Commercial Plumbing Blog

If you suspect a leak somewhere in your business, it’s important you can trust that your plumber is certain about where it’s located. Obvious leaks may be easy to detect, but some leaks are hidden in hard to reach areas or in places you may least expect. This is why Action Plumbing uses specialized electronic leak detection technology to ensure your leak is located and repaired as quickly as possible.

Electronic leak detection devices are able to locate leaks in even the most difficult to reach places, including:

• under concrete slabs and asphalt
• behind walls
• inside construction
• under landscaping and irrigation

The frustration of hard to find leaks is compounded by the fact that any leak has a direct impact on your water bill. And many business owners typically realize they have a leak when they discover a drastic or unexpected increase in their monthly bill.

Luckily there are other signals that you may have a leak, and knowing what to look for can give you a head start before you call a plumber. Some common signs of leaks to watch for include:

• The sound of running water when you don’t have anything turned on
• Hot water coming from a cold tap
• Your water heater is running continuously
• Unexplained water puddles

If you do suspect a leak, turn off your building’s water supply and call Action Plumbing right away. Your water supply shut-off valve is typically located outside in a covered hole from which water may need to be removed before the electronic leak detection can be performed.

Your experienced technician will then perform a number of activities which can include disconnect pipes from the hot water heater or pressurizing with nitrogen before performing the electronic leak detection. Best of all, the process of electronic leak detection will find your leak on the first try 90% of the time.

If you suspect you have a leak, stop before you begin ripping out drywall and give the experts at Action Plumbing a call. Our emergency service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s important that you check for water leaks on a regular basis for several reasons. Most importantly, finding a water leak early can prevent you from having more serious problems later on. Also, fixing even a small leak can help you save water and keep your water bill down.

Here are a few helpful tips on how to check for water leaks to make the process as easy as possible:

Outside Faucet Testing

While you’re making the most of your outdoor space, it’s a good time to occasionally check your faucets, especially if they aren’t used regularly. Turning them on and off to check for pressure and potential leaks can help you recognize any potential problems.

Testing Toilets

Testing your toilet for leaks is actually a lot easier than you may think. You can do this any time of day and get immediate results.

• Open the lid to the tank and put 1 teaspoon of food coloring inside.
• Wait approximately 15 minutes.
• Don’t flush the toilet while you wait!
• Take a peek inside the toilet bowl. If the water has food coloring in it, then you’ve definitely got a leak. If it’s clear … than you’re in the clear!

Uncovering Pipe Damage

It can be easy to forget about the pipes located in the dark recesses of your basement, but it’s important to check them periodically to make sure everything is running properly. Start by checking pipes located under your sinks then progressively dig deeper into your living areas and your basement using a flashlight to look for leaky areas.

Discovering Drainage Problems

If you notice soggy ground even on particularly hot and dry summer days, this could be an indication that you have a leaking pipe. In this case, we highly recommend getting the help of a professional.

If you have any questions on how to check for water leaks or have uncovered a leaky pipe, Action Plumbing is ready to help!

For some business owners, DIY plumbing fixes just come naturally. For others, the whole concept of plumbing is a complete mystery better left to the professionals. No matter which of these two categories you fall into, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of the truth about plumbers and the activities, responsibilities and risks professional plumbers undertake day in and day out.

Plumbing is Hard Work

The amount of physical strain experienced by a professional plumber is no joke. Musculoskeletal injuries are highly common and caused by the countless number of awkward positions plumbers find themselves in regularly in order to get work done. Not to mention injuries incurred from slips or falls on wet flooring and burns from heating equipment or hot pipes.

Plumbing is Lonely

This can be a bonus for those who prefer to work alone, but the downside is you’re the only worker hauling your heavy equipment and tools. When it’s time to pull out the major machinery needed to reach areas like waste disposal lines and water supplies, you’re typically on your own.

Plumbing Requires Skills

Plumbing involves so much more than finding and fixing stubborn clogs. Plumbers are extremely skilled laborers who are experts in diagnosing your plumbing problems and determining the most effective and efficient means to solve those problems. This includes using a wide variety of equipment, understanding regulations and building codes, and reading and preparing blueprints as well.

Plumbing is Dangerous

Plumbers are often exposed to some pretty nasty conditions that can potentially make a person very sick. For instance, raw sewage can harbor many types of bacteria like dysentery, tetanus, hepatitis, salmonella, leptospirosis, E.coli, and worse. They are also exposed to many dangerous materials like lead, harsh chemical drain cleaners, and asbestos. Plumbers really do put their lives on the line every single day, which is why so important that they know what it is that needs to be done in any given situation.

The Truth About Plumbers from Action Plumbing

The professionals at Action Plumbing are proud to face whatever plumbing problems come their way, and have the training, skills, and expertise necessary to performs their jobs safely, thoroughly, and effectively. For more information about our invaluable staff of dedicated plumbers, contact us anytime.

Many business owners don’t notice common plumbing noises until nighttime when quiet has finally set in. Then suddenly, as if out of nowhere, a clank or clunk can throw you into a tailspin and make you wonder if something is seriously wrong with your plumbing system.

More often you’ll find that everyday noises are no cause for alarm, however, it’s important to note that ignoring important signals could create major problems. So how are you suppose to know the difference? Here are a few of the most common plumbing noises you may encounter with explanations to help you determine whether or not you need to take action.

Rushing Water

If you listen carefully, it can be easy to figure out whether the sound of rushing water is coming from inside a drain line or from a major leak. Remember, your dishwasher and washing machine needs to release wastewater. This wastewater is discharged directly into your drain line and heads out into your drainage system, sometimes creating an audible “whoosh” that can easily catch you off guard.

Dripping Water

Dripping water is the sound of money wasted on your water bill, and typically the sign of a leaky pipe. It could also simply be a leaky toilet or faucet, so it’s important to locate the source of the drip and determine whether it requires a simple fix or the help of a professional plumber.

Rumbling

It’s very common for sediment to build up inside your water heater. When this sediment heats up, it releases moisture into the tank, causing a rumble or popping sound. If you hear something like this happening, it’s a good sign that your water heater is in need of maintenance so that the corrosion causing sediment can be removed.

Banging

Although a loud bang can be jarring, it is often caused by a pipe hitting something nearby as your water is running through it. A common fix for this is adding additional insulation to muffle the sound.

If you have questions about the most common plumbing noises or would like to talk to a specialist to help you determine what’s causing noises in your business’s plumbing system, contact Action Plumbing today!