Leak Star Leak Detection Blog - Leak Star

San Diego is Plagued By Pinhole Plumbing Leaks

5/28/2016

A few years ago we had friends who were unfortunate enough to experience a significant plumbing leak in their home. The leak and damage was repaired and everything seemed to return to normal.....or did it? Just 2 short weeks later a copper pipe in their home sprung another plumbing leak. They were told a copper repiping of their Carlsbad home was the only answer. The ordeal that followed was so stressful that they ended up in a hotel for nearly 2 weeks.

How is that possible? We perform slab leak detection services daily and believe it or not, this is not that uncommon. In fact in Orange County just to the north of San Diego there are over a dozen law suits pending with multiple copper pipe pinhole leaks as the reason. There are several class action suits filed by the residents of the Ladera Ranch area, all telling a similar story. Multiple pinhole pinhole plumbing leaks in their copper pipes.

You are likely thinking how in the world does water corrode the inside of a copper pipe? Well, if you think about it, that idea isn't really that far fetched when you think about how water has shaped the surface of our earth. But is that what's really going on in the case of these copper water pipes leaking? Copper pipe has been used for decades without these kinds of issues.

Is it Mold or Dry Rot?

4/2/2016

Is there a difference in mold or dry rot? Good question. The answer is yes they are different, but they are also similar in that they are both fungi.

It is not uncommon to find mold or dry rot in the very same spot, actually growing together. So let’s talk about their differences, similarities and most importantly how both can seriously damage you home if ignored.

Let’s look at the similarities of mold or dry rot. Being they are both fungi, both are found on damp wood. Both can cause damage to the wood structure of your home. Both are often found in laundry rooms or the bathrooms of your home where humidity is often higher. Anywhere condensation is a problem or location where constant dampness is a factor mold or dry rot can become a problem. The good news is that both can be controlled IF prompt action is taken to arrest the spread of either fungi.

DIY Early Plumbing Leak Detection

3/17/2016

DIY Plumbing Leak Detection

We all want to save our hard earned dollars and avoid disasters. By using these DIY early plumbing & slab leak detection tips you could do both. Much of your plumbing water lines are deep underground or under the slab of your home. So the signs of a plumbing leak may not be obvious. Nevertheless a water leak usually will yield some clues.

Chances are one of the first things you notice that might be suspect is your water usage and an increasing water bill. 12,000 gallons of water per month is average for a family of 4. If you notice a consistent increase or even a significant jump in your water bill yet your usage has not changed, a plumbing leak is highly suspect. Your water bills should remain relatively consistent if your household stays the same.

If you notice a warm spot on your floor, it could becoming from under your concrete slab. It could possibly be a slab leak, even if you are not seeing water anywhere else. You may hear the sound of running water or a drip, all of these are clues you need a professional plumber to inspect your plumbing lines.

Tank Water Heater vs Tankless Water Heater

12/21/2015

Tank Waterr Heater vs Tankless Water Heater

Is it time for a new water heater? The average life of a water heater is about 10 years. Yours may have quit altogether or you know the end is not that far off. You could wait until the end, but then there will be inconvenience when it finally does break down for good. Nothing worse than having a cold shower on a rainy Friday night as you head into your weekend.

Either way, let's make sure you understand your options. If you need to replace your water heater and live in the Carlsbad or Encinitas area your two options are the tried and true old style tank water heater vs tankless water heater also know as a flash water heater. Feel free to give us a call too, 855-220-0188.

What Does A Hot Spot On The Floor Mean?

12/14/2015

Hot spot on the floor a slab leak

If you have found this article it propably is because you have noticed a warm spot on your floor and you are wondering, what does a hot spot on the floor mean? Does it automatically mean you have a slab leak? It could, but not always.

The best thing to know for sure is request a slab leak detection in Encinitas or Carlsbad from a reputable leak detection company. But for you call someone, give it a little thought.

Is the spot more hot than warm? A slab leak coming from a leaking hot water line will be fairly hot. If it feels more warm and you have a pet, could it be that they were laying there. Or does the sun shine there warming the floor. Or if it is near the refridgerator, is the motor warming the floor. These may sound like odd questions, but it does happen. We get called out and it turns out there is no leak.

