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The possibility of an underground water line repair service can be chilling to any unsuspecting homeowner or property manager. Repairing a residential water line is a costly affair and an inconvenient one. Nevertheless, a skilled plumber can dissipate these fears by attending to such needs faster.

How is that so? Well, compared to sewer lines, repairing underground water lines is relatively easy since these lines are generally placed near the ground level.

However, no single approach works for all underground water line repair jobs. The total cost of repair is dependent on several individual factors. Before contacting a plumbing contractor, you must consider a few things first.

A water line problem can result in many issues for the property owner. That’s why considering what might be affected before the job begins is paramount. A few considerations include;-

The Location Of Your Water Supply Line

Your main water supply line is built of strong, long-lasting material. Even so, some things could compromise its integrity and cause it to weaken. For example, tree root invasion, old dead tree root stumps, rotting, and even the kind of piping used initially for your supply line.

An old home may not have copper supply lines. Houses built before 1986 used lead pipe supply lines. The usage of these pipes, however, was later banned as they posed a myriad of health problems.

Ensure you locate your water supply line location before calling in your plumber. Identifying the water supply line that needs repair helps avoid wasting time excavating a trench in your underground water lines when it wasn’t necessary in the first place.

Compliance or Safety Requirements

Just like physical obstacles, compliance issues can complicate the duration of the job. For instance, the water line you want to service may be close to utility features like gas lines, sewer pipes, or electrical cables.

If you recently moved, before calling in a plumber for water line repair, ensure you consult with the local permitting officers to establish the permits and zoning rules that apply to plumbing projects in the area. In other cases, you might have to obtain special permission to work on a given line, and you don’t wish to discover this after the job has started.

Obstructions And Blockages

Any blockage or obstruction in the repair process can significantly contribute to your water line repair cost, as these factors can make it hard to accomplish the job. Blockages in your water line will make it difficult for your plumbers to reach the leaking water main, and the added time will undoubtedly drive up the repair expense. The common culprits include tree roots and stumps, which create additional problems for the plumbing tech when laying the new line.

Still, on the same, before the work commences, consider if you have a bedrock, ledge, or concrete that will require the use of a jackhammer. This may also present the need for a subcontractor, adding more time to the repair work and increasing the repair service cost altogether.

Your Water Flow Rate And Pressure

You have to consider the performance of your plumbing system. Have you noticed a diminished flow rate or low water pressure in your home? If so, there’s a high probability you have a water line leak somewhere in your plumbing.

You need to check the kind of water pressure you’ve throughout your residence before contacting the plumber. If there’s a definite decrease in the water pressure only in your bathroom and not the other rooms, that could be an isolated issue. In such a case, the repair cost is less likely to be expensive.

The Existing Street Water Main Depth

As mentioned earlier, underground water lines are comparably set higher than sewer lines. But that doesn’t imply they’re necessarily close to the ground. Sometimes, these lines are naturally lower, necessitating the use of excavators.

This translates to a substantial increase in your total charge for the repair. During the home estimate, your plumber should explain why they charge a high rate.

In A Nutshell

Besides your flow rate and water pressure, you should also consider the other signs that you need an underground water line repair service. The breakdown of your water line will show itself in many ways. Thus, paying close attention to the signs can quickly tell you have a water line problem.

Listen keenly to the sounds produced by your pipes. It’s normal for taps to make some noise while in operation. But a whistling or rumbling sound from your pipes is a red flag. If you notice this, contact a qualified plumber immediately for assistance.

In other instances, you might hear a chattering sound from your water main when a family member runs the water inside. However, if no one is using water at that time, there’s a high chance the noise is being caused by leaking water. Gurgling sounds from your water pipes might signal a broken underground water line. Let a professional plumber come in and inspect your plumbing right away.

Bert Norman’s Plumbing: Underground Plumbing Experts To Hire

Having learned what you should do before scheduling an underground water line repair service, it should be emphasized that a professional should handle such work. Whether or not to hire a professional plumbing company for underground water line repair is a question every homeowner asks. Many factors go into the answer, but a genuine reply will be yes. Customers attempting to DIY risk causing more problems than there already are.

Trained, experienced, and on-time local plumbers like those at Bert Norman’s Plumbing are the people to contact for all your plumbing needs. In addition to underground plumbing, we offer gas piping services, water leak detection, storm drain cleaning, repiping, cast iron pipe replacement, and water heater installations and repair. Call us now or schedule a free consultation online.

See our previous blog about this topic here.

