Leak Detection in Charleston, WV & Surrounding Areas

Water leaks may seem common, with many homeowners being familiar with the stress of dripping taps. However, not all leaks are so obvious.

Sometimes, a leak in a plumbing line under the foundation or other hidden areas can go unnoticed until it causes serious damage. If you believe your home leaks, contact our skilled technicians at Al Marino.

With our Charleston, WV, plumbers receiving comprehensive training and education, we’re specialists at locating leaks underground or in other hidden locations.

Suspect your Charleston home leaks? Don’t wait. Call Al Marino to schedule same-day service.

Most Common Places for Leaks in a Home

• The service line from your meter or pump to your home. This line typically runs under your yard, driveway, or other exterior areas.
• A slab leak occurs when a leak develops in either your hot or cold water plumbing line beneath the foundation of your home.
• Leaks can develop in the plumbing inside your walls and/or floors.
• A leak in your plumbing lines can cause damage to crawl spaces and basements.
• Miscellaneous plumbing systems, such as radiant floor heating, hydronic lines for heating or cooling, snow melt systems, plumbing for ice rinks, etc., can all develop leaks that can cause serious property damage. 

Signs Your Home Has a Water Leak

Leaks that go untreated can cause structural damage, health issues, unnecessary costs, and more. Outside of the obvious dripping faucet, most leaks are hard to detect.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Sound: Do you hear water running even when no water is being used?
• Mildew: Is mildew growing in your home?
• Higher water bill: Do you notice your water bill going up, without actually using more water?
• Foundation cracks: Are there cracks forming in your walls or flooring?
• Wet spots or hot spots: Are there any wet spots, discolored spots, or hot spots on your floor or walls that appeared unexpectedly?
• Water meter or pump changes: Your water meter or your pump can help determine if you have a leak. If you have a meter, check your meter. Wait an hour or two without using any water and check the meter again. If the reading changes, it can indicate a leak. If you use well water and have a pump, listen to hear if it’s running when no water is being used. If so, you probably have a leak.

Natural Gas Leak Protection

Natural gas is a relatively safe, efficient, and convenient source of energy for your home; however, it must be properly installed and maintained.

If the natural gas is not properly installed, you risk a gas leak that can pose health risks and pose a danger in your Charleston home.

Sewer Gas Leak Protection

Sewer gas is a common byproduct of our modern septic systems. Leaks, cracks, or other blockages in the plumbing can allow sewer gases to enter your home.

Symptoms of exposure to sewer gas can be mild. They will go away after exposure ends, but if you’re experiencing symptoms of high-level exposure, seek emergency medical help right away.

For leak detection and prevention in Charleston, WV, call Al Marino to schedule same-day service.

FAQs

How does Al Marino find a leak that is hidden behind a wall or underground without tearing things apart?

We use non-invasive acoustic sensors and thermal imaging technology to listen for the specific frequency of escaping water or detect temperature anomalies in your walls. This allows us to pinpoint the exact location of the leak with high precision, ensuring we only open the small section of wall or floor necessary for the repair.

If I suspect a slab leak, how long can I wait before it becomes a major structural issue?

A slab leak should be addressed immediately, as water constantly flowing under your foundation can quickly wash away soil, leading to foundation settling or sinkholes. Beyond structural risks, the moisture can seep into your flooring and walls, causing significant mold growth and high utility costs within just a few days.

Can your leak detection equipment find leaks in PVC or PEX piping, or only in metal pipes?

Our advanced ultrasonic equipment is highly effective at detecting leaks in all types of residential piping, including plastic materials like PVC and PEX. While sound travels differently through plastic than metal, our experienced technicians are trained to calibrate their tools for various pipe materials to ensure an accurate find.

What should I do if my leak detection service confirms a leak is on the city’s side of the meter?

If our diagnostic confirms the leak is located before your water meter or on the city main, we will provide you with a professional report and documentation of our findings. You can then contact your local water utility company to have them address the repair, often at no cost to you.