Archive for May, 2009

How should I choose a leak detection specialist?

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Technology that allows an experienced leak specialist to isolate the area of a leak can save an average consumer hundreds of dollars in needless hit and miss digging. Unfortunately, many consumers still have to bear costs associated with search and destroy methods when they call service men that have no modern leak detection equipment or no modern leak detection skills. To avoid needless damage to your property and other unnecessary costs, here are some things you should look for when choosing a leak detection company:

  • Experience and Resources. We suggest that you determine what kind of experience the firm has in leak detection. How many years have they been in business as a leak detection company? Are they associated with any organization that provides continuing research and development regarding leak detection technology and techniques? What is the ‘depth’ of the organization-what if the guy you are talking to can’t find your leak, is there another level to go to for a ‘troubleshooter’? Is there a real ‘business operation’ or is the company one guy with an answering machine and a cellular phone who may or may not choose to call you back if there’s a problem?
  • Guarantee. What if they cannot find the leak? What if they mark the leak in the wrong place? Will they stand by their work and come back? In the business where leaks are mostly concealed, a guarantee is truly comforting.
  • Flat Rate Pricing. An efficient leak detection firm will provide a flat rate price for most residential jobs. This means that whether it takes one hour or five hours or even multiple trips to find your leak, they will charge the same rate. Conversely, an hourly rate scenario with an inexperienced technician can set you up for a very large invoice.
  • Licensed-Bonded-Insured. Check with your County Contractors Licensing Bureau to confirm that the company is licensed to work in your County. Consider whether they have a Contractors license or just an occupational license. Have you confirmed that the company is bonded? Can they provide you with a certificate of insurance for both workers compensation and liability insurance and are the dollar limits adequate to protect you and your assets?
  • Equipment. Make sure the company you choose uses modern electronic leak detection instruments. Simply placing an ear or stethoscope to the floor just does not cut it today.
  • Referral. Be sure to contact your insurance company if you believe you have a leak in your home. Many insurance companies have a leak detection specialist they trust and have relied on for many of their claims. Also, there is a chance your insurance company will pay for the leak detection charges. Another good source of information for an experienced specialist is your property management company.

In the unfortunate event that you experience a leak problem, it can be critical to both your pocketbook and your long-term property value that you take the right steps to solve your problem. No one wants to pay excessive fees or incur the property damage that results from having the wrong people on the job.

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How can I tell if my pool is leaking or if the water loss is just normal evaporation?

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

Try the bucket test to determine if water loss is due to evaporation or a leak.

The Bucket Test

The "Bucket Test" will determine if water loss in a pool is due to evaporation or a leak:

  1. Bring pool water to normal level.
  2. Fill 5 gallon bucket with pool water about 3-4 inches from top.
  3. Place bucket on first or second step of pool.
  4. Mark water level on inside of bucket.
  5. Shut off pump and mark pool level on outside of bucket.
  6. Resume normal pump operation. Make sure auto/manual fill valve is off during test.
  7. After 24 hours, compare the two levels. If the pool water (outside mark) goes down more than the inside water level, there is probably a leak.

In case of rain, repeat the test.

Test is not valid after 24 hours.

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Posted in swimming pools, tips | 2 Comments »

Plumbing Contractors Facing Tough Times

Friday, May 15th, 2009

Check out this article from Plumbing and Mechanical Magazine:

The first step is admitting you need help.

Since we first published this list last year, the U.S. and global economies have gotten worse. And no one knows exactly when it will rebound, although some experts say we have finally hit bottom.

Some of your competitors may have hit bottom, too, and are no longer your competitors. This type of business climate can really weed out the underperformers — just look at all the out-of-business signs you see everywhere.

Some of these business owners may have just decided they wanted out and didn’t have any formal exit strategy, so they just shut the business down. Others may have not had the business knowledge they needed to prosper, so they had to close up shop or declare bankruptcy.

For contractors in the plumbing and heating industry, you have better options that will keep your employees working and your communities viable and flourishing. The first step is admitting you need help. The second is to decide if you want to stay working on the business or get out. The third step is to examine the different franchise and affinity groups listed here. The next step is to decide on a group or franchise that best fits your business philosophy.

The final step? Take action! If not, one of those out-of-business signs could be in your window.


Read the full article here.

Check out the American Leak Detection franchise opportunities.

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Posted in plumbing | 4 Comments »

Texas Senate has passed a pool and spa safety bill

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

The Texas Senate has passed a pool and spa safety bill that would implement safety requirements more stringent than those in the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

SB 96 takes many VGB Act requirements for commercial vessels and places them on all pools and spas statewide.

And if passed as currently written, it would add other requirements as well. In addition to the drain requirements found in the federal law, the Texas legislation would require a safety vacuum release system, suction-limiting vent or other such device as a backup on all pools to prevent a vacuum from forming. If passed, the law will apply to pools and spas built on or after Sept. 1, 2009.

Existing single-drain pools renovated after that date must be modified to have a dual-drain, blockable drain or drainless system, as well as some of the shut-off devices.

Read the full article.

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May 2009 is National Water Safety Month

Friday, May 1st, 2009

National Water Safety Month is set for May 2009, organized by three leading trade organizations.

In recognition of the popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States, and the resulting need for ongoing public education on safer water practices, including swim lessons, the buddy system, parental supervision, following the posted rules, and always being “water aware,” the Month of May, 2009 has been announced as National Water Safety Month.

This designation has been proclaimed as a joint effort of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, the National Recreation & Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association. These organizations represent businesses and other individuals and agencies involved in bringing safe, enjoyable aquatic activities to the American public, from home pools and spas, to waterparks and resorts, to public swimming and water recreation facilities.

National Water Safety Month will be celebrated through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and business promotions, and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public, and designed to prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

Bill Weber, President and CEO of the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, commented, “The safe use of pools, spas and other recreational water facilities is a priority for everyone, from companies that build and service pools, to facility management, to parents and individuals who enjoy the benefits of aquatic activities. The combined efforts of the three sponsoring organizations, along with assistance from other agencies will serve to focus attention on the importance of water safety to all stakeholders, with residual value that will extend well beyond National Water Safety Month.”

Following a few guidelines can help assure that you’ll have a positive, safe, enjoyable experience.

Start With These Pool Safety Basics:

  • Responsible Adult Supervision is Key: This means no distractions and constant visual contact whenever children are present.
  • No Broken or Missing Drain Covers: Never use a pool if the drain cover is broken or missing.
  • Provide Layers of Protection: This means the pool, spa, or hot tub is equipped with several devices to delay unsupervised access or to warn of a small child’s presence. This includes fencing, safety covers, pool and door alarms, ropes and floats and an outside telephone for emergencies.

Detailed information about National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at the sites of the sponsoring organizations: www.apsp.org, www.waterparks.org, and www.nrpa.org.

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Posted in pool safety, swimming pools | 1 Comment »