses focused on sustainability and the new green economy.

• American Leak Detection
• BB&K (Best, Best & Krieger)
• Binishells Construction Systems
• Burrtec Waste and Recycling
• SunLine Transit Agency
• Coachella Valley Green.com
• Coachella Valley Home Grown Direct
• Coachella Valley Water District
• COD MESA Students
• Earthling Organics
• EcoMaster Builders
• GE (General Electric)
• GreenGuys Construction
• Livingecowise
• Lasr-Ink
• Light-Source
• PENTA Building Group
• Pentair
• Plant It Earth Landscape/Smart Glass
• Prints Charming Sustainable Printing
• Renova Energy & Solar
• S.C.R.A.P. Gallery
• Sola-Lite
• The Green Bay Group
• TOTALPLAN Business Interiors
• UC Riverside SC Rise

PALM DESERT – If you don’t see roofers on homes now, you will soon. Rain means repairs for many homes. The summer heat and wind causes cracks when it cools down. They often go undetected and are not repaired until it rains. Loni Brock had to deal with a leak in her home a month ago.

“I’ve had some pretty bad leaks I mean, because we don’t get rain often, when it does rain it pours and usually the damage is big,” says Brock.

Jimmy Carter with American Leak Detection examines her home for leaks. His tool detects changes in temperatures that can show where water is making it’s way in-between the walls. Brock’s home is crack-free for now.

Read more at KESQ.com

American Leak Detection (ALD), the world leader in accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks, is participating in the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association’s (CA-NV-AWWA) Educational Extravaganza, taking place Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, CA.

Read the full article.

Learn more about the municipal services of American Leak Detection in Palm Springs, California.