Technology advances quickly in all industries, including the plumbing sector. While plumbers will use traditional tools and informed opinions based on their observations, these professionals now utilize modern technology to diagnose and fix leaks. Technology boosts precision and efficiency, which homeowners will appreciate. Work can become less invasive and more efficient when modern technology supports the plumber’s ability to perform a task. Here’s a look at some of the more innovative tools and advanced tech currently changing the methods plumbers employ to fix water leaks.
Cameras and Video Inspections
In earlier generations, plumbers had to depend on intrusive methods because their ability to detect leaks was limited to visual capabilities. That is no longer the case today because video inspection systems utilize small cameras connected to cables or run through the plumbing pipes to determine the specific location of a leak. The previously mentioned intrusive labor often involved digging pipes or cutting drywall. Sometimes, a plumber may be off by several feet, meaning the cutting and digging would be excessive and invasive. The plumber can pinpoint the issue with less disruption using cameras and cables.
The Listening Device Option
Video cameras are not the only tools that help plumbers locate leaks. Listening devices and ground microphones can pick up the sounds of escaping water beyond the walls or under the floors. Access to a microphone that amplifies hidden sounds could minimize the need to tear down structures to find leaks in hard-to-reach areas. The microphone would boost efficiency and speed up the ability to find a leak, making the process less costly. The homeowner won’t need to replace significant amounts of ceiling, flooring, or drywall after the job’s completion.
Using Trenchless Repair Technology to Enhance Fixes
Busted pipes typically led to plumbers performing extensive excavations to remove and replace the old pipes. Today, that is not always necessary, as trenchless repair technologies reduce the reliance on these somewhat outdated methods. Using advanced technology, a plumber could run a new pipe through the old one. The newly inserted pipe can carry the water flow without exposing the water to holes that cause leaks. Digging up the ground won’t be necessary.
Weaving Smart Leak Detection into Preventive Measures
Smart home systems integrate technology to make life easier for the occupants. For example, a smart thermostat can help regulate the temperature when people aren’t home, and security systems can automatically lock doors and windows. There are other Smart Systems that a homeowner can take advantage of, including ones that can uncover leaks. Sensors placed at strategic points can send information to a smartphone via Wi-Fi. This way, the homeowner will learn about the leak quickly and can call a plumber before the leak gets worse.
Without a smart system, the homeowner may never know the leak exists until mold or a sagging ceiling occurs. By this point, additional damage inside the walls or out of sight could prove costly to repair.
Plumbing Technology for the Modern Era
Homeowners shouldn’t worry about how intrusive or time-consuming a plumbing job may be. Advanced technology has changed the way plumbers look for and repair leaks. Homeowners will find this new tech saves them time and money, always a plus.
