Leaks & Pipes Questions Answered

How Do Plumbers Find Hidden Leaks?

Professional plumbers use several specialized techniques and technologies to locate hidden leaks without unnecessary wall damage:

• ✔ Acoustic leak detection: Using sensitive listening equipment to hear the sound of water escaping from pipes.
• ✔ Thermal imaging cameras: Detecting temperature differences that indicate moisture behind walls.
• ✔ Moisture meters: Confirming the presence of water in building materials without damaging them.
• ✔ Video pipe inspection: For some plumbing systems, inserting small cameras to visually inspect pipes from the inside.
• ✔ Pressure testing: Pressurizing isolated sections of plumbing to identify leaks based on pressure drops.
• ✔ Tracer gas detection: For difficult cases, introducing harmless gas into pipes and tracking where it escapes.

These non-invasive methods allow us to pinpoint leak locations with remarkable accuracy before making any cuts in your walls or floors. This precision means minimal property damage, faster repairs, and lower overall costs. Once a leak is located, we can make a small, targeted opening to access and repair the problem area, rather than removing large sections of drywall unnecessarily.

Why Are My Pipes Making Noise?

Noisy pipes can be annoying and may indicate underlying plumbing issues. Different sounds point to different problems:

• ✔ Banging or hammering: Usually water hammer, caused by the sudden stopping of water flow, often when a valve closes quickly.
• ✔ Whistling: Typically indicates water moving through a restricted area, like a partially closed valve or mineral buildup.
• ✔ Rattling: Pipes may not be properly secured and are moving when water flows through them.
• ✔ Ticking or tapping: Often caused by thermal expansion as hot water pipes heat up and cool down.
• ✔ Humming: Usually related to water pressure that's too high, especially common with washing machine valves.
• ✔ Gurgling: Often indicates drain venting issues, allowing air to bubble back through the water.

For water hammer (banging), installing water hammer arrestors can solve the problem. For loose pipes, adding additional pipe straps or cushioned clamps can prevent movement. High-pressure issues may require a pressure regulator. While some pipe noises are merely annoying, others can signal problems that could lead to leaks or pipe damage if not addressed.

What’s Involved in Repiping a House?

Repiping a house involves replacing some or all of the water supply lines in your home. This major plumbing project typically includes:

• ✔ Initial assessment: Evaluating your current plumbing system, identifying problem areas, and creating a customized plan.
• ✔ Material selection: Choosing appropriate pipe materials (typically copper, PEX, or CPVC) based on your needs and budget.
• ✔ Preparation: Protecting your home's floors, furniture, and valuables from dust and debris.
• ✔ Access creation: Making strategic openings in walls and ceilings to access pipes while minimizing damage.
• ✔ Pipe installation: Removing old pipes and installing new ones throughout the home.
• ✔ Testing: Checking for leaks and proper water pressure before closing access points.
• ✔ Patch work: Repairing openings in walls and ceilings (basic patching is typically included, but finishing work may be extra).
• ✔ Final inspection: Ensuring all fixtures have proper water flow and everything meets code requirements.

Depending on your home's size, a complete repipe typically takes 2–5 days. While this is a disruptive project, we strive to maintain water service at the end of each workday. Repiping is recommended for homes with lead or galvanized steel pipes, frequent leaks, rusty water, or severely corroded pipes that cause persistent low water pressure or water quality issues.

Why Is My Water Rusty or Discolored?

Rusty, discolored water coming from your faucets can be concerning and usually indicates one of these issues:

• ✔ Corroded pipes: Older galvanized steel pipes naturally corrode over time, releasing rust into your water.
• ✔ Water heater corrosion: If rusty water only appears with hot water, your water heater tank likely has internal rust.
• ✔ Municipal water system work: Recent work on water mains can stir up sediment, temporarily causing rusty water.
• ✔ High iron content: Your water source (especially well water) may naturally contain high levels of iron.
• ✔ Corroded water main: Problems with your city's water distribution system can affect water quality.

To determine the source, check if the discoloration affects hot water, cold water, or both. If it's only hot water, your water heater likely needs service or replacement. If it's both hot and cold and persists for more than a day, your home's pipes may be corroding. Rusty water isn't typically a health hazard, but it can stain fixtures and laundry, taste metallic, and indicate bigger plumbing problems that need addressing.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating, making everyday tasks like showering and washing dishes take longer. Common causes include:

• ✔ Municipal supply issues: Sometimes the problem is with your city's water supply, especially during peak usage times.
• ✔ Partially closed main valve: Your home's main water shut-off valve may not be fully open.
• ✔ Clogged aerators: Mineral deposits can block faucet aerators and showerheads.
• ✔ Pressure regulator failure: If your home has a pressure regulator, it may need adjustment or replacement.
• ✔ Hidden leaks: Leaks in your plumbing system can reduce pressure throughout your home.
• ✔ Corroded pipes: Older galvanized pipes often develop internal corrosion that restricts water flow.
• ✔ Clogged water line: Sediment buildup in your main water line can restrict flow.

