Generally, water leaks are detected by the damage observed in the infrastructure. At the same time, they can cause serious damage to the land, weaken foundations and increase water bills. Therefore, it is important to know how to detect water leaks.

Due to the high level of risks involved in having water leaks in any type of property, it is important that you contact an expert who can help you and who has the necessary tools to repair them.

Although you think that, in some cases, you can repair them yourself, keep in mind that what may be seen as saving money can later become a much more complicated problem to deal with.

Next, we will talk about the main causes and how to detect water leaks. Although we anticipate that, generally, the best solution for this type of problem is to seal the leak.

How do water leaks form?  

Water leaks occur when a water pipe breaks under a foundation slab. This can happen because the soil has an element that produces a chemical reaction, which weakens the copper pipes. This fact is called electrolysis.

Another reason why the pipes can be damaged is because some of them can be exposed and rub against an unprotected line. Therefore, the constant contact causes the pipe to wear.

Finally, it is possible that some pipe bends, thus causing the famous leaks. In these cases, the detection of water leaks is simple.

How to detect water leaks

There are many methods to be able to search for water leaks. There are electronic methods, but at the same time, there are some homemade tricks that will help you know how to detect water leaks without the need for specific tools.

Water leak detection with tools:

• Geophone

Some of the electronic implements that can be used to detect a water leak is a Geophone. With it, you can perceive the vibrations generated by the water when it comes out of the pipe.

This instrument is an excellent option, since the material with which the pipe is made does not matter and it is quite fast in its work.

• Loggers

Another of the most used electronic methods for detecting leaks is done thanks to a tool called Loggers. This is a small device, therefore, it can be adapted to practically any space. What makes this water leak detector different is that it has vibration sensors, which allow detecting the presence of water leaks inside the pipes.

• Hydrogen equipment

The next best known option for how to detect water leaks is using hydrogen equipment. Basically, this consists of mixing hydrogen and nitrogen so that the components produce the necessary pressure so that the compounds come out of the leak.

At the same time, this generates a loud sound that allows locating the hole in the pipe quickly.

Tool-less water leak detection:

Here are some tips on how to detect a water leak without tools:

• Observe that water comes out of the ground or from a low point in a wall. In these cases, there are several solutions for moisture in the walls.
• We will also have a leak if the water heater does not turn off.
• When we notice a high temperature on the ground.
• If suddenly the cost of the water bill increases for no apparent reason.

Many times the water leaks are in the cisterns. Therefore, we have to make sure that it does not drip constantly. To find out how to detect water leaks of this type, we tell you a home trick: throw drops of dye in the tank of your toilet and, if the color reaches the toilet without having used it, it is a sign that there is a leak.

Similarly, to check the condition of the internal and external pipes, you can close the house tap for a certain time and check the meter periodically. If it increases, it is because your house has an invisible leak.

Finally, another method for detecting water leaks is to pay attention to the state of your garden. If you live in a dry area but the ground in your garden is soft, it could also be caused by a water leak.

New technologies to detect water leaks

Thanks to technological advances, we can also count on specific utensils for locating water leaks, such as axial drag chambers by pressure.

This tool is a small camera that has a parachute that is responsible for guiding the device through the pipe. This system offers an advantage, and that is that as long as there is water flowing through the pipe, the camera can cover long sections of pipe. In addition, it can be used in diameters from 55 mm to 250 mm.

In short, today there are methods for detecting water leaks that can be adapted to your economic possibilities and the magnitude and importance of your problem.

Although, in any case, to locate water leaks you can always count on the help of professionals who will help you detect the exact point and repair it.

The detection of water leaks should be left in the hands of specialized professionals such as Lemara, who can provide sealing solutions, such as specific materials such as polyurea.