January 04, 2011 // Franchising.com // Palm Springs, CA – Palm Springs based American Leak Detection, Inc., a leader in the accurate, non-invasive detection of water and other leaks, has received top honors from Entrepreneur® Magazine.

For the ninth straight year, Entrepreneur® Magazine ranked American Leak Detection No. 1 in its category in its Franchise 500. Entrepreneur® Magazine researches and analyzes hundreds of franchise companies to determine the best in specific industry categories. Companies are judged on many factors including financial strength, stability, growth rate, number of years in business, with an independent CPA review of financial data.

“Given the serious water availability and infrastructure issues throughout the world, our mission is to create a leading environmental services and technology company focused on water intelligence, detection, conservation and remediation,” says Stan Berenbaum, CEO of American Leak Detection. “We are proud to be recognized, proud of our commitment to the environment and thankful for our dedicated customers, employees, franchisees and business partners.”

Entering its 36th year of business, American Leak Detection operates a network of highly trained leak specialists in the United States and seven other countries who specialize in the accurate, non-destructive detection of hidden water, sewer and other leaks. With a growing interest in franchising opportunities, American Leak Detection possesses a franchising competitive advantage with its operating history, proven system, brand recognition and the worldwide demand for its product and service solutions.

“We believe strongly in helping solve our customers’ water problems and are excited about the tremendous growth opportunities ahead,” added Berenbaum.

For more information about American Leak Detection or its franchise opportunities, go to www.americanleakdetectionfranchise.com.
About American Leak Detection
Founded in 1974 and headquartered in Palm Springs, California, ALD is a 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.
###

“With local residents working on curtailing costs and environmental resources, fixing water leaks should be considered a priority for the community,” said Jimmy Carter, owner of American Leak Detection serving Massachusetts. He goes on to put things in perspective by noting that a leak the size of a pinhead can waste 360,000 gallon of water a year – an amount enough to fill 12,000 bathtubs to the overflow mark.

According to Carter, members of the local community should be constantly vigilant of the water use in their homes. He says the following steps should be taken regularly to accurately monitor for possible water leaks:

- Check for changes to the water meter when there is no water being used – mark the indicator on the meter; don’t use any water for an hour; then check the meter. If the indicator moved, a leak may be present.
- Compare water bills from month to month to see if the bill escalates over a period of weeks or months.
- Inspect walls or floors for wet, spongy, moist or discolored areas.
- Examine building foundation for cracks, uneven growth of vegetation or earth shifts.
- Conduct a “Bucket Test” to check pools and spas for water loss. A loss of one-eighth inch or more of water in 24 hours is suspicious.
- Monitor the pool’s automatic filler; if it is continually releasing water, there may be a leak.

“If members of the local community notice any of the above symptoms occurring at their home or business, they should contact a professional immediately,” said Carter. “Left unaddressed, water leaks can cause costly damage to a building’s structure that may require labor-extensive repairs.”

American Leak Detection serving Massachusetts specializes in the accurate, non-destructive detection of hidden water, sewer and other leaks. Using proprietary equipment and methods, leaks are located without destroying walls or digging holes, thereby avoiding unnecessary property and other damage.

For detailed directions on the Meter Test and Bucket Test, please visit www.americanleakdetection.com. For more information about American Leak Detection serving Massachusetts, please contact Jimmy Carter at 800-755-6697.

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.

But, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other corporate, scientific and government sponsors around the world have designated September 18, 2010, as “World Water Monitoring Day” to focus attention on the importance of preserving one of our most critical resources – water – in both large and small ways.

Many of us take water for granted.  After all, water covers about two-thirds of the earth’s surface, right?  What’s the big deal?  Well, according to the USGS, out of all that water, there’s only about one percent that’s usable by humans!  And, we can’t make or produce new water.  We have a finite supply to work with, so preserving that supply is something we all need to take very seriously.

Because most of the one percent of the world’s water that is available to us is contained in lakes and rivers, World Water Monitoring Day encourages people to take an active role in monitoring the water quality in their neighborhood streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.  Schools, service organizations and concerned individuals strap on their waders or slip into their bathing suits and take water samples and other measurements to help determine the health of the world’s waterways.  You can get involved here.

