FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions
What is leak detection?
Leak detection refers to the process of identifying the presence or location of a leak in a system or structure, such as a water or gas pipe, a fuel tank, or an oil well. The methods used for leak detection can range from simple visual inspections to sophisticated electronic sensors and techniques, such as acoustic or infrared imaging. The goal of leak detection is to prevent or minimize damage, waste, and environmental harm, and to maintain the efficiency and safety of the system or structure.
The three basic functions are:
determining if there is leakage or not,
measurement of leak rate,
leakage location
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There are many methods and types of test equipment used for leak detection, however there is no single technique that fits every situation. Some of the methods and tools include: Acoustic, Tracer Gas, Thermal Imaging, Moisture Mapping, evidence based water testing etc. In Australia there is no formal license, training, courses or apprenticeships in leak detection nor does it have its own industry category. It is therefore an acquired skill.
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Leak detection can be 100% accurate depending on the experience and skill of the technician. Utilizing advanced tools and equipment, leak detection is non invasive in the majority of applications.
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The average cost for leak detection is between $200.- and $600.- depending on the scope of works. For example, a roof or wall leak of a commercial factory may require more time, boom or scissor lifts, an additional technician and OH&S requirements. A residential burst pipe can take less than 30 minutes to locate.
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Active - When a pressure barrier (pipe) fails to contain or isolate a system fluid (water or gas) which is a result of cracks, gaps or permeation between sealing surfaces.
Non Active - When an surface/construction designed to isolate dry from wet is exposed to fluid (rain, wet areas when used - bathroom, laundry & kitchen), fails to contain the ingress.
Water Leaks:
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It's easy to locate a leaking tap or toilet, but hidden leaks are difficult to see. Has your water bill unexpectedly gone up even though you haven't changed your usage or behaviours in your home? Have you noticed wet patches on your lawn or water damage in your house? You may have a leak.
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Turn off all taps and isolate water supply to toilets, dishwasher, washing machine, hot water service and irrigation .
Locate your water meter. It's usually at the front of your property.
Write down or take a picture of the numbers on the water meter dials. On most meters, the last two dials are red.
Don’t use any water for the one hour.
Check if the last two numbers on the dial have changed. If they do, you have water a leak. The greater the change, the bigger the potential leak.
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Check your hot water system's Expansion Control Valve (ECV) or (TPR) Valve which is used to control the increase in pressure caused by hot water.
Check your taps and toilets regularly for leaks.
Add a small amount of food colouring in your toilet cistern and check the bowl. Toilet cisterns shouldn't release any water between flushes.
Disconnect hoses or irrigation pipes that are always connected to garden taps. Then check the taps aren't leaking.
Look for green patches of grass that are different from the surrounding grass. This can mean you have an underground pipe leak.
If you suspect there's a leak, we recommend call a leak detection expert with specialist equipment.
Shower Leaks:
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Damp Musty Smell.
Tile grout is calcifying.
Drummy tiles.
Paint Peeling, swelling door jambs and architraves.
Mould and Mildew.
Mouldy silicon that can’t be cleaned.
Water on the Bathroom Floor.
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Yes anywhere where water is used whether its in the shower, laundry, kitchen etc. Cement based grout is porous, most silicon products have a limited life span of 3-5 years. Tap penetrations, fixtures and shower screens are also a common source of water ingress. Most wet areas constructed prior to 2010 have no water proofing. These buildings are at high risk of severe water damage to structural framing, plaster, timbers and cause concrete cancer.
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They use non-invasive methods like thermal imaging and moisture meters to accurately locate the source of the leak.
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No, the methods used are non-invasive, meaning there is no need for drilling or breaking into walls unless absolutely necessary.
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It's best to contact leak detection professional to ensure the leak is properly identified and repaired.
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Yes, they offer repair services after detecting the leak to resolve the issue completely.
Roof Leaks:
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Signs of a leaking roof can vary from obvious to subtle. Some tell-tale signs include water stains on the ceiling or walls, dripping water pooling on the floor, water spots on exterior walls, and missing or damaged shingles. These symptoms may indicate a potential roof leak that needs immediate attention.