After all of those scenarios have been ruled out, is this a new problem or have you noticed it for awhile? Has it grown in size? Do you hear sounds of water running, a hissing sound maybe? Has your water bill changed recently without an increase in obvious water usage? These will be questions that a qualified leak detection specialist will ask you over the phone.

Finally, when you do decide to ask for help, give Leak Star Advanced Leak Detection a call. We often know whether or not our client is dealing with a slab leak or not just by talking over the phone. If what you describe needs further investigation we have the expertise to locate the precise leaking pipe.

Slab leak repair entails, abandoning the leaking pipe and rerouting or repiping a brand new one line. We don't ever jackhammer floors and try to fix the leak. A copper line that has sprung a leak is likely to be plagued with additional leaks in the future. It's best to just put in a brand new line. A new water line reroute is far less difficult on occupants than breaking through the concrete.

If you suspect a slab leak, do your due diligence. Another thing you can do yourself is to check your water meter. Be sure all water is off and if the meter continues to go round and round, then you could very well have a problem. Ignoring a slab leak can cause you a serious headache down the road.

Give us a call, we'll help you decided what the next step should be. 855-220-0188

Slab Leak Repair in Ladera Ranch, What You Need to Know

11/27/2015

Are you someone who has been less than fortunate when it comes to slab leak repair in Ladera Ranch? Maybe you have been down this road more than once. A little consolation might be that you are not alone. I mean in a really big way. The need for slab leak repairs in Ladera Ranch is so great that there is a pending class action going on.

As a homeowner it is more than upsetting to say the least. The homes in Ladera Ranch aren't very old at all. You would never expect that your beautiful new home would spring a copper pipe leak or slab leak in just a few short years of taking ownership.

Even if you haven't experienced a slab leak yet, the numbers are not in your favor. These homes were built in mass. That means that the copper pipe used in your home is most certainly the same as the 7 families in your neighborhood who have already experienced at least 1 copper pipe rupture, pinhole leak or slab leak needing repair.

To put you at ease, it you have a slab leak which simply means that the copper pipe has begun leaking under your concrete foudation, it does not mean someone needs to come into your home with a jack-hammer and dig a hole through your beautiful wood floors. Just put that nightmare scenario out of your head.

To start with you need a qualifed slab leak detection service like Leak Star. There are multiple copper water lines running under your concrete foundation slab. It is important that the one doing your leak detection is knowledgable. While it's not rocket science it is important that the technician have a solid background in plumbing from the ground up. Leak Star is a family owned business going back decades with a stellar reputation throught Orange County and San Diego.

Once the slab leak is located and the offending copper pipe has been narrowed down, the slab leak repair can begin. In most cases it should take no longer than one day. Usually there is not even a need to leave your home. Leak Star uses equipment to contain dust as much as possible. If you have sustained water damage or possibly mold, barriers will be erected and powerful air purifers brought in.

The cost is always a homeowner's concern. The cost of slab leak detection varies between $150-250. The national average average for a single line slab leak repair is $2000. At Leak Star we charge $200 for your slab leak detection, but wait, if we do the slab leak repair (single line re-route), your leak detection is free. Your total cost will be $1750 which includes your free leak detection.

We have a stellar reputation in both San Diego and Orange Counties. Give us all call, we will not disappoint your expectations.

San Diego Co. 760-519-8466
Orange County 949-429-9884

Repiping Carlsbad Homes

11/26/2015

Reppiping Carlsbad Encinitas PEX pipe

After doing leak detections in North County, we often find ourselves repiping Carlsbad homes as well as repiping Encinitas homes. Repiping your home or business is sometimes the best solution, especially if you have had multiple water line leaks or under concrete fountdation slab leaks.

Repiping your home does not need to be as traumatizing as it sounds. If you hire a plumbing contractor who has the experience a relatively small amount of damage should be done to your home. Here at Leak Star our aim is to keep you in your home while we work around you if that is what you choose to do. We are efficien, clean, and fast

There are a couple of options when repiping Carlsbad and Encinitas homes. Your plumber can use copper or they can use PEX pipe. At Leak Star our preference is PEX pipe. Your first thought no doubt is that copper is the much better choice, but as the experts let me explain why we like PEX pipe over copper.