But, preservation of that “useful” water is also key to protecting our water resources. Here are some simple “checks and changes” from American Leak Detection you can implement in your own home to eliminate common water wasters:

Faucets

• Check for dripping faucets or shower valves. If a drip fills an 8-ounce glass in 15 minutes, the faucet will waste about 180 gallons of water per month, or 2,160 gallons a year.  Simple fix: Try replacing the cartridge, washer or valve seat.
• Change to a low-flow faucet to save an average of 3.5 gallons per minute.

Toilets

• Check for leaks. Drop a teaspoon of food coloring in the toilet tank.  If the color appears in the bowl in about 15 minutes, replace the flapper valve.
• Change to a low-flow toilet to save nearly 3.5 gallons per flush. To save even more, place an empty plastic water bottle filled with pebbles in the toilet tank as a simple water displacement device.

And, here are some handy tools you’ll find on our site to detect those “sneaky leaks” that can silently waste gallons of water each month.

Pool/Spa

• Check for constantly running auto-fill, increased use of chemicals and a high evaporation rate. All could indicate a pool leak. (Note: Normal evaporation is usually 1/8″ to 1/4″ with auto-fill off.)
• Tool: The Bucket Test and The Pool Leak Calculator – to determine if you have a leak and the rate of water loss, respectively, prior to contacting a professional like American Leak Detection.

Hidden Leaks

• Check for silent leaks. Often not thought of are hidden leaks the size of a pinhead in a service line underground or behind a wall, which can waste enough water annually to fill 12,000 bathtubs to the overflow mark. Monitor your water bill and usage monthly and annually.
• Tool: The Meter Test for homes – to determine if you may have a leak prior to calling an expert such as American Leak Detection.

Each action that you take may seem like just a drop in the bucket of worldwide conservation, but if everyone takes responsibility for detecting and stopping water-wasting leaks in their own homes, the savings will really create a big splash! Share our tips with your friends to begin to make a difference today.

While many pool owners suspect their pool is leaking, they fail to take corrective action because they incorrectly believe their water loss is minimal.

If you suspect a swimming pool is leaking, visit our swimming pool water loss calculator. Input the length and width of your pool, and the number of inches of water the pool is losing each day. With that information, it will calculate how many gallons of water your swimming pool is actually leaking.

For example, if a standard size pool (18’ by 27’) is losing 2 inches of water a day, the pool loss calculator will show that the number of gallons of water lost each day is 605!

With that type of water loss, a call to an Original Leak Specialist is a must!

Locating and repairing leaks will help save money on water and chemicals as well as reduce the potential for significant damage to property.

Fortunately, national April home sales were up 20% over last year. With real estate activity finally picking up, the last thing a seller, buyer, real estate agent, or lender wants is a delay in the sales process as a result of a leaking swimming pool. With a little bit of planning, however, delays can be avoided.

Pools Do Leak

First, all concerned parties should be aware that pools leak. Indeed, 1 in 20 swimming pools have a leak right now. While older properties may suffer from corroded plumbing and a compromised structure, newer properties may suffer from unintended construction errors or changes in the natural water table.

Home Inspectors Do Not Perform a Full Pool Leak Detection

Second, all parties should recognize that home inspectors typically do not perform a full pool leak detection. Rather, “they perform a visual inspection of the pool structure, surroundings, and pump. If all looks well, they will check off the pool as ‘in working order’”, says Debbie Sander, a real estate agent for Windermere.

To Avoid Delays, Be Pro-Active

Third, all parties should be pro-active by considering the following signs and symptoms of a pool leak:

• There is algae forming too soon after a chemical treatment.
• There are loose or falling tiles or pool deck cracks.
• The pool/spa has settled into the ground or cracks and gaps appear in the pool shell or concrete deck.
• There is standing water, mushy spots, or uneven grass growth around the pool/spa area.
• The automatic filler is continually releasing water.

If any of these conditions are present, then retain a professional leak detection specialist early in the sales process. A leak detection specialist can perform a much more detailed inspection of the pool, its equipment and specifications. Pressure checks can be performed. Any pool leak issues can then be identified and resolved and a timely closing ensured.

Learn more about leak symptoms.

I have a large (man-made) pond in my back yard. While I believe it’s leaking, I don’t know for sure. Can it be tested?