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There are some house tasks that you can take care of on your own and some tasks that are better left to the professionals. When it comes to any plumbing issues, it is almost always better to consult first with a plumber. Plumbing tasks come with the added stress of potential water damage, so they are not something that should be taken lightly. Not to mention the cost of wasting water and how quickly a simple leak or running toilet can add up and make your utility bills unexpectedly high.

As mentioned, the problem with plumbing issues in your Jacksonville, FL, home is the risk of flood damage. It doesn’t take too much water to cause dry rot or other issues with your flooring, walls, or ceiling. Even worse, you could have hidden water damage that you cannot see now but is associated with the small leak you just spotted. A plumber knows where there is one leak, there is often another, especially if pressure irregularities or aging are to blame.

That is unfortunately not the end of the story, however, because water causes more than just damage to your home. It also creates the right environment for mildew and mold to form. In fact, it only takes a few drops of water for mildew to start to grow, and if the leak is in a dark, damp environment, as most leaks are since they are under sinks or inside of walls and floors, then you can have a mold outbreak growing under your nose. Not only is mold stinky, but it is a health issue and an allergen for many people, which is just one more reason why you need to call a plumber out to your Jacksonville, FL home if you think that you have a plumbing issue.

With that in mind, the first step is figuring out when you need a plumber, which doesn’t have to be a hard task if you know what you are looking for. The following list is a quick list of the top times you need to call a plumbing company. If you see any of these things occurring in your home, go ahead and call a plumber so you can get it figured out before you end up needing an emergency plumbing service. It is always better to deal with a plumbing issue when it is just a small nuisance versus a much larger one. While it is not a complete list, it does manage to hit some of the biggest issues you will probably hit.

Water Heater Issues (No Hot Water)

The number one way that people figure out their water heater needs attention is because they lose their hot water. 9 out of 10 times, if you don’t have any hot water, it is because your water heater needs to be repaired. You don’t have to wait until your water heater dies, however, note that it could need to be repaired and other signs occur before the water stops heating. For instance, if you notice pressure issues or that the water temperature of your hot water seems to fluctuate on a regular basis, this is a sign that something is going on with your water heater. Usually, it indicates that there is sediment building up, which you will have to address at some point.

Leaks

Another obvious issue that indicates you need to call a plumber if you notice any leak anywhere in your home. You might seek leaks under a faucet, around the toilet, at the water heater, and in dozens of other areas around your home. If water runs through an area, then there is always a risk that there could be a leak there. Regardless of where you note the leak, there is nothing that should be leaking. Ignoring a faucet leak can cost you hundreds of dollars a year, and ignoring a leak under a sink can lead to floor damage. In short, if you see a leak, you always need to call for help.

Clogs in Drains

Another issue that requires immediate attention is a clog in any of your drains, and keep in mind that a toilet clog counts. There are several different reasons why you might have clogs in your drains, from tree roots that obstruct your sewage lines to improper sewage habits like using flushable wipes or dropping water-soluble things down your drain. Whatever the reason, a plumber can get to the bottom of it and get your drains flowing regularly again.

Sewage Smells

There are two reasons why you might smell sewage in your home, and neither are great situations. The first is if you have a partial blockage and the methane gas is coming back up your pipes. This is why some drains may smell like sewage when you walk by. The other is because you actually have a sewage backup in your floor drain, which can be a very unwelcome discovery. In both scenarios, you will need a plumbing company to help resolve the issue.

Appliance Installation

A lot of people don’t think about calling a plumber when they purchase a new appliance, but there are actually a fair amount of appliances that need to be hooked up to your plumbing system. Refrigerators with ice machines, garbage disposals, water heaters, and dishwashers must be hooked to the main plumbing line. Depending on where you place these items, a new plumbing outlet might even need to be established. Therefore, this is a great task to call a plumber for assistance with so you can ensure everything is done correctly and there won’t be a leak hiding behind the installed appliance.

If you are searching for a plumbing company in Jacksonville, FL, contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing and we will help you fix any issue promptly.

 

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Water leakages in residential homes in the country account for over 1 trillion gallons of wasted water annually. The startling high amount of water wastage requires early intervention measures that help detect the leakages on time for prompt repairs.

In Fernandina, FL, a plumber can use different leak detection methods to swiftly identify water leakages in the plumbing system, such as faucets and showerheads, toilets, water pipes, and irrigation systems.

Most leakages arise from:

  • Faulty plumbing materials that can crack with exposure to heat or cold weather,
  • Cracks due to corrosion or penetrating tree roots, and
  • Loose connections.