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There are several common reasons for a leaking roof. It could be due to clogged gutters, missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing around the chimney, roof vent issues, leaking skylights, or punctured roof valleys. Additionally, improperly installed roof membrane or sarking and an aging roof with deteriorating materials can also lead to leaks.
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If you notice a roof leak, take immediate action to prevent further damage. Safeguard your belongings by moving them away from the leak and using buckets to catch dripping water. Soak up as much water as possible and use fans to dry the area. However, remember that these are temporary fixes, and you should seek professional help to address the root cause.
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Yes, it's essential to call a professional roofing company to perform roof leak repair. While temporary fixes can manage the situation for a while, roof leaks can reoccur and cause significant damage if not properly addressed. A professional roofer can assess the issue, ensure proper installation of roof materials, apply sealants, and use high-quality waterproofing products for a lasting solution.
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The cost of roof leak repair depends on the extent of damage and the necessary repairs, replacements, and sealants. Standard homeowner's insurance policies usually cover water damage and roof leaks, except when negligence is involved. It's best to contact your insurance company to confirm coverage for the damage.
Dealing with a roof leak promptly is crucial to protect your home from further damage. Don't hesitate to reach out to a licensed and experienced roofing professional to ensure a comprehensive and lasting solution for your leaking roof. Remember, timely action can save you from costly repairs in the long run.
Building Leaks
Slab Heave
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Slab heave occurs when the concrete slab under a building moves unevenly due to changes in the moisture content of the soil beneath, often causing structural damage.
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It's mainly caused by reactive clay soils that swell when they absorb moisture from excessive rain, leaking pipes, or poor water management around the building foundation.
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Look for uneven floors, cracks in walls, doors, or windows that stick, and gaps between walls and floors.
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Remediation might include underpinning, using resistance piers, chemical injection to stabilize the soil, or improving water drainage around the property.
Rising Damp
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Rising damp is moisture moving up from the ground into the walls of a building, usually because of a failed or absent damp-proof course (DPC).
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Indicators include tide marks on walls, peeling wallpaper, damp smells, and salt deposits on the walls.
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It can be caused by a failed damp-proof course, bridging due to high external ground levels, or internal finishes blocking the DPC.
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Treatments include installing a new DPC, damp-proofing with injection creams, and possibly re-plastering affected areas to manage salt damage.
Efflorescence
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Efflorescence is a white powdery deposit of salts that forms on surfaces like concrete and brick, usually visible after water evaporation leaves salt residues behind.
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It's caused by water moving through a wall or floor carrying salts to the surface. Often, this is related to water ingress from faulty or insufficient waterproofing.
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Preventative measures include using water repellent materials, proper installation of vapor barriers, and ensuring good drainage around structures
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It can often be brushed off dry surfaces; for persistent cases, use a dilute acid solution or specialized cleaning products designed for efflorescence removal, but always test on a small area first.
Pros & Cons
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1. Accurate diagnosis: Identifying a water leak correctly helps in accurately determining the location and cause of the problem. This enables targeted repairs, saving time and resources compared to guesswork.
2. Cost-effective: Correctly identifying a water leak before repairs allows for focused intervention, minimizing unnecessary damage and reducing repair costs. By addressing the root cause of the leak, homeowners can avoid expensive repairs in the future.
3. Prevents further damage: Identifying the water leak correctly beforehand helps prevent additional damage to the property and surrounding areas. Early detection and prompt repairs can safeguard structural integrity and prevent mold growth, which can lead to health hazards.
4. Efficient use of resources: Accurately identifying the water leak ensures that repairs are carried out precisely where necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary disruption or replacement of unaffected components. This helps conserve resources and reduces overall repair time.
5. Enhances water conservation: Correct identification of a water leak allows for its timely repair, thus curbing wastage. This promotes responsible water usage, helps conserve precious resources, and reduces utility bills
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1. Requires professional expertise: Correctly identifying a water leak often requires the services of professionals with specialized equipment and skills. Depending on the severity and complexity, this could involve additional costs for hiring experts.
2. Time-consuming process: Thoroughly identifying a water leak before repairs can be a time-consuming task, especially if the source is hard to detect. This may cause inconvenience to homeowners who need immediate repairs but must endure the diagnostic process first.
