A beautiful swimming pool is an amazing thing to have. It is a place for lounging, entertaining guests, and creating precious memories. However, nothing can spoil a great relaxation space more quickly than finding out it is leaking. Not only do pool leaks waste water and cost an increase in utility bills, but they may also become a significant source of unwanted and costly damage. You might start to notice a leak on the perimeter or wall, perhaps a slow drip or suddenly water running down the wall or area surrounding your pool. Like anything that leaks, the most responsible thing to do is to contact a swimming pool leak detection and repair or a water leak specialist.
The biggest question might be what to expect if you’ve never been through such a situation. What is the process? How long will it take? And how do you know you are getting quality help?
We will take you through the main steps of professional swimming pool water leak detection and repair so you can be confident and aware of the process when hiring a plumbing professional like Larkin Plumbing.
Signs You May Have a Swimming Pool Leak
Most homeowners will often misinterpret evaporation or splash-out as an actual leak, but in reality, that is not true. However, generally speaking, sustained water loss of any amount greater than ¼ inch per day is cause for alarm.
Here are some other common symptoms of a pool leak:
- Unexplained drop in water level
- Mushy or saturated ground around the pool
- Cracks in the pool shell or deck
- Algae growth, even with proper chemical balance
- Higher than normal water bills or noticeable auto-fill activity
When these symptoms start to appear more frequently, it’s time to involve a professional from a swimming pool leak detection company to pinpoint the problem accurately and fix it professionally. How does that process work?
Step 1: The Initial Inspection and Consultation
Every leak detection process starts with an initial consultation with a leak detection technician or plumber specializing in water leaks. They will visit the site, inspect the symptoms associated with the pool leak, and ask questions. Some examples of the questions being asked include:
- When did you notice the leak?
- Were there any recent storms or construction in the area?
- Are there any noticeable cracks or equipment malfunctions?
Then, they will do the same things as they do when checking for leaks in a house or office space. After the consultation is complete, they will visually inspect your pool and surrounding areas. During this inspection, the water leak plumber will visually inspect the pump, filter, heater, and plumbing lines for any visible signs of damage or water loss, or common equipment issues, before they use further diagnostics.
Step 2: Leak Detection
If the source of the leak is not immediately visible, the water leak repair technician will employ professional leak detection techniques. This is one of the true value-added services delivered by a licensed plumber since leak detection utilizes specialized plumbing tools and training.
Some common methods of detection are:
1. Electronic Testing
In this method, the water leak plumber listens for the unmistakable sound of water seeping through cracks and breaks. This detection is accompanied by standard methods to use sound or ultrasonic tools. This method is especially useful with leaks that are hard to reach, like pipes that run underground or behind the walls of a pool. It also includes use of thermal scanners to look for the variations in temperature that leaking water creates in surrounding material.
2. Pressure Testing
This method involves isolating and pressurizing the plumbing lines and watching for pressure drops that may indicate leakage. It is the best method for determining damage to underground pipes.
3. Dye Testing
In dye testing, a harmless dye is injected into the suspected leaking areas. The dye will travel to the area where there is a leak. This method is useful for identifying the area that is leaking, such as pool walls, drains, or skimmers.
Step 3: Diagnosis and Estimate
After locating the leak, the water leak plumber will explain the problem to you as clearly and carefully as possible and provide you with an estimate that includes a description of the repair work to be conducted, the anticipated repair cost, parts breakdown, and duration of time the work would take.
Swimming pool leak detection plumbers, just like Larkin Plumbing, will normally be transparent enough to allow you to ask some of the more important questions, for example:
- Will the repair require draining the pool?
- Are there long-term solutions to prevent future leaks?
- What warranty is offered for the repair work?
A reliable plumbing company will complete the diagnosis and make you feel informed and advantaged with a plan designed to cause little inconvenience to you, your property, and lifestyle.
Step 4: Repair and Restoration
The repair and restoration process depends on the type and the extent of the leak. Here are some examples of common leaks and how they are generally repaired:
1. Cracks In The Pool Shell
If there is a structural crack, there is a likelihood that the pool will have to be partially drained. The damaged area is cleaned, filled with hydraulic cement or epoxy, and then resurfaced to match the surrounding area.
2. Skimmer Leak
If the leak is from the skimmer-on-pool joint seal, the water leak plumber may use waterproof epoxy to reseal it, or if it is a severe leak, he may just replace the skimmer altogether.
3. Underground Leak
With underground plumbing leaks it could require excavation, especially if the pipes are deeply buried. The water leak plumber will perform a water leak trench or spot-dig to expose the damaged areas so they can be replaced while damaging the landscaping as little as possible.
4. Equipment Leak
If the leak is from the filters, pumps, or valves, it is usually just a matter of replacing the faulty seals or o-rings, or replacing the components if necessary.
Step 5: Testing and Final Inspection
Upon determining the repair is finished, the pool leak repair team should always conduct testing to ensure the leak has been repaired. Testing may include:
- Allowing the pool to fill up and then checking the water levels
- Re-pressurizing plumbing lines
- Retesting the equipment
- Dye test one last time if necessary
At this point, your leak detection plumber will review and walk you through everything he has done to perform plumbing repairs, including maintenance recommendations, possible next steps, and any last questions you might have. The job is never complete until you are satisfied with the outcome, and you feel your plumbing repair is safe and effective.
The Benefits of Choosing Professional Swimming Pool Leak Repair Services
Here is why pool leak detection and repair professionals are worth every dollar.
- Provides an accurate diagnosis and no guesswork
- Has specialized tools & methods that the general public does not have
- Provides a long-term and permanent fix, not just a quick patch or fix
- You will be relaxed and not worry because your work is guaranteed
- Can provide you with ways to save costs on wasted water
- Safety and compliance, making sure your pool stays safe to use
The pool leak detection and repair specialists at Larkin Plumbing have decades of experience and a strong commitment to quality & customer satisfaction. Our team of professional water leak plumbers is fully qualified to handle everything from small sealing jobs to large-scale underground pipe repairs, to ensure your pool is well-maintained all year round. Additionally, we provide 24-hour emergency plumbing repair services to home and commercial properties.
A leaking pool is a headache and a potential risk to result in real structural issues if not taken care of right away. A reliable 24-hour plumbing service provider will help you fix the leak quickly, effectively, and with minimal disruption.From the initial inspection to the final test, knowing what to expect from a professional service helps you make informed decisions. If you are looking for reliable water leakage repair services in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, or surrounding areas, contact Larkin Plumbing today, and we will help you fix the problem immediately. We are one of the best pool leak detection companies in Las Vegas. With our experienced plumbers for water leaks working with you, you can relax knowing your pool leak detection and repair is in good hands. They will get to work right away to fix the problem and stop further damage.