How Leak Detectors Work

An experienced and qualified plumber can install the leak detectors in your piping system in different parts of your home, including close to the tubs, sinks and toilets in the bathroom and the water heating systems, sink and dishwashers in the kitchen.

While some detectors alert you of a leakage, others indicate the exact location of the leaking pipe or plumbing system for swift repairs or replacements. Some of the leak detection methods used by a qualified and experienced plumbing professional in identifying the leaking water systems in a home are not limited to:

Noise Loggers

To top my list are noise loggers that effectively analyze the entire piping system. A plumber can install the acoustic-based sensors temporarily to check the system for leaks or permanently. If you choose permanent installation, the water leak detecting device continuously monitors specific areas in the plumbing pipes and alerts you whenever they detect a leak.

The plumbing expert should consider the piping materials before deciding on the intervals to install the noise loggers for leak detection. Some pipes like the PVC water lines require the noise loggers to be close to each other for effective detection of water leakages. When closely installed, the noise loggers listen for high frequency that signifies a leakage.

The optimal placement of the loggers ranges from 100 to 300 ft to scan the pipes during low-use hours of the day. The technologically advanced noise loggers feature frequency filters, digital readouts, and wireless connectivity to help the hired plumber interpret the data and detect the exact location of a leak. But, if you want to use the noise loggers to identify a leakage in bigger water systems, it might be too costly.

Smart Water Meters

Another way of detecting water leakages in plumbing systems is the smart water meters (advanced meters). It has wireless or Wi-Fi connectivity, cellular, hardwired or radio that communicates the amount of water used to analytic monitoring services. The data the devices gather on water usage is essential for a plumbing professional to identify a leakage in your home.

So, if the Smart meter reads high water usage when no taps are open, it is evidence of water leaks that require urgent repairs. To get the precise location of a leak in the water systems, you may have to use another method such as the noise loggers, making the entire process expensive.

Temperature Monitoring

Folks in areas where freezing temperatures are frequent require temperature monitoring or low-temperature leak detectors. The sensors alert you when they sense freezing pipes or excess humidity. Frozen pipes are a high risk for homes as they can burst and leak out gallons of water if not identified and repaired on time.

So, the temperature monitoring device is the best system during the winter season because it checks the freezing temperatures and informs you of potential frozen pipes for prompt insulation that prevents cracks and water leakages.

In-Pipe

In addition to the above leak detection methods is the In-Pipe technology. The plumber in Fernandina, FL, uses the one-time device with electromagnetic, acoustic, or pressure sensors to find leakages in water pipes.

They can use the device when the water pipelines have no water in them or with water. The in-pipe tool tethers or floats freely in the water to inspect the pipes and mark the exact locations of the leak for easy identification and repairs.

In de-watered systems, the device becomes a robotic crawler to identify parts in the pipes that could be leaking. The marking of the specific leaking part helps the plumber replace the corroded, cracked, or damaged pipe with a more advanced corrosion-resistant pipe.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Furthermore, plumbing technicians can install the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in your plumbing pipes to detect leakages for prompt repairs. It features Smart meters and analytical software that monitors the water systems.

The analytic software processes the water usage data and alerts you of any abnormalities that indicate a leakage. The plumbing expert uses the data to identify the leaking locations in the pipes for fixing or repairs. Advanced metering is the best for homeowners with ample water systems.

Automatic Water Shut-Off

People can also opt for automatic water shut-off devices to automatically turn off the water supply when they sense a leakage. The system can come in handy for travelers and folks that rarely stay at home, saving their valuable and beautiful houses from water damage that is costly to restore.

They are also applicable in sprinklers as a water-saving technology because they shut off the water after detecting system damage. Therefore, having a plumber install the automatic water shut-off leak detectors in your home is the best decision that saves water and protects your valuables.

In a Nutshell

Leaks due to cracked pipes, failed connections, faulty plumbing materials, corroded pipes, and burst water systems are the leading cause of water wastage in most homes.

The best way to save water is to identify the leakage using different leak detectors in time, and call a skilled plumber to fix it as soon as possible.

Call Us For The Best Plumbing Solutions!

Therefore, you should not hesitate to reach out to Bert Norman’s Plumbing, serving Fernandina, FL, if you suspect you have leaked one of your plumbing systems. We are a family-owned and state-certified plumbing company serving residential clients since 1985.

Our plumbing experts offer personalized, competent, and reliable services, such as repairs, replacements, maintenance, and installation. You will get the best plumber for transparent diagnosis, proper analysis of the problem, and the best solutions to all the identified leaking problems.

