The Akron water department reports that so far this year they have repaired 11 water main breaks up from the same period last years 5 breaks.
The Hudson Hub Times spoke with Akron’s director of communications who stated the earlier and more extreme freeze temperatures probably had more to do with the breaks than the age and condition of the pipes, even the pipes “dating pre 1900 are considered in reasonable condition.”
Sounds like a job for “E-Pipe” to me!
With the repairs that have been made and the couple scheduled soon, the repair crews have managed to do this without interrupting water service, while it helps that most of the breaks are reported to be on bolt points, that has got to be tough being wet in the freezing temperatures, hats off to the technicians working in Akron, great job!
A local homeowner chose to have American Leak Detection use their new ePipe method of epoxy coating single plumbing lines to repair a leak in a copper hot water line that was located under a shower. The alternative would have been to expose the leak through the shower pan by breaking open a hole in the floor of the shower. In addition to the cost incurred to repair the leak, the shower pan would have had to be replaced and the shower retiled. By using the ePipe method, the leak was repaired in place with only two small holes made in the drywall to access the leaking pipe to effect the ePipe process. Not only was the leak repaired, but the entire line was coated with epoxy which will prevent any future leaks.
American Leak Detection, the world leader in accurate, non-destructive detection of all types of leaks, has expanded its service offerings to provide epoxy pipe restoration technology, better known as ePIPE.
“We are very pleased to be offering this service,” says Stan Berenbaum, President and CEO of American Leak Detection. “ePIPE applies a proprietary epoxy barrier coating within an existing plumbing system and is designed to prevent pinhole leaks, increase water flow and prevent the leaching of heavy metals, such as lead, into the water supply.”
The deteriorating economy has caused homeowners to make saving money a priority, but what many residents do not realize is a major, unnecessary expense is lurking right under their roofs. Water leaks, caused by faulty faucets, shower valves and toilets, waste thousands of gallons of water. These problems can result in hundreds of dollars washed down the drain.
To encourage property owners to investigate possible water leakage in their homes, American Leak Detection is commemorating “Fix-A-Leak Week.” Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the national awareness campaign takes place from March 16th to 20th, and is designed to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
According to American Leak Detection, the most common leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. The EPA estimates that by fixing these types of commonplace leaks, homeowners can save more than 10 percent on their water bills. American Leak Detection recommends residents perform simple maintenance tests on all their household plumbing fixtures including faucets, showerheads, and toilets, as well as outdoor irrigation systems and hose spigots.
For people ready to tackle the job, American Leak Detection offers the following checklist provided by the EPA:
Check the meter – Examine the water meter before and after a two-hour period during which no water was used; if the meter does not read exactly the same, a leak is likely present.
Replace valves – Bad faucet or shower valves may not allow water to be completely shut off.
Replace faulty toilet flappers and float assemblies - An inexpensive rubber part, the toilet flapper, is often to blame for toilet leaks, as mineral build-up can cause the part to decay. A float not adjusted correctly or not working properly can cause water to overfill the tank and rise above the over-flow tube. Fortunately, replacing the flapper is an easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself project.
Examine irrigation systems – Each spring, check the irrigation system to make sure it was not damaged by frost or freezing. Older valves have a tendency to wear out and allow water to run through the valve and to the open side or the sprinkler side.
Tighten spigots – Check for leaks where garden hoses connect to the spigot; if it leaks while running, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer, and use pipe tape and a wrench to secure the bond.
Check pool/spa - An Auto Fill running constantly could indicate a leak. Perform a Bucket Test to confirm water loss. Normal evaporation is usually 1/8″ to 1/4″ with auto fill off.
Take notice – A warm spot on the floor or high gas bills could indicate a hot water leak under the home.
Listen - Hearing water noise in walls at night with no water running could also indicate a leak under the home.
American Leak Detection utilizes specially trained experts and quality equipment to detect leaks before they require major home repairs. The company implements its own proprietary methods and technology to ensure the most non-invasive leak detection possible. Commercial and residential service is available.
