Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Q: How should I choose a leak detection specialist?

A: 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? We are the only leak detection company in the area that is affiliated with an international franchise system. American Leak Detection is the recognized world leader in non-invasive location of concealed leaks. Beginning in 1974, there are more than 300 franchise territories in 37 states and 13 countries. A significant portion of our royalties are invested in research and development, insuring that state-of-the-art technology is being used to solve your problem.
Locally, we have been in business since 1994, providing you with years of experience. We have a staff of highly trained technicians, all of which have been with us from two years to thirteen years or more. No one else in the area provides this depth of expertise.

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 a business where leaks are mostly concealed, a guarantee is truly comforting.

Insurance. 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 or pipe 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 may 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 wallet 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.

Q: Before I bring in a leak specialist to find a leak in my home, aren’t there some steps that I can take to try and find the problem myself?

A: The following list includes some pointers we often share with home and building owners who want to do some leak hunting of their own. These tidbits apply primarily to leak search areas that do not require advanced electronic leak detection tools and years of experience using them.

To check for toilet leaks: Place a dye tablet, food coloring, or milk of magnesia into a toilet tank full of water. Wait for a few minutes to see if it seeps down into the bowl area. If it does, you will need to repair or replace the flapper or  valve.

If you have a two-piece toilet (separate tank and bowl), take some toilet paper and work it into the open area between the tank and the bowl. Check for water prior to and after flushing. If it is dry prior to flushing, recheck again after flushing. If it is wet, this will confirm a leak occurs during the flushing cycle.

Turn on all of the faucets, one by one. While the water is running, move the faucet handle back and forth. Look for water leakage around the valve stem and faucet spout. Check your outside hose bibs too.

When checking the faucets, be sure to look at the drain piping under the sink as water flows through the drainpipes.

If you have lever operated water-stopping devices (plugs) in sinks and tubs, work them open and closed while the water is running. Look for leaks in these movable parts where they connect to the drain system.