First off, copper pipe is somewhat of a problem due to the additives in our municipal water. Often that is the reason you are experiencing water line or slab leaks in the first place. The additives react with the copper causing pitting and errosion on the inside of the copper pipe.

The second reason is the cost, not just to your wallet, but in your time. A copper repipe is a much more lengthy process and the damage to your home will be far greater. The mess will be significantly greater and staying elsewhere during the repiping service is really a must.

Why repiping Carlsbad homes with PEX is our first choice is fairly simple. First, you will not have those municipal water issues with PEX pipe. PEX is a flexible plastic material.

The second reason is the cost to you, both in time and damage to your home. Being that PEX pipe is flexible, fewer and much smaller holes are needed to be cut in the drywall. PEX can be fished through many pre-existing water lines. A average 3 bedroom house should take approximately 3 days or less to complete. Leak Star can usually perform a plumbing reroute without you needing to stay elsewhere.

Continuing to repair one plumbing water line leak after another will slowly drain your wallet and cost you far more in the long run. If you are on your second or third leak, give us a call so we can answer your questions and give you some peace of mind.

Anatomy of a Hidden Plumbing Water Heater Leak

11/19/2015

Timo the owner of Leak Star Plumbing & Repair was doing some routine plumbing repairs on a home that he has served for years. He was looking for the water purification system and just happened to open the door to the water heater closet in the garage and discovered a very active water leak. It wasn't a huge plumbing leak, but it was spraying under pressure and it was very wet inside of the closet. Timo quickly fixed the water heater leak and then recommended that he bring in his dry out equipment. To the inexperienced eye, it didn't look very serious and the homeowner decided to just use a fan on it.

Timo reluctently accepted their decision, but he didn't feel good about it. A bit later that day, still concerned he called the homeowner and expressed his worries. He was so concerned that he said "if you don't want to use me, please call someone else". The homeowner had a change of mind and agreed to have Timo take a closer look.

Pinhole Leaks

10/8/2015

Copper pipe pinhole leak

One of the most common types of plumbing leaks is a pinhole leak found in copper pipes. In our modern era copper has become the popular metal used for plumbing. It is lighter weight and more resistant to corrosion. Pinhole leaks are pretty much that, about the size of a pinhole. However, once your copper pipes begin springing pinhole leaks, more are sure to follow sooner or later.

Don’t be fooled by their tiny size, a pinhole leak that is undetected or ignored will create extensive damage. These tiny drops will eventually turn into a spray and as water continues to accumulate, moisture will make a perfect environment for mold. Left long enough, even the structure of your home can be at risk due to wood rot.

Why pinhole leaks happen has not been understood until more recently. Here is Southern California it is the chloramines found in our water that are strongly suspected. In fact there are now law suits against numerous water departments who add chloramines to the water. Chloramines are believed to literally eat away at the copper pipes, causing pitting. Newer copper pipes seem to be more at risk than older copper pipes. Possibly the reduction of quality that we see across the board in order for manufacturers to pocket a little bit more of your dollars is part of the problem. These types of pinhole leaks have become a problem more recently.

Slab Leaks

9/3/2015

Slab leak

Slab Leaks

Being a homeowner comes with responsibility and that includes maintenance and taking care of problems that arise. Among the worst problems a homeowner will encounter are plumbing issues. Depending on where a plumbing leak occurs and whether or not you take quick action, the costs of repairs can add up quickly. Slab leaks can be the worst plumbing problems of all. All the more reason to hire a qualified slab leak detection service.

What Is a Slab Leak?

A slab leak happens under the slab or the concrete foundation of your home. Before the foundation slab of your home is poured, most of your plumbing pipes were laid out. These would include your water pipes and sewer. Unless your home is older and the sewer pipes are cast iron and they actually break, it is the water pipes that usually leak. The water will then travel up the plastic sleeves and puddle above the concrete slab. Slab leak repair may sound extremely difficult but it's not as hard as you might imagine and should generally be completed in one day.