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

SPRINGS–Foggers are the latest weapon to fight the Swine flu.

Most people are infected by germs on flat surfaces such as doors, tables, desks, floors, door knobs and even ceilings.

Palm Springs-based American Leak Detection has developed a fogging device that dispenses a disinfectant.

Spokesman John Davis says it’s effective against an array of viruses. “It includes HIV, herpes, tuberculosis, the bird flu, E-coli, Hepatitis B and C among others.”

The sanitizer mist is eco-friendly and is becoming popular at schools and restaurants.

Get more information about facilities hygiene.

American Leak Detection, through its B Environmental brand of service offerings, has launched a significant weapon in the battle against H1N1 A Influenza (commonly known as Swine Flu). B-Sanitized™ is a disinfectant fogger that, within minutes, disinfects all exposed room surfaces through the release of a fine sanitizer mist.

“Offices, schools, daycare centers, clinics, hospitals, and practically every enclosed work place, are a hub for the transmission of germs and infection, often by people who aren’t aware they are sick yet,” says John Davis, Director of Corporate Operations. “Cleaning surfaces and washing hands are very important measures to help prevent the spread of germs,” he explains. “Employers have a responsibility and vested interest to protect their employees, and while education and awareness are steps in the right direction, actions speak louder than words.”

Cleaning every surface in a room by conventional methods is difficult and time consuming. B-Sanitized is an EPA-registered solution that can disinfect an entire room in minutes. At the end of the work day, simply release the cap and place the pressurized canister in the middle of the room to be disinfected. Within 15 minutes, the total release fogger distributes the environmentally responsible disinfectant throughout the room, effectively sanitizing exposed surfaces such as floors, walls, desks, and ceilings.

B-Sanitized is EPA-certified effective against Influenza A viruses including H1N1 A Influenza. It is also effective against HIV, herpes, tuberculosis, bird flu, E-coli, mold, and Hepatitis B & C, among others.

The B Environmental program focuses on hygiene, odor control, wastestream efficiency and can propose a multitude of proactive solutions for commercial and industrial markets. Get more information about American Leak Detection, B-Sanitized™ or their line of B Environmental services and products.

Find solutions in your area

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For pool leaks, San Bernardino residents can call in American Leak Detection to diagnose exactly where the problem is and how it can be repaired. They even offer a simple self-test on their website called the “bucket test” where you place a full five gallon bucket of water on to the first or second step of your pool. You mark the water level on both the inside and the outside of the bucket and then wait twenty four hours and measure it again. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level, there is probably a leak.

American Leak Detection also offers a test to see if your home has a plumbing leak such as a leak under the slab. San Bernardino residents who have experienced a slab leak understand how important it is to detect it early. This is the type of leak that happens underground, below a fixed structure, and can cause major damage if allowed to get out of hand. Another self-test is the Meter Test.  This test should be conducted for a 30 minute period, during which time no water is being used on the property. Close shut-off valves beneath toilets and fixtures and then read the water meter. Wait a half hour and read it again. If it has moved you have a leak.

These are just basic tests you can do and American Leak Detection has many more methods they employ when you call them in to find plumbing leaks. San Bernardino is positioned in a seismically active area so plumbing and pool leaks are common. The techniques used by American Leak Detection are non-invasive. Their specialists are more than plumbers — they don’t have to dig through your basement or under your kitchen sink to find what they are looking for. Any work done detecting leaks in your home will be done without a mess.

American Leak Detection uses infrared technology as well as sound sensitive listening equipment to detect leaks without having to dig up any concrete or flooring in a home. San Bernardino is lucky to have these services available to them. Residents no longer have to wait for something to go wrong and then call a plumber. Leaks can be detected before it gets to that point and major water damage can be averted.  If you need to dig on your property, American Leak Detection can also locate public utility pipes and sewage lines before you begin. Because there is the danger you may hit gas or electrical lines while you are digging, American Leak Detection can tell you exactly what’s underground and where to prevent a minor problem from becoming a major disaster.

www.americanleakdetection.com/sanbernardino

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.”

Read the full article at MyDesert.com.

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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.”

Read the full article.

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.