Leak Detection Inspections, Burst Pipe, Water Pipe Retubes and Pipe Locating

A leak detection technician locates and identifies water leaks and burst pipes that can’t be identified by a visual inspection with technologically advanced equipment. The damage may be visible but the cause of the leak is unknown. 

Unattended water leaks and burst pipes will inflate your monthly municipal bill and can lead to property damage.

The Monster Plumbing Team uses various technologies and methods to investigate the problem and provide you with an accurate finding.

Report burst main water pipes to the City of Cape Town. Call 0860 103 089.

Leak Detection Methods

Audio, Sonic, and Correlation

These methods enable the operator to listen to pressurised water pipes, fittings, or terminals for any noise disturbances that indicate a burst or rupture on water supply pipes within a building.
The noise frequencies will vary and training is important to interpret the various noise indicators to successfully identify the active leak and its location.

Gas

This specialist tracer gas is injected into the water reticulation system to identify a leak microscopically small (rusted/pitted pipes) or burst pipes.
The operator passes a “sniffer” reading device over the areas where pipes are installed and the device can detect the tracer gas measurements to find the smallest active leaks or bursts in areas not known to the property owner.

Dye-flood Tests

Leak detection plumbers conduct dye-flood tests on passive waste pipe systems, waterproofing defected areas, and shower floors. The dye is inserted into the system and if there is a passive leak, waterproofing issue, or compromised shower floor, the dye will show up in the affected area.

Other additional methods include infra-red, pipe locating, and moisture testing. The leak detector specialist may need to make use of multiple technologies simultaneously to confirm a leak or burst where one particular test is inconclusive.

Common sources of water leaks

Water leaks occur on the water supply or discharge side. An unexplained increase in monthly water cost likely originates from leaks in your incoming water supply. On further inspection you may find a burst or leaking pipe, dripping taps, or a constantly running toilet. A running toilet or dripping tap in the garden, bathroom or kitchen are easy to identify. So are exterior and above surface pipes. But what about pipes located in walls or below the surface? Check your meter first. If the meter still runs when no taps or toilets are in use, you likely have an invisible pipe leak somewhere on your property. Aged and corroded copper pipes are a common source of water leaks. To fix corroded copper pipe  require retubing. First check your water You water meter is the first place to look. The water meter also helps you identify a leak on your property – especially when the leak isn’t visible and possibly underground.

Burst and Leaking Pipe Repairs

Burst Pipe, Leaking Pipe, and Water Pipe Retube

Pressurised water supply pipes can rupture/burst at their weakest point. Leaks can also occur on pressurised water pipes due to age, incorrect installation, and corrosion of copper pipes over time, just to name a few. Depending on the condition of the water supply pipe, either a sectional repair can be conducted or a full water pipe retube.

A water pipe re-tube is when the hot and/or cold water supply pipes are either removed and replaced with new pipes or isolated and a bypass retube is conducted if this is the less damaging option.

Pool Leaks and Repairs

Leak detection can also be conducted on the water pipes of a pool system. Once the leak/burst has been located, Monster Plumbing can assist with the repairs.

Plumbing Leak Detection F.A.Q

When a tap doesn’t close fully and causes a leak or difficulty to operate, it should be replaced or repaired without delay to avoid water wastage.

If a toilet is constantly running, the flushing mechanism may be faulty or the fluid valve isn’t shutting off. 

Ghost flushing occurs when toilet water continuously runs down from the cistern into the pan causing ongoing water loss. This is one of the most overlooked problems resulting in thousands of litres of water loss that could incur serious costs.

Noises from toilets often occur when a fluid valve is struggling to close when it reaches the full level but not closing immediately causing for a hydraulic noise to occur before closing.

When a toilet pan seal is not water tight, it will leak and cause for a drip to occur at the lower back of the toilet where it joins onto the waste pipe. A sealant can be replaced and a new pan connector can be installed if a connector is faulty.

A bath often leaks on the waste connector where the plug connects onto the water trap. Damp or visible water  leaks will occur when the bath water is drained. An opening requires to be made where one is not available to be able to reach the connection and attend to the repair.

Shower taps or blender pipes can leak in the wall, or often the passive blender pipe will leak only when the shower is in use.

Leaking Shower Floors will be identified whilst the shower is in use and water visibly leaks out of the compromised shower floor. A full shower floor replacement should start with structural preparation, inspection, and water proofing of the shower base. Then a waterproofing and bonding agent would be used to join the concrete base to the structure. Each layer in the constructing of the base should have a mix of waterproofing liquid present to withstand water ingress from the surface all the way through. Allow ample time for the waterproofed base to cure. Strong adhesion ensures no water ingress occurs to the surrounding walls and floor base.

The slopes of the final tiled shower floor are crucial for water to flow into a new trap. No stagnant water should remain on the shower floor.

Usually, these damages are visible in the surrounding areas of the bathroom, seen on passage walls, bedroom cupboards or walls if the leak/compromised shower floor is left for a long period of time and not attended to.

Basins or sinks can leak into vanities or cupboards where faulty silicone sealant allows water ingress to occur while the basin or sink is being used.

Waste traps or water traps often become faulty and causes for leaks – causing swollen wood cupboards and damp on surrounding walls. It’s recommended to repair or replace the sealant, waste trap or waste connectors.

Waste connectors could leak causing water to drip alongside the trap. The trap itself could also be leaking. Signs of water or waste can be seen, so it’s best to call a plumber to repair or replace the compromised parts.

A variety of factors will cause a geyser or it respective service valve or fittings to leak.

  • The tank itself could have burst, which requires replacement.
  • Pressure valves could discharge water due to faults, debris or high pressure caused by to overheating.
  • TP valves will leak when a thermostat is faulty and overheating the water to protect the geyser from bursting due to overheating.
  • Vacuum breakers (cold / hot) could also leak when due for replacement.
  • The element assembly can leak when it has a hole or the flange rubber has become faulty.

Water leaking from the ceiling, roof, or overflow pipes is a sure sign to investigate any possible leaks which may be linked the geyser or its respective overflow pipes.

There a few reason why these household appliances may leak:

  • The water supply hose could be leaking between the wall and the machine.
  • Waste pipes can leak where the overflow is not securely connected.
  • The machine itself could be faulty and in need of an appliance repairer.
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