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Do you suspect a leak in your plumbing? If your water bills are higher this month, there might be some problems with your plumbing system. Contact a plumber in Callahan, FL, today for an inspection. Below are the common questions about leak detection service homeowners want to know.

FAQs for leak detection:

How Do I Know I Need Leak Detection If I Can’t Find Any Leaks in My Plumbing?

We strongly recommend homes and businesses to get a leak detection service as a preventive service every year or every couple of years. During the inspection, a plumber may find leaks or not. If they do find one, you should be glad that the problem will be resolved early. Otherwise, that would have led to a major plumbing emergency that will even cost you more money.

Some plumbing leaks will not be obvious, but you will need to watch out for the signs. When you notice these, call a professional right away as there might be leaks in your plumbing:

High water bills – if they suddenly skyrocket, it’s time to call a professional for an inspection.

Mold growth and rise in mildew or humidity at home – can lead to health issues and will not benefit those suffering from allergies and other respiratory diseases. Call a plumbing company asap.

Discoloration on walls – there might be leaks in one of the pipes behind the walls. Best to get professional help, so the issue is promptly resolved.

How Is Leak Detection Done?

This depends on the situation — we do use various techniques to help us detect leaks in your plumbing. For example, we might use listening devices, pipe cameras, scanners and other tools that won’t disrupt your home or the building. Don’t worry; our plumbers are trained to use plumbing devices to help us diagnose and resolve problems.

Can I Buy This Equipment and Do Leak Detection By Myself?

The plumbing tools and equipment that we use are expensive, and you may need multiple devices to help you determine if there are leaks in the plumbing system. Also, you need to know that the equipment are not like regular cameras; they do require specialized training. It’s less expensive and easier to hire professionals for help than do the leak detection by yourself.

How Accurate Are the Leak Detection Services?

Because our plumbers in Callahan, FL, are trained and experienced, we can say that we can narrow down the location of plumbing leaks where little excavation is necessary. Rest assured, we know the best ways to resolve the problem.

How Much Does It Cost to Find a Leak?

We suggest you call us today so our team of professionals can discuss with you the cost. As to how much depends on the situation – you may contact us today for an estimate. Our plumbers will be happy to assist you at your earliest convenience. As soon as we get your call, we’ll quickly dispatch a professional to help you find leaks in your plumbing.

Do You Need Information From Me?

It will help us resolve the issue faster when you provide us with more information about your plumbing system. Consider having this information with you before calling us for a leak detection service.

  • What type of pipes are installed in your home? Are they made of copper, plastic, or steel? When were they built?
  • Where are the faucets located, and are the water valves accessible?
  • Do you have utility maps that we can use?

Don’t worry if you don’t have the information handy. With our tools, we can still help you locate the leak and resolve the problem promptly.

Are Leaks Related to Other Plumbing Issues?

This would be a yes. Pipe corrosion is one of the main causes of plumbing leaks. For example: if you fail to flush out the sediment build-up in your water heater tank, the buildup of minerals at the bottom of the tank eventually leads to cracking. They may leak when not flushed at all.

High water pressure can also strain the pipes. If you don’t regulate high water pressure in your home, that may lead to leaks in your plumbing. Not insulating the pipes during winter can also lead to plumbing emergencies. When the water freezes, the pipes may expand and burst.

Call a plumbing company right away to help you locate the leak and permanently resolve the problem.

What Do I Do When There Are Already Leaks in My Plumbing?

First, try not to panic when there are leaks in your plumbing. Stay calm and switch off the water mains. Do this before calling a plumber. We would ask you to also clean the area, but we suggest that you don’t do anything if there are electrical fittings. To avoid accidents, stay away from the water. Just wait for one of our professionals for assistance.

Do All Plumbers Offer Leak Detection Service?

Yes, most licensed professionals offer these services to homes and businesses. An Unlicensed and unqualified plumber may offer this at a lower price, but we suggest you don’t hire them. They may not have the tools and the training to properly use the tools. The best thing you can do is call us as soon as possible. Our professionals are certified and licensed to perform leak detection services.

Contact Bert Norman’s Plumbing

Do you need a plumber in Callahan, FL, today? Don’t hesitate to call Bert Norman’s Plumbing! Rest assured, we will work incredibly hard to help you locate the leak and permanently fix the issue. Our professionals are highly skilled and experienced, and we can handle any plumbing job, big or small. Call us if you need any plumbing repairs, installations or maintenance. Get in touch now for an appointment.

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