Signs of a hidden leak
A leak in a drain or water pipe is not always visible straight away. Pipes often run hidden in walls, under floors and through the crawl space, and water finds its own way. The place where you see damp is therefore not always where the leak is. Look out for the following signs:
- damp patches or discolouration on the ceiling, wall or floor
- loose tiles or bulging laminate
- a musty smell or mould in a corner
- flaking paint or peeling wallpaper below a bathroom
- a water meter that keeps running while all taps are closed
- a higher water bill with no obvious reason
What you can check yourself first
Turn off all taps and make sure no appliances are using water. Note the reading on the water meter and check again after an hour. If the reading has changed, there is a leak in the water supply or a toilet is running somewhere. Also check the visible connections under the sink and washbasin, and see whether the sealant around the bath and shower is still intact.
How leak detection works
With leak detection, the engineer uses several measuring methods to pinpoint the leak from the outside. In a pressure test, a pipe or section of pipe is sealed off and put under pressure. If the pressure drops, that section is leaking. Step by step, the search area gets smaller. Specialist detection equipment can then pinpoint the exact spot, so the opening only needs to be made in that one place.
For drain pipes, the engineer uses an inspection camera to view the inside of the pipe. Cracks, loose joints and open seams are visible straight away. The camera also records the distance from the entry point, so it is known exactly where in the home or garden the damage lies. That combination of measuring and looking makes finding a leak fast and accurate.
Why targeted searching makes such a difference
Searching on the off chance sometimes means opening several places before the leak is found. With leak detection the spot is pinpointed first. That saves repair work to tiles, floors and walls and keeps your home as intact as possible. Afterwards you also know exactly what the cause was, so the repair is targeted and lasting.
Useful for your insurer
With water damage, an insurer often asks about the cause of the leak. With leak detection and camera footage, that cause is clearly recorded: where the leak was, which section of pipe was involved and how it was repaired. So keep the engineer's findings and take your own photos of the water damage before any repairs. That way your claim is handled smoothly and clearly.
After the leak is found: the repair
Once the leak is found, the engineer can often repair it straight away. A loose joint is resealed, a damaged pipe section replaced. If it is a cracked drain pipe under the floor, relining is often an excellent solution: the pipe is renewed from the inside without the floor needing to be opened. A check with a camera or pressure test then gives you certainty.
Leak detection with Bosmans
Bosmans Rioolservice works with leak detection, pressure tests and inspection cameras, carried out by certified engineers to KIWA BRL K10014. You hear the rate in advance and get a 2-year guarantee on the work, and 10 years on relining. If water is actively coming into your home, call the 24/7 emergency line on +31 85 200 93 27. For a damp patch that has been visible for a while, simply book an appointment.