Dear Claudette,

Absolutely. Modern leak detection technology has made it possible to test large water-holding structures such as ponds and fountains for leaks.
Depending on the amount of the water loss, the size of the circulating system, and the condition of the pond interior, an experienced and well-equipped leak detection company (like American Leak Detection) can give you a summary and estimate of the work involved and thereafter locate leaks in the pond.

We spoke to many professionals in the pool building and maintenance industry and enjoyed the conversations and stories of pool issues. Many of you had similar questions about our business including the following:

Q: Does American Leak Detection sell equipment?

A: We provide the leak detection service so you can stay focused on your customers and business.

Q: Does American Leak Detection repair pools?

A: Our service may vary from office to office, however for the most part, we offer minor repairs on pools such as separation repairs and minor cracks in the structure. Some American Leak Detection locations offer additional repair services such as skimmer replacements, skimmer throat repairs, pool plumbing repairs under the deck, and polymer crack injection repairs. If you or the homeowner prefers to make the repair, we are happy to locate the leak and “mark the spot.” We don’t handle massive repairs such as pool re-plastering or vinyl liner replacement. Contact your local office to find out their repair service offering.

Q: Does American Leak Detection have a location near me?

A: We are in 39 states, and cover most areas. We also have 17 international locations. You can find an office near you on our website using the zip code finder, or on our local listing page at: http://www.americanleakdetection.com/franchisee-locations-by-state.php

Thank you for stopping by our booth at the APSP tradeshow, and we look forward to seeing you next year at APSP 2010.

Gunite is a mixture of cement, sand, and water that is sprayed on a surface under pneumatic pressure.

Gunite, along with a rebar frame, is used to create the structure of the pool. Plaster is then applied to create a water barrier. Gunite is porous and should not be used by itself to construct a pool. There must be a water barrier between the porous gunite and the water. If the plaster is not thick enough, it could allow water to seep through the gunite. This will result in water loss that is difficult to isolate without draining the pool. There are methods for repairing a pool that is not properly sealed with enough plaster.

WARNING: DO NOT DRAIN YOUR POOL WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL PRESENT. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE POOL AND SURROUNDING PROPERTY MAY OCCUR.

How do gunite swimming pools crack?

Gunite pool structures are susceptible to cracking when water from behind the structure permeates the porous voids of the structure and changes temperature, effectively expanding and contracting.

Cracking in gunite can also occur when the surround ground shifts. The change in the ground can happen due to a change in the water table, earthquakes, or freezing and thawing of the ground.

Weak points in the structure will succumb to the pressure resulting in fissures.

What are the repair methods for gunite swimming pools?

Seeping water through plaster

If the pool is losing water because the plaster was not applied correctly and water is seeping through to the porous gunite, the solution is to identify the faulty area and apply additional plaster. There are different repair methods depending on the nature of the problem. If the plaster or grout line is in poor condition, a replaster may be required. If it is a very small leak, a waterproof sealant can be poured into the pool. This method is the easiest fix, however, there could be complications if all the steps are not followed correctly.

Cracked plaster

If the plaster is cracked, the use of pressurized polymer is the best solution. It adheres to the structure, bonding the pieces together as a flexible hinge. The repaired crack is then hidden from view by reapplying a plaster coating to the appropriate thickness.

If the gunite has a large crack, we have solutions to secure and repair the structure. To stabilize the structure, we will lock the gunite structure together and then perform a polymer crack injection to seal the leak. Lastly, we will replaster over the mended crack and polymer.

Contact American Leak Detection for professional repair of your gunite pool.

The exhibition ran for three days in between lectures. Total attendees for the conference were 2,379, with 86 attendees visiting the American Leak Detection booth. Of those that visited, 20% had immediate leak detection needs. The B-Environmental line of eco-friendly products and services also caught a lot of attention, much of which was from the Midwest and East Coast.

Look for American Leak Detection at next year’s show in Long Beach, June 27-29, 2010.

A recent Arava Transboundary Environmental Management seminar at UCLA focused heavily on regional water leak detection as a means of minimizing water losses in the Middle East and reducing resulting tensions over water rights.

UCLA Royce Hall

The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, a Middle East environmental teaching and research program, recently held a series of seminars in the United Sates on Transboundary Environmental Management. As president of American Leak Detection (ALD), an international franchisor and leading provider of non-invasive water and other leak detection services, I attended as a supporter and sponsor of the seminars.

Download the PDF of the article.