If low pressure only affects one fixture, the issue is likely isolated to that fixture (clogged aerator or fixture-specific problem). If it affects hot water only, it could be related to your water heater. But if it affects your entire house, it likely requires professional diagnosis. Our plumbers use specialized testing equipment to identify the cause and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

Why Is My Faucet Dripping?

A constantly dripping faucet is usually caused by one of these issues:

• ✔ Worn-out O-rings or washers: These small components create seals that prevent water flow when the faucet is off. They naturally wear over time with repeated use.
• ✔ Corroded valve seat: The valve seat connects the faucet to the spout. Sediment buildup can cause corrosion, preventing proper sealing.
• ✔ Loose parts: Components within the faucet assembly may have loosened over time, creating small gaps where water can escape.
• ✔ High water pressure: Excessive water pressure can force water through even properly sealed faucets.
• ✔ Improper faucet installation: If a faucet wasn't installed correctly, it might never fully seal.

While a dripping faucet might seem like just a minor annoyance, it can waste significant amounts of water— a faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons of water per year. Our plumbers can quickly diagnose and repair the specific issue causing your faucet to drip, saving you money on water bills and preventing potential water damage.

What to Do If You Have a Burst Pipe

If you experience a burst pipe, follow these immediate steps to minimize damage:

• ✔ Shut off the water immediately: Turn off your home's main water valve, typically located near the water meter, in the basement, or where the main line enters your home. If you can't find the main valve, call us for emergency guidance.
• ✔ Turn off electricity: If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, shut off power to those areas to prevent shock hazards.
• ✔ Drain the system: Turn on cold water faucets and flush toilets to empty remaining water from your plumbing system.
• ✔ Document the damage: Take photos of the affected areas for insurance purposes before starting any cleanup.
• ✔ Begin water removal: Use towels, mops, and buckets to remove standing water and minimize damage.
• ✔ Call A&G Plumbing at (770) 627-4421: Our technicians are available for burst pipe emergencies and ready to respond quickly.

While waiting for our arrival, avoid using any makeshift repairs like tape or epoxy on the burst section, as these temporary fixes can cause more damage. Our experienced plumbers will not only repair the burst pipe but also help identify what caused the burst to prevent future occurrences.

Hidden Water Leak Warning Signs

Hidden water leaks can be difficult to detect but often reveal themselves through these warning signs:

• ✔ Unexplained increases in water bills that aren't tied to seasonal usage or rate changes
• ✔ The sound of running water when no fixtures or appliances are in use
• ✔ Damp or wet spots on walls, ceilings, or floors that can't be attributed to spills or humidity
• ✔ Visible mold or mildew growth, especially in areas that typically stay dry
• ✔ Warm spots on floors that might indicate a hot water line leak underneath
• ✔ Water meter movement when all water sources in your home are turned off
• ✔ Reduced water pressure throughout your home or in specific fixtures
• ✔ Foundation cracks or unexplained pooling water around your property

If you notice any of these signs, it's crucial to have a professional plumber inspect your home promptly. A&G Plumbing uses specialized leak detection equipment including acoustic listening devices, moisture meters, and video inspection cameras to locate hidden leaks without causing unnecessary damage to your property.

Detecting hidden water leaks early can help you avoid costly damage and water waste. Start by checking your water meter: turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures, then note the meter reading. Wait 1–2 hours without using water, and check again. If the reading has changed, you likely have a leak.

Look for signs like musty odors, mold or mildew growth, damp spots on floors or walls, bubbling paint, or warped wood. In bathrooms and kitchens, inspect under sinks and behind appliances for moisture or staining. Unexpected spikes in your water bill are another red flag.

Listen for running water sounds when no fixtures are on, especially at night. If you suspect a slab leak or pipe behind a wall, a professional leak detection service—like A&G Plumbing and Drain—can pinpoint the problem using thermal imaging or acoustic equipment.

Addressing hidden leaks promptly protects your home’s structure and can significantly reduce your monthly water costs.