3. Potential for hidden leaks: Identifying water leaks correctly may uncover additional hidden leaks within the property, leading to unexpected repair costs and prolonging the overall repair process.
4. Frustration and delays: In the event that the water leak identification is incorrect or inconclusive, it can lead to frustration and delays in resolving the issue. This may result in extended periods of inconvenience and disruption for those residing in the property.
5. Difficulty in identifying underlying causes: While identifying the visible signs of a water leak is important, accurately determining the underlying causes, such as faulty pipes or damaged infrastructure, can be challenging. This may require additional investigation, leading to prolonged repair timelines.
In conclusion, identifying a water leak correctly before repairs generally outweighs the cons, as it ensures accurate diagnosis, cost-effective repairs, prevention of further damage, efficient resource utilization, and conservation of water. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the need for professional expertise, time consumption, potential hidden leaks, frustration, and difficulty in pinpointing underlying causes.
Your 4-Step Process for Precision Leak Detection Across Australia!
When you call 1300 FINDLEAK, you aren't just getting a quick look or affordable leak detection prices; you're getting a comprehensive, four-stage process backed by No Guesswork, just results. We are your Australia-wide trusted experts for Water Leak Detection and repair guidance. Here is how we pinpoint and solve your leak issues, from a burst main to a tricky balcony leak:
Step 1: Initial Engagement & Pre-Inspection Debrief
The process starts with you. Your initial call or online booking is crucial. We take the time to fully understand the issue. You'll share any relevant information, photos, or historical data about the leak, ingress, or water loss. This crucial pre-inspection debrief allows our technicians to arrive prepared, armed with context to make the subsequent inspection faster and more accurate.
Step 2: Non-Invasive Inspection with Cutting-Edge Technology
We never rely on guesswork. Our technicians deploy the latest leak detection tools and technology to pinpoint the source and is non-invasive. This powerful toolkit includes:
Electro-Acoustic Listening Devices
Tracer Gas detection
Thermal Imaging cameras
Moisture Surveys and Dye Testing
Water Based Testing to Replicate Leak for evidence and confirmation.
Flood Testing of all balconies, including those with no floor drains or those situated on concrete floors, to verify waterproofing integrity.
We use these methods for precise detection across various applications:
a: Water Loss: Pinpointing faults in burst water mains and fire services across residential, commercial, and civil settings.
b: Building Ingress: Identifying all types of internal and external building leaks, including hidden, intermittent, and performance-related issues. We locate sources in compromised roofs, persistent wall leaks, faulty showers and bathrooms, pervasive rising damp, failing windows and doors, and resolve tricky pool and spa leaks in both residential and commercial settings.
Step 3: Diagnosis, Analysis, and Detailed Reporting
Once the exact location is pinpointed, we move to diagnosis. We analyze all gathered data (visual assessment including messurement and gradients, thermal images, acoustic readings, moisture and drone survey etc.) to determine the root cause of the defect. We then generate a detailed leak detection report. This report is meticulously structured, outlining the defects found, checking for compliance, and referencing the NCC (National Construction Code) where necessary, providing you with the necessary documentation for insurance purposes or contractor quotes.
Step 4: Remedial Planning and Trusted Trade Referral
Finding the leak is only half the battle—fixing it correctly is the goal. In the final stage, we assist in the remedial and repair planning process. We leverage our trusted network to refer you to relevant, qualified trades who specialize in the required repair (plumbing, waterproofing, roofing, etc.). We offer continued support and guidance throughout this phase, assisting in assessing the scope of works, reviewing quotations, and ensuring the repairs are executed correctly, post-repair.
Ready for guaranteed results Australia-wide? Call 1300 FINDLEAK or Book Online!
See Our Leak Experts in Action!
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Our videos take you directly into the field with our leak detection specialists as they tackle everything from hidden gas leaks to complex water leaks inside walls and under slabs. See our thermal cameras, acoustic equipment, and tracer gas technology in action. If you're tired of guesswork, watch our specialists deliver the evidence-based results that save homeowners and businesses time